Christ Church, Claremont

First meeting re establishment of a church was chaired by Dean Goldsmith on 21 March 1892. It was attended by twelve residents and Revd James Allen. The meeting accepted Mr Alpin Thompson's offer of the current site for whatever could be raised from sale of the government's proposed site which was deemed unsuitable. A committee was formed and John Talbot Hobbs asked to submit plans for a building which might be used as a church seating 120 people and eventually become the chancel of a larger building at a cost not exceeding 400 pounds. It was designed as an architypal English village church in the Gothic revival style with she-oak shingle roof and limestone walls. The limestone came from the cliffs overlooking the river and owned by Alpin Thompson and the porch was omitted to reduce costs. The foundation stone was laid by Gov. William Robinson. Sir John and Lady Forrest and many members of Parliament attended. The church was consecrated on 10/4/1893 by Bishop Parry. The final cost of the building was 810 pounds 5 shillings and 3 pence, mainly raised by subscription, musical and social evenings and afternoon teas. Christ Church was given parochial status in 1896, two years before Claremont was gazetted as a municipality. Extensions to the nave were dedicated in 1901 and a new West End added in 1909. Tower, porch and choir vestry were added in 1938 at a cost of 2000 pounds, donated by parishioners and many listeners to regular broadcasts by Rector John Bell. In 1975-1980 the building underwent major restoration work and further landscaping and paving to the surrounds.