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 A Brief History...ConceptionThe idea for a church on the west side of town can be traced back to 1868 when the Rev. H. B. Bowlby became the vicar of the town centre church of Holy Trinity. Dartford had grown and it became clear that another place of worship was needed. A piece of land was obtained at the junction of Broomhill Rd and Dartford Rd and a corrugated iron church was built.BirthPrinted leaflets were distributed and the first service was held on 30th May 1870. Curates from Holy Trinity developed the work of this mission church. By 1904 a piece of land was donated for a new church and vicarage in Christ Church Road. Christ Church was consecrated for use on October 27th 1909 at a cost just over £4,000 although only 3 of 5 bays were completed.Becoming of AgeIn 1909 Christ Church became a separate parish with it's own vicar. Instead of completing the church it was agreed that a hall should be built and this was completed in 1934. It was only after the war that the church was completed at a cost of £32,000.Planting OutIn 1968 the Church Council decided to use a piece of land on the other side of the parish that had been offered for church purposes. They felt that they should build a social centre and perhaps allow for occasional services for the very young and old who would find it difficult to get to Christ Church. The Ashen Drive Centre was dedicated in 1972 and became well used by the community and the church. In 1994 ten members of Christ Church relocated to Ashen Drive to start a new congregation. Since then the numbers of adults and children worshipping there has risen to 40. This thrived for ten years until the centre had to close in 2004, when the structure became unsound. The worshipping members were then integrated into the Christ Church family.A New BeginningAt the end of 2006 major works were carried out at the church. Outside, the church car park was covered in tarmac and the fence was replaced. Inside, the building was completely rewired and ramps were installed for wheelchair users. A new porch was added on to make a very welcoming side entrance into the rooms at the west end of the church building. Here some walls were demolished to provide smart toilet facilities and a superbly appointed new room. The kitchen was also completely replaced. These facilities are hugely appreciated by all who use them, as we look forward to our church's centenary in 2009. |
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