The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Luke and St Peter

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Luke and St Peter is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, recognized under charity number 1178416. It serves the ecclesiastical parish encompassing the historic churches of St Luke and St Peter in Southsea, Portsmouth.

History and Background

St Luke's Church

St Luke's Church was designed by architect Thomas Hellyer following a competitive process and completed in 1861, with its consecration taking place in 1864. The building features architectural elements influenced by the Norman style, including the nave, aisles, apse, and a distinctive west gallery. The exterior is constructed with flint and stone dressings, while the interior remains relatively plain, characterized by dormer windows in place of a clerestory and a ceiled semi-dome in the apsed sanctuary. Historically, the church has undergone minimal structural changes, aside from the removal of pews and modification of the west gallery to accommodate an organ. Today, the nave is utilized throughout the week as a coworking space, and some of the original pews have been repurposed as furniture to support this modern use[2][3][5].

St Peter's Church

The origins of St Peter's Church trace back to a temporary iron mission chapel erected in 1871 to serve the growing suburb of Somerstown in Southsea. This "Iron Church" was funded and constructed for the poorer classes and initially seated 350 people. Due to rapid population growth, fundraising efforts soon commenced for a permanent structure. Construction began with the laying of the foundation stone on 20 May 1882, and the church was completed and opened exactly one year later on 20 May 1883. The new parish of St Peter the Apostle was also formed at this time, delineated by local boundaries including Elm Grove to the south and Victoria Road to the east. The iron chapel was relocated on rollers to a new site nearby where it remained until 1923. The establishment of St Peter's Church reflected the area's development and the need to provide Anglican worship spaces to accommodate the community's expansion[1][4].

Mission and Activities

The Parochial Church Council oversees the maintenance, activities, and mission of the parish, which includes worship services, community engagement, and the stewardship of the historic church buildings. St Luke's Church, while maintaining its heritage, also promotes a welcoming environment for rest, prayer, and contemplation within the busy urban context of Southsea. Its adaptation as a coworking space during the week exemplifies a modern approach to community use of church facilities, blending spiritual and practical needs.

Charitable Status

The Council operates as a UK charity under number 1178416, managing the assets and responsibilities of the parish to support its ecclesiastical and community objectives.

This organization embodies a fusion of rich historical heritage with contemporary community engagement in Southsea, maintaining two significant churches as centers of worship and social activity.

[1] https://historyinportsmouth.co.uk/places/st-peters.htm [2] https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-luke-southsea [3] https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/church-heritage-record-southsea-st-luke-629111 [4] https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/CHR/ChurchDetails.aspx?id=10560 [5] https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/southsea-st-luke-st-peter