Tab History - the 1920s

Louise Wilson came to live in Lancing in the early 1920s. She was a member of the Church of England with allegiance firmly rooted in the evangelical tradition, and soon became concerned about the need for an evangelical witness in the village. She was sometimes seen giving a practical demonstration of this concern by distributing Christian literature to the employees of the Railway Carriage Works as they left by the main gate.

She was instrumental in bringing together a fellowship of local believers, which eventually became Lancing Tabernacle. In order to further this vision, Miss Wilson opened part of her home, ''Sweet Briar Cottage' on Brighton Road as a centre for Christian fellowship and gospel preaching.

Those who were part of the fellowship of those days remember the converted kitchen of the Cottage packed with worshippers. Miss Wilson was placed a substantial sum of money under the trusteeship of Worthing Tabernacle, as her health compelled her to move to Hove. She was called into the presence of her Lord on 10th July 1930.

Challenged by the situation and inspired by their experience of God's faithfulness in the past, the members worked and prayed together until the official opening of the first Tabernacle building, erected on a site in North Road close to the railway station, on Wednesday 2 March 1927. 
       

Harvest festival time - 

The text below was kept from the opening day, and has a handwritten note giving the date -