The Watford Observer is again delighted to be teaming up with its friends at Watford Museum to take another journey back to the past to recall the key events and dates that helped shape the town’s future.

Part 37 of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford' reflects on a period when many new churches were built as the town expanded, with the opening of the Congregational church as an example.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "On April 20, 1904, the new Congregational church was officially opened with a specially made silver door key. The church was a very prominent building of red brick, on the corner of Clarendon Road and St John’s Road. It cost around £7,500 and I believe, was erected by one of Watford’s local builders, Mr Charles Brightman.

Watford Observer:

A view of the church in 1957. Picture: Bob Nunn Collection

"An advert in the Watford Observer of the time detailed the opening events which included ‘Public Tea’ held in the old church with a ladies’ orchestra playing (tickets just 1 shilling).

Watford Observer:

The location of where the church stood, viewed from station side of St John's Road looking across Clarendon Road. Picture: Google

"A well-known soloist of the day, Madame Jesse Strathearn, sang on the opening day, as she had when the foundation stones were laid. The church was demolished in the late 1970s."

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.