On 17th June 1898 the foundation stone was laid in a large expanse of land, mainly agricultural, lying between Prittlewell and Leigh; Hamlet Court Road being nothing more than a country lane.
St Alban, whose statue stands in the church, was a pagan, living in Verulam in the reign of the Emperor Diocletian, who sheltered a Christian priest and was subsequently converted. When the soldiers came to arrest the priest, St Alban sent the priest away safely and gave himself up in his place. He refused to renounce his new-found faith and was beheaded by the Governor.
There are some fine stained glass windows. The font was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and came from St. Mary -le-Bow in London.The High Altar Sanctuary is a memorial chapel for those who died in the First World War and there is an ornate rerodos.
In 1905 the Rev. F. E. Rance had to struggle against “bands of young hooligans who infested the northern area of the Parish and periodic visits from the Kensitites who came annually into the Parish in an attempt to disturb the Good Friday Procession of Witness. “ It is recorded that when he first launched a club for young lads, the hooligans in the Parish turned up in strength to wreck the whole concern. Fr. Rance had apparently learnt the art of boxing in his student days and the first man to start wrecking tactics was promptly stretched out on the floor. The reputation of "the fighting parson" was made. Those who had come to scoff remained to pray and the gang leaders some twenty in all were eventually baptised and confirmed becoming some of the keenest supporters of the Mission's social and religious activities.
It is now part of the Team Ministry of Southend with the Churches of St John, St Mark and All Saints.
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