The Church
Built in 1880 as a Presbyterian Church, it became Moravian in 1899 when the original congregation outgrew it. It blends well with the late Victorian terraced housing of the area, which was built for families involved with the railway industry. The church was extended in 1901 to create an apse and vestry, when members of the new congregation provided the materials and their labour. The church has room for over 200 people.
The congregation grew with the railways. Members of
other Moravian congregations came
to Swindon to find work, and originally met in each other's
homes. In time they were able to buy the church in Dixon Street,
which has been their home ever since. For a long time the Church
had a huge Sunday School, and is well-known for this in the town. In
September 2004 the church celebrated its 105th birthday.
Click here for pictures from our exhibition.
The Premises
There are two halls attached which can be used for events.
The History
A history of the church from 1897 to 1940 has just been published. A
neat little church; a railway congregation in Swindon 1897-1940 follows
the arrival of Moravians seeking employment in the railway works; through
the growth of the Sunday School; the First World War; the links with
Labrador; and the arrival of evacuee children and the billetting
of soldiers inthe Second World War. Available price £4.00 (
cheques to 'Swindon Moravian Church', add 50p for pa and p) from 14 the
Mall, Swindon SN1 4JG.
Praying for Wellhouse
When we attended the celebration of the 550th
anniversary of the Moravian Church in Coventry
Cathedral on 2nd March 2007,
a cairn of stones was built, each one carrying
the name of a congregation of the British province. The
Swindon stone went to Westwood congregation,
who prays for us, and
we received the stone of the Wellhouse congregation
in Yorkshire, and pray for them.
Further information please contact the Minister on 01793 535701.
