About the Church: The Ermita church was built in the 14th Century, and fell into disrepair at the time of the Spanish Civil War. Restoration took place in the early 1970s when expats from the UK began to settle here and were keen to find a church building in which to hold Anglican services.
Javea became the first church congregation to be established on the Costa Blanca in 1972. In the restoration extensions, the vestry, side chapel and toilet facilities were added as well as water and electricity, but the original style was not changed and some of the ancient beams still support the roof.
A local artist - then the mayor of Javea, painted the modern triptych retablo behind the tosca stone altar. It has San Sebastian on one side and San Bartolome on the other, with scenes of Javea churches including the Ermita itself. Below this there are painted kneeling angels each having the face of the artist´s granddaughters.
The congregation contributes to the Franciscan Hospice in Gandia, giving towels and clothing as well as cleaning materials and long-life foods.
A walking group, `The Strollers´ gathers for walks and for fellowship once a month during the cooler weather: Others join us, both church and non church people.
After Sunday services the congregation gathers outside the church and coffee etc is served. There is a wall market held outside the church every week.
Throughout the year a number of social events are held such as `pot luck lunch´, coffee mornings and garden parties, essentially to foster the church community and to gather church funds.
Bible study groups are held on Monday and Tuesday
The Roman Catholic Church occasionally use the church, notably on the 1st Sunday after 8th September when there is no service.
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