The Good Shepherd
The Heart of Tadworth's Community
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History
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The Good Shepherd has been a central feature in Tadworth for over 100 years. During this time, the church has seen many changes, from our statue of Jesus in the West Window, to the creation of a Lady Chapel in celebration of our centenary. Here we tell you more about The Good Shepherd's journey through the years.
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Early History
In 1838, when the new parish of Kingswood was created with its Church, St. Andrews, most of Tadworth was moved from Banstead's parish into the new Kingswood parish.
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The arrival of the railway in 1900 encouraged building in Tadworth. To serve the growing community, land was provided for a Church, a Hall and the Vicarage by Sir Henry Cosmo Bonsor. In 1911, funds were raised and work started on a new Church, designed by local architect Charles Barry (great grandson of Sir Charles Barry, one of the architects of the Houses of Parliament).
In 1912, the Chancel and most of the Nave were completed, with the Church then consecrated on 27th April by the Bishop of Southwark; a commemorative stone can be found at the East End corner of the Church.
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Here you see the West End in circa 1960. This photograph is used with permission of the Francis Frith Collection.
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Mid-20th Century
The remainder of the Nave, the Baptistry and the south porch were completed in 1962 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Church.
Outside the circular west window, there is a large statue of Jesus Christ with a crown of thorns, as seen here. This was designed by Hugh Powell, a Reigate artist.
William, Bishop of Kingston, consecrated the extension on 6th May 1962; there is an engraved stone on the west wall of the porch to commemorate the completion of the building.
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Recent History
In 1995, after developers purchased the old vicarage and the land round it from the Diocese, the Diocese paid for the building of the new Vicarage. They also funded a new Meeting Room and Office in compensation for the loss of Church Land.
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In 2010, the congregation voted to commemorate the Centenary of the Church in 2012 with a new Lady Chapel. The original Lady Chapel was to the right of the altar, but this area was taken over when the organ console was moved. The Lady Chapel is accessed from the North Porch and positioned between the Vestry and the Church Meeting Room. It offers a bright and convivial area for worship, as you can see here.