All Saints

This small pilgrim church has its roots connected to what used to be the Dunraven Castle and the then Earl of Dunraven. The castle which then overlooked the village has latterly been demolished.

The original church was built first as a reading room when Southerndown was a favourite holiday resort for the gentry. Pony and cart would transport the gentry from the station to Southerndown, where there were two hotels - The Marine and The Dunraven. 

Probably it was through the desire to peruse the news, that the gentlemen felt the need of a reading room to read the latest newspapers. Such a reading room was built with the permission of the then Earl of Dunraven on his land. This building was a corrugated iron structure opened in 1876. Through time its function changed and it became known as the Mission Room. Later, due to a road widening scheme, a modern church (All Saints) was built in 1969.

All Saints’ is the sister church now of eleven medieval churches in the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Parish, and yet its kudos is its difference. Its simplicity has a charm of its own. Built of wood, its inside is of oak furniture and full of light. Its contrasting image and structure in no way detracts from the feeling of peace, as the rays of light strike all around illuminating the altar. 

This small church has had a devoted and friendly congregation over the years, easily accessed, with convenient parking outside. A kitchen, toilet, ramped access, new heating and windows were installed: the church was carpeted, the outside clad in UPVC and the land around turned into a garden.

Now, All Saints’ is used not only for worship, but during the week for meetings of the Community Council and other organisations, coffee mornings, quiet days and parish celebrations. A little star shining in the firmament of our beautiful Vale.