Hounsom Memorial United Reformed Church, Hove

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Hounsom Memorial United Reformed Church is a church in Hove, part of Brighton and Hove in England. It was built in 1938–39 for the Congregational Church, which joined the United Reformed Church in 1972. The church is named after William Allin Hounsom, a local church member and benefactor who helped fund church projects.

The red-brick building was designed by Brighton architect John Leopold Denman in a vernacular/Neo-Georgian style. It has a small tower at the north end with three striking bas-reliefs—Saint Christopher, a pelican and a lamb—that are unusual for a Nonconformist church. The sanctuary can seat about 350 people and the construction cost was around £2,700.

The idea for a new church came from the Sussex Pioneers, who were looking to establish new Congregational churches in the fast-growing Hangleton area. Cliftonville Congregational Church supported the project and helped raise funds by selling Rutland Hall. The Nevilled Avenue site was chosen, and the church opened for worship on 17 September 1939, with official constitution as a Congregational church on 22 October 1939.

The church grew quickly, starting with about 70 members. A schoolroom and, later, a dedicated church hall built in 1951 (also designed by Denman) provided space for many activities. Over the years it hosted groups such as the Girls’ Brigade (still active), Life Boy Team, Young People’s Fellowship and Junior Churches, and it served as a community hub for Hangleton until a dedicated library was built in 1962.

In 1972 the church became part of the United Reformed Church. Today it is one of six URC churches in Brighton and Hove, alongside buildings in central Brighton, Lewes Road, Portslade, Saltdean and North Road.