St Andrew's was originally built to serve this rapidly expanding
area of Taunton which served the newly arrived Great Western
Railway, and soon became known as "The Railway Parish".
One of the stained glass windows (north facing)
When the church was first built it comprised a nave and 2 side
aisles and seated 500.
St Andrew's in 1881
In 1893 the original south aisle was removed and a new larger
south aisle was added, together with the Lady Chapel beyond (the
north aisle was retained). The High Altar was also extended. The
additional 200-300 seats were needed to accommodate the rapidly
increasing congregation who could no longer be comfortably seated.
The church was re-dedicated in 1893, only 11 years after it first
opened.
St Andrew's in 2011
On a different historical note, Taunton had a tramway built in
1901. It ran from East Reach to the railway station. In 1909 they
switched to single deckers and extended the line up Kingston Road,
by this church and straight on up to Salisbury Street, to where the
chip shop is now. Some of the standards that used to carry the tram
wires are still used as lamp posts in Greenway Crescent.
Today, St Andrew's is a vibrant and welcoming church. If you
want to come inside, you may find it open otherwise just ask at the
parish office (usually Tue-Fri mornings, term time).
If you would like to expand this series, please do. Just let
Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the church
numbers and names to avoid duplication. There is also a Church
Micro Stats page which can be found through the Bookmark list.