For well over a century, four Eastbourne churches have occupied a significant place in the history of Eastbourne; Central Methodist, St Andrew’s and Upperton URC and Greenfield  Methodist  Churches.

Few will be unaware of the service these churches have provided over the years in weddings, funerals, church parades, civic events, nursery care, concerts as well as services of worship for all ages. Many visitors to the town have shared in those activities over the years.

However, the impact of age on these once fine buildings has created a situation where the congregations are not able to meet the considerable cost of repair and restoration, and the shape of the buildings has become unfit for present day use. After some years of careful planning, we believe that we now have a plan worthy of taking our churches forward.

The plan involves the bringing together the four churches – into one new congregation: Emmanuel Church, Eastbourne. This new Local Ecumenical Partnership came into being in January 2018 and a new building is planned – one that will be suitable long into the future.

The new building will be a modern and flexible space, suitable for both worship  and community use, and will enable the church to fulfil its mission long into the  21st century.