Hounsom Memorial Church

The Hounsom Memorial Church stands in Hove, a district of Brighton and Hove. It is a red-brick United Reformed church built in 1938 for the Congregational Church. The architect was John Leopold Denman, known for mid-century Neo-Georgian designs. Carvings on the building have been called striking for a Nonconformist church. The church was named in memory of William Allin Hounsom, a local businessman and long-serving Congregationalist. His cousin laid one of the foundation stones at the opening ceremony in 1938. The church’s origins lie in the rapid growth of Hove during the 19th century. Cliftonville Congregational Church, opened in 1870, became a centre for Nonconformist worship in the area. In the early 20th century, William Allin Hounsom supported the founding of Rutland Hall mission church. When Rutland Hall declined, plans were made for a new church in the developing Hangleton suburb. Funds were raised by the Cliftonville congregation, the Sussex Congregational Union, and local residents. The new church opened in 1939 with seventy members and soon became independent. Inside, the church has aisles and clerestory windows without dividing units. Heating was provided by ceiling panels and radiators designed as part of the structure. A schoolroom allowed the Sunday school to grow quickly, reaching ninety-eight members by 1939. A church hall was added in 1951, designed by Denman again. The hall hosted a library and community events before Hangleton had its own library. Groups such as the Girls’ Brigade and a Women’s Fellowship were formed in the 1930s and 1940s. Dramatic services introduced in 1945 drew interest beyond the congregation.