Faith

Built in 1850 by Giles Guilbert Scott, St Anne's Church in Alderney, otherwise known as 'The Cathedral of the Channel Islands', has a capacity of 650 and was built at a time when Alderney's population was nearly twice what it was in 2009.

Water damage outside the building

There were two reasons for Alderney having such a large population at that time, the breakwater was being constructed so many labourers had been brought into the island and the island's garrison housed quite a number of soldiers, so a large church was required.

Built in the Gothic style most of the building's woodwork, including the pews, were replaced following the Second World War as they were used as firewood by the occupying forces towards the end of the Occupation as supplies were getting short.

Father Stephen Masters, Vicar of St Anne's, described the church as having "a wonderful sense of prayer and feeling of peace and tranquility", however, for several years before 2009 the building's structure was under threat.

Damp damage on the window

Both the roof and parts of the church are in need of repair as damp has got into some areas of the building. Father Stephen said that "basic maintenance hasn't been kept up" in recent years.

According to Father Stephen "responsibility for maintaining the church falls to the States Of Alderney".

Church warden, and former member of Alderney's States, John Postlethwaite described the church as "a thing of great beauty", but said, "there is always a battle for funds and the church is not seen as an essential need" by the current States, compared to the airport and breakwater, for example.