Between the early 17th and the late 19th centuries no less than four churches stood on the site of the present St Katherine's.
It was the Dutch who brought religion to the island, petitioning Charles I to allow them to worship in their own tongue. Dom Cornelius Jacobson was elected as the first pastor and overseer to their morals. The first church was little more than a small wooden structure, but it was to become a bone of contention between the Dutch and the English, for the English had to travel to St Mary's, Benfleet, to attend their services. The two factions met in conflict, on Whit Monday 1656, with the English demanding the keys to the church. Fighting broke out, but the Dutch retained possession of the church, until it fell into disrepair some years later. It was finally demolished in 1712, by which time many of the Dutch had returned to their homeland. In its place was built another church to cater solely for the people of Canvey. This church, St Catherine's, had no resident minister, but was to last until another church was built in 1845. The church of 1845 was renamed St Peter's, and it formed a place of worship for an ever-increasing population. In 1872 the Rev. Henry Hayes was appointed curate in charge for the island. He was responsible for organising a more substantial church, siting it about 20 ft. back into the churchyard. Building work started in 1875. Once again the church was known as St Katherine's (this time spelt differently). In order to incorporate some of the old church in the new, some furniture, the stained glass and old porch were re-used. The church remained in service until its closure in the 1960s. Nowadays it is used as a heritage centre, housing a museum and arts and crafts exhibits.
The cache has a log book but no pen so please bring one with you.
If any body would like to expand to this series please do, could you please let sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.