Parc de l'ancient temple Anglican - Spa

This park, created in 2014, is located on the Boulevard des Anglais. There used to be an Anglican church here.

The fashion for the baths of Spa develops strongly from the end of the 16th century , we soon see an influx in the town of English nobles , many of whom belong to the Reformed Church . They will be able to practice their religion in the city and in 1626 Charles I, King of England founded the Anglican Parish of Spa , which was directly linked to the Diocese of London.

Various buildings in the city will be used for this purpose over time by the English colony which will continue to grow and organize itself. The latter had a very beautiful Gothic-style church built on the Boulevard des Anglais , which was inaugurated in October 1876. It was dedicated to the holy apostles Peter and Paul . The Anglican parish of Spa is officially recognized by Royal Decree of 27 May 1881.

The building comprises on the one hand a main nave, with forecourt and large portal towards Sylvelastraat and on the other hand a left side aisle , with forecourt with double entrance under the tower; they are separated by four columns. The end of the small nave gives access to a triple screened entrance, placed below the rose window; this small corridor itself gives access to the baptistery , a kind of small independent chapel. The chancel, quite long, follows the great nave and includes choir stalls and the sanctuary; it communicates directly with the sacristy.

The red granite pulpit is hexagonal in shape and adorns the left corner of the chancel. The latter is also decorated with beautiful Gothic stained glass windows: three small ones depicting the Nativity, the Good Shepherd and the Lily of the Field respectively; a larger one, composed of five parts depicting Christ on the cross in the center, the Virgin of Sorrows and Saint Peter on the left, Saint John and Saint Paul on the right . Another monumental, flamboyant Gothic stained glass window dominates the main nave: it is the Ascension of Christ amidst the apostles. We should also mention a rose window and another motif from Scripture. The other multicolored stained-glass windows form a whole of the merriest effect.

Finally, a very nicely carved frame supports the roof. However, certain incidents at the time prevented the tower from being completed; later it was a matter of remedy, but the war of 1914-1918 turned everything upside down.
Less frequented between the two wars, this church was made available to the US Army in October 1944 for the organization of religious ceremonies. Abandoned in the 1950s, Spa Anglican Church was demolished in 1966 by decision of the town council. The building was listed as a monument, but the decision came too late.

Willem Vandenameele