Outside The Sanctuary

It will be noticed that built into the path approaching the

Sanctuary from the street is a millstone. This, reputedly, is from

the Ewell powder mill, which ceased to function in 1875.

The Glyn coat of arms, commissioned in 1838, can be found above

and to the right of the entrance door of the Sanctuary. Originally

located at Glyn House, it was moved to its present location after

the death of Sir Gervais Glyn.

The Building

The original wooden building, recorded from the middle of the 17th century, operated as

a malting house, and was know as the Malt House. For a short while during the latter

part of the 18th century and the first few years of the 19th century, the building housed

The George public house.

This old wooden building was purchased around 1820 by the Stone family, who were

maltster’s, corn and seed chandlers, and they rebuilt the whole building in brick, as well

as adding the present forward section of the building. It operated in its traditional malt

house role for almost a century, and during the latter few years of this time was used for

storage of grain and for seed merchandising

The building was then purchased by Miss Margaret Glyn to become her music room,

housing a valuable collection of antique musical instruments. From 1922 until the early

1950’s it was the venue of regular musical soirees, many of the concerts featuring

well-known artists.

The building came up for sale in the early 1950’s and was purchased by a Mrs. Kathleen

Warner, a Spiritualist medium, using the money from a bequest by Ethel Palmer (former

founder of a Spiritualist church in Stoneleigh). The building was then dedicated as a

Christian Spiritualist church on 2nd December 1955.

On Mrs. Warner’s death in 1977 a Church Trust was formed in perpetuity and has been in

the care of Trustees since that time.

The building has been used continuously since as a Church and centre for healing and

spiritual teaching.

During the past few years several alterations have occurred, mainly to the lay out of the

Sanctuary, the main Altar was moved from the north end of the building and a new

central Altar was commissioned and dedicated in 2002.

It was also felt that the Sanctuary should be opened up as a non-denominational church

to all people seeking spiritual knowledge and healing.