The Church was built upon land given by Miss Lavender and Mrs Gutch, her sister, who lived at Barbourne House. This was a substantial residence constructed in the Georgian style and located on the north-eastern side of Gheluvelt Park. The site is now occupied by some of the former soldiers' homes that run parallel to Lavender Road. From January 1863, Barbourne House was occupied by the first holder of the office of churchwarden - Rear Admiral Hastings. It is interesting to note that one portion of the drive forming the circular access turning area adjacent to the House can still be seen in the form of a semi-circle in front of the row of large houses in Lavender Road. The drive leading to Barbourne House was subsequently known locally as “Admirals Walk", in recognition of the Admiral's habit of frequently walking up and down the drive, as if still pacing the quarter-deck of a sailing ship, which he had done so many times prior to his retirement from the navy.
The Bishop of Worcester consecrated the Church on the 22nd August 1862 with Thomas Gale Curtler being appointed its first incumbent, but it was not until January of the following year that the first wardens, Rear Admiral Hastings and Mr Henry Emery were appointed. The Church day school opened soon after on September 22nd 1864.
The Church was built from designs by Preedy (well known Midland Church Architects) in what was known us "early Middle pointed" Gothic style, with a few foreign features such as square abaci with bold floriated capitals in the nave arcades. The Nave is of four bays with pillars and arches of grey and red sandstone alternately with Bath stone insertions for the larger windows. The shape of the pillars is round and octagonal alternately. The large square Font is of alabaster whilst the full size Altar has a marble slab top. The total cost (including endowment) was £7,500 and was intended to seat 550 people!
The most significant alteration to the original structure was the construction of the Lady Chapel. A building fund towards this was set up as part of the Jubilee celebrations in 1912. Despite the difficulties arising from the outbreak of war, it was still possible for the work to be set in hand, and on March 5th 1916 the Archdeacon of Worcester dedicated the new Chapel to the glory of God and in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Wulstan.
The three glass lights set in the main East window are to the memory of Jane Lavender "who founded this church and died while it was building". An original light depicting St. John the Baptist was relocated to the Lady Chapel upon its construction. The Chapel also incorporates windows dedicated to the memory of members of the Stallard family who fell during the Great War.
The Lady Chapel is a place for quiet prayer and reflection. It celebrated The Annunciation, St. Michael and St John The Baptist. The carved wooden entrance arch from the main church to the Lady Chapel is a point of interest. Note the right hand upright of the arch - look out for the 'secret' animal carved by the carpenter as a different way to finish the arch midway down the wall.
Outside in the church yard, The War Memorial Calvary in the Churchyard was unveiled by Mrs HW Spreckley (whose three sons fell in the war and in whose memory a chalice and paten were given) and dedicated on Sunday October 5th, 1919.
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