Event Review by Sister Carol Cottrell
Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in Bournemouth in 1949 and soon began meeting regularly in a rented hall, later a house was purchased and converted.
By 1970 the ground at 30b Wimborne Road was purchased, the house demolished, the site cleared. A Ground breaking ceremony was held on 30th September 1972.
At District Conference 11th February 1973 Southampton Stake was formed, and Bournemouth became a Ward.
The Building was ready for use from 3rd February 1974; by 17th October the Building was dedicated by Stake President Reginald Littlecott.
On Saturday 12th October 2024, Bishop Ian Lever led a meeting to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the dedication; the first speakers were two brothers. Barry Kenchington and then Peter Kenchington who spoke of their experiences over the years. They were youngsters when their parents (Sid and Vera) first met with Elders in 1950 and had both brothers served as Bishop in the Ward.
Christopher Hopkinson spoke about his experiences of being the young son of the Building Supervisor, Brian Hopkinson.
Bishop read out a note received from Reginald Littlecott, who was unable to attend in person.
Part of his message read –
I am privileged to know as friends what I would call the foundation of the Bournemouth Ward. I think of Priesthood members Peter Crockford, Sid Kenchington, Johnny Babidge, David Cottrell, Peter Wheat, and Harry Leal.
Judith Barrett, had lived within the Bournemouth area from the time of the building until 2021, spoke of many of the people who she had worked with , mainly within Relief Society and Primary.
Closing remarks by Steven Cottrell, Stake Presidency Second Counsellor, said that as well as celebrating the building, we need to celebrate all that has gone on within the building – Sacrament meetings, lessons & activities, giving people the opportunity to learn and being involved with the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The remaining time was spent reviewing posters, photographs & media presentations showing events over the 50 years, and of course a finger buffet.