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In 1996, Rev
John Phillips retired due to ill health to the town of Alcossebre. He
wished to continue his calling, and started having Christian worship in
his home in Finca Morito. It soon became evident that there was a real
need for Church of England services, for the benefit of the increasing
English speaking population, the congregation slowly grew.
There were
even services held in a local pub called "The Fountain" where members of the
community held informal and multi denominational lay led services on an ad
hoc basis, prior to Johns retirement as early as 1987
In 1997 John decided to look
for a more suitable venue.
He was invited by the local
Roman Catholic priest to use the modern Catholic Church for his own
services, and that has been the venue ever since.
In 2006 we were granted official status within the Diocese of Europe as
“St Christopher’s Anglican Congregation on the Costa Azahar”.
On 1st January 2007 we were delighted to welcome our first part-time
paid vicar - Rev Paul Needle who lives in Alcossebre,
but also continues in
his role as "Diocese of Europe Communications Officer"
Later in 2007 services were extended to a monthly meeting in
Vinarós.
This then became twice a month
and today there is a regular weekly service.
Portico Opened on the 15th May
2009
Vinaros:
About 40 kms north of Alcossebre, and
10 kms north of Benicarló.
Our services are held every
Sunday in our own worship centre -
"Portico"
In 2008,
services once again were extended to our Northern Outpost's
In L’Ampolla,
we have Holy Communion
services every Second Sunday of the month at 12:30 hrs, in the main Church
in the town near to the Station.
In El Perelló,
we have a Family Worship
service followed by a short Holy Communion at 12:30 hrs, on the 4th
Wednesday of each month, in the main Roman Catholic Church.
10th September, 2010 saw the opening of the
Drop in Centre called "El Camino" in
Alcossebre which promises to be
another successful venture, hopefully providing much needed funds to help
run our Church.
Rev. John
Phillips was Promoted to Glory on Friday 4th March, 2011 and will be
missed by us all.
Our Priest in Charge, Paul Needle has decided
that it's about time to move on and therefore has advised us that he will
leave our Church at the end of February, 2012 he will be missed by us all
his work will continue elsewhere.
However there is now a need for a New Vicar
on a part time basis to cover Alcossebre, Vinaros, L'Ampolla.
So if you are looking for a challenge then we
are sure this will be a position you will enjoy.
If you have comments or any contributions to
this History it will be gratefully received and updated by the Webmaster. .
<mike.hornett@btinternet.com>
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St. Christopher’s
Anglican Congregation on
the Costa Azahar. 
