Worthing Tabernacle

Worthing Tabernacle is an independent Evangelical Christian church in Worthing, a seaside town in West Sussex. The present building dates from 1908 and stands on Chapel Road near St Paul’s Church. Its pale stone exterior and large rose window make it easy to recognise. The church began in 1895 after an earlier chapel on Montague Street became too small. English Heritage has listed the building at Grade II for its architectural and historical importance. The Tabernacle is worth visiting for its unusual mix of Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival styles. James Lund designed the chapel in 1908, using pale stone rubble with Bath Stone dressings on the front. Inside, ornate iron pillars support a remarkable roof structure with carved capitals. The pulpit, wooden galleries and pews survive from the original build. A modern organ now stands at the rear, replacing equipment once taken from Walmer Castle. Visitors find a calm place for Sunday services and weekday meetings. Groups also gather in nearby houses across Worthing. The chapel’s interior is arranged like an auditorium, with a granite chancel arch dividing the space. The twelve-lobed rose window and lancet windows give the building a grand appearance. The Maybridge Christian Fellowship, founded in 1954, shares links with the Tabernacle.