Paignton SNU Spiritualist Centre
Paignton SNU Spiritualist Centre
Paignton SNU Spiritualist Centre
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About us

About Paignton SNU Spiritualist Centre

Paignton SNU Spiritualist Centre is authorised for the solemnisation of weddings, naming ceremonies and funerals and is a training centre for teaching spiritual awareness and development of mediumship

HISTORY OF PAIGNTON SPIRITUALIST CENTRE

A Brief Chronological Church History by Horace R. Wooding (Hon. Member) deceased.

Edited by Lew Sutton

We are all aware of the trials and difficulties that Spiritualism endured during its early life with groups and followers being persecuted for their beliefs. So let us look at the names of the persons who agreed to join together to fulfill this dream of a Paignton Spiritualist Church.

In the early days the most prominent names were Rabbich and Rossiter. The relationship of religion and politics started in 1886. In 1882 G. Rabbich helped to start the Winner Street Baptist Church. In 1892 Deacon Rabbich, as he was then, suggested that each member take an envelope and make a rule of giving regularly. At that time F. Rabbich was door steward and helped strangers to their seats. In 1895 Deacon Rabbich opposed an increase to the Pastors’ salary and in 1896 he tendered his resignation as Church Treasurer.

Years 1903 to 1922.

In 1903 H.P. Rabbich was one of three persons elected to the Paignton Council and was a councillor in 1918 and 1919 on what was known as the Great War Council. At the end of July 1920 H.P. Rabbich invited the famous author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to a séance in his own home. The medium was Evan John Powell, who later also became a local councillor. Conan Doyle was able through Mr Powell’s mediumship to speak to his son Kingsley in the Spirit World. He  had died in 1918 whilst convalescing from injuries sustained during the Battle of the Somme in World War One. In 1935 A.G. Rabbich was a councillor on the Paignton District Council during the Coronation Year.

During the years between 1912 and 1922 Paignton Spiritualist Church became a reality. Meetings were held in members’ homes and mostly at 19 Winner Street which is situated at the west end of Winner St, at the rear of number seven. 19 Winner St was the home of Mrs. Carson, a founder member. During these years donations had been given towards the Church Building Fund which in 1922 stood at £613.8s.10d. The Foundation Stone dated 1912 to 1922 is in the wall to the right of the Church door, inscribed with the following names: Henry Paul Rabbich (President), Edward Marshall, William T. Christie, Catherine Marshall, Eva M. Christie and William Evans, The Church Opening Ceremony in 1922 was performed by Mrs. M. Rabbich who opened the Church door with a solid silver key, which was eventually given to Cllr Peter Rabbich . The size of the land is not known but was donated to the church by Mr. H.P. Rabbich in the year 1910. Mr. Rabbich was a builder and we presume he built the Church or made the necessary arrangements for the building.

On the 4th August 1927 the church was affiliated to the Spiritualist National Union. The Hall extension was built in 1955.The renowned spiritual healer, Harry Edwards, often visited Torbay, and came to the church a few times to give talks and healing demonstrations.  Former President of the SNU, Gordon Higginson, took services at the church and in 1973 he dedicated the round window behind the rostrum as a memorial to Mr Cherry, who served for 10 years as president 1962- 1972. This service was televised. Our  re-dedication service on Sunday the 26th August 2012 to celebrate 100 years was taken by Minister  David Bruton ( President of the SNU)

OUR COMMITTEE work together to keep our beautiful Centre Open .The officers acknowledge, and are very grateful to all those mentioned below – and the many other members who Chair, Steward, give Healing, Clean, make Tea and generally keep the centre open and welcoming to all who come through its doors. THANK YOU.

Committee

Carole Stapenhil President/and Mediums Booking Secretary
Caroline Sorenson Vice-President/Members Secretary,
Anne JenkinsSecretary / social media / website
Teresa Emberson Treasurer
Tina Hooks Rotas
Dee MulhallAdvertising / shop/library
Kat May Welfare/ shop
Sid ShuttleworthMaintenance / Health &Safety.
Joy Beill Circle Co-ordinator / Shopping
Lyn Churchward Healing Leader
The committee would like to thank everyone who helps to keep our church well cared for informative and welcoming, your time and commitment are very much appreciated.
Meeting Times

Divine Services

Every Sunday at 11.00 am

Demonstrations of Mediumship

Saturdays and Mondays at 7.30pm

Healing Services

Every Monday and Thursday afternoon at 2-4 pm

Coffee Mornings

Saturdays 10.30am - 1pm

Open Circle

Every Wednesday evening at 7.30 pm

Guild Meetings

Every Wednesday afternoon 2-4 pm


Why not join us for a coffee?

All our Welcome!

Every Saturday 10.30 am - 1 pm

Get in touch

Paignton SNU Spiritualist Centre
Manor Corner
Preston
Paignton
Devon
TQ3 2JB
Email: torbayspirit1@yahoo.com
Telephone: 01803 525 933

Recent News
  • Centenary Celebrations on Sunday 22nd at 11am with Kim Moore- Cullen
    May 14, 2022
  • Stephen Holbrook Demonstration 25th June at 7.30pm
    May 6, 2022
  • TORBAY FAITH & BELIEF FORUM Programme 2022
    April 16, 2022
  • CELEBRATING HYDESVILLE DAY 10.15 – 12.15. Thursday 31st March
    March 17, 2022
  • Seminar 28th, 29th, and 30th May with Penny Hayward DSNU and Minister Kim Moore- Cullen
    February 18, 2022
  • PDF Document on The Jin Shin Jyutsu practice of holding fingers for self help
    October 1, 2020
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