1840s – 1860s
Origins and Early Foundations
The roots of the Southern Diocese lie in the early development of the Free Church of England, formally shaped by the 1863 Constitution, which made provision for separate dioceses under the pastoral oversight of bishops. This structure reflected the ancient pattern of church governance found across both Eastern and Western traditions, while also continuing the legacy of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion, from which the Free Church of England emerged.
One of the defining early moments came in September 1844, following a period of unrest known as the Surplice Riots. In response, a group of believers established a ‘Free Church’ in the Commercial Hall on Fore Street, Exeter, led by James Shore. Worship followed the Book of Common Prayer, with slight adaptations.
With the support of a local benefactor, a chapel was soon built. Christ Church, Exeter became not only the oldest surviving congregation of the Southern Diocese, but also of the Free Church of England itself.
This marked the beginning of a wider movement: groups of Christians, dissatisfied with developments in their parish churches and lacking recourse through episcopal structures, formed independent ‘free’ congregations. These were later united under the 1863 Constitution.
1880s – 1920s
Formation of the Diocese and Early Leadership
By the 1880s, both the Free Church of England and the Reformed Episcopal Church had developed sufficiently to establish fully organised dioceses.
The first Bishop of the Southern Diocese was Benjamin Price, a former Calvinistic Methodist minister who had begun his ministry in Wales in 1830. After moving to Ilfracombe in 1845, he played a significant role in the early development of the Church. He was elected President of Convocation in 1866 and became Diocesan Bishop in 1889.
1920s – 1940s
Reunion and Reorganisation
From 1921 onwards, efforts were made to reunite the Free Church of England with the Reformed Episcopal Church.
- In 1923, both churches held annual meetings in Devonshire
- In 1925, key leadership appointments were made, including the consecration of Rev. W. E. Young
- In 1926, remaining legal and organisational matters were resolved
The two churches were formally united on 15 June 1927 at Christ Church, Liscard.
Following this union, three dioceses were established: Northern, Central, and Southern. However, in 1942, for economic reasons, the structure was simplified to two dioceses.
During this period:
John Christie Magee, Bishop of the Southern Diocese for 21 years, was widely respected and deeply loved
G. W. Forbes Smith served in leadership roles across dioceses
1940s – 1950s
War and Restoration
The Second World War brought significant challenges.
Christ Church, Exeter was completely destroyed by enemy action, while other churches—including St Jude’s, Ballam and Emmanuel Church, Carshalton—suffered damage.
Support came from international partners, particularly congregations of the Reformed Episcopal Church in South Carolina, alongside contributions from American and Canadian churches. These funds enabled restoration work across the denomination.
The Exeter congregation continued faithfully, worshipping in a temporary hall for fifteen years before a new church was built on the original site. It was consecrated and reopened on 24 July 1957.
This period also saw growth and development:
St Jude’s, Walsall formally joined the denomination in 1947
St Andrew’s, Bentley established (1943; permanent building 1957)
1960s – 1980s
Growth and Development
The post-war years were marked by expansion and renewal.
A significant milestone was the rebuilding of St Paul’s Church, Bexhill-on-Sea, beginning in 1960. The project was completed through local leadership and generosity, with the church opening in 1962.
Leadership during this period included:
Bishop Ambrose Bodfish (1963–1971)
Bishop Watkins (appointed 1972)
Bishop Arthur Ward (consecrated 1976)
Major building projects continued:
Emmanuel Church, Birmingham rebuilt and consecrated in 1980
Christ Church, Harlesden replaced in 1984
1980s – 1990s
International Mission and Expansion
The Diocese began to develop an increasingly international dimension.
- In 1983, a congregation in Nelson, New Zealand joined the Church
- Leadership training and ordinations followed, strengthening global connections
In 1986, Bishop Kenneth Powell was consecrated and later became Diocesan Bishop in 1990.
During his leadership:
- A mission was established in St Petersburg, Russia
- Rev Dr Sergei Makov was ordained and the congregation formally received in 1993
- Humanitarian aid was sent to support communities in need
This period reflected a growing vision beyond the UK, combining evangelism with practical support.
2000s – Present
Recent Leadership and Continuity
In 2006, the Right Rev’d Paul Hunt was consecrated at Christ Church, Liscard, alongside the Right Rev’d Dr John Fenwick for the Northern Diocese.
In 2007, Bishop Powell stepped down, and Bishop Hunt was elected as Diocesan Bishop of the Southern Diocese.
