The Aldwick Free Church in Gossamer Lane, was originally the Aldwick Free Church (Baptist), slightly overshadowed – in building size – by the nearby St Richard’s Anglican Church.

As the town expanded in the 1930s, the Free Church Federal Council of Bognor Regis discussed building a number of free churches in the district. It was ultimately decided, to avoid duplication, the church divisions would be divided into Aldwick – Baptist, Felpham – Methodist and North Bersted – Congregational.

At this time, the Bognor Baptist Church did not feel able to undertake such an enormous task, but a member of their church, Mr Osborne Clayton Thomas, considered the possibility of raising funds for a new church. He was a successful commercial traveller for MacFarlane Laing and Co, the biscuit manufacturer, and quite a driving force in the area.

He met a retired Baptist minister, namely the Rev George Elder Johnson who had retired due to ill health, but with his wife was running a small boarding house in the area.

They approached Mr Cyril Douglas Robbins, who had moved into the area, and it was this trio which became the driving force behind the new church.

It was suggested the new church should be named the King George V Memorial Church, and appeals commenced both in the area and via the network of Baptist churches to raise the much-needed funds, and of course a site had to be found.

A farmer in the Nyetimber area, Mr Smart, had decided to sell certain parts of his land and one such was adjacent to Gossamer Road.

He kindly gave the church first choice of a site plus an additional plot to enable there to be a rear entrance from Willowhale Avenue. The land cost £641, which was quite a large amount in the 1930s.

With the acquisition of the land, building commenced in 1937. Messrs Fryer & Sons Builders of Rose Green became involved.

They decided the church should be sited to the rear of the land to enable larger premises to be built in the future. The original church consisted of seating for only 168 with a platform, small kitchen and a small room to be used as the vestry.

The foundation stone was laid during a ceremony on February 24, 1938, with a scroll being set under the stone.

The grand opening took place on May 11, 1938, when Mrs Peter Derry unlocked the door to allow entry to the new premises.

The guest preacher was the Rev Sutton, Baptist area superintendent.

Finally on June 29, 1938, the first prayer meeting was held with 16 members.

The Rev GE Johnston became the first minister, Mr OC Thomas, the secretary and Mr Robbins the treasurer.

This new church was soon to be pressed into use during the second world war when it was used as a canteen for the troops after the Battle of Britain and was also used for German prisoners of war, who were sited nearby.

When the Army was camped in nearby fields, they used the church hall for meals and concerts.