This attractive building has little to help identification on the outside. It is situated on Seaside. I am very grateful that a web site visitor, Gill, has identified the building as a Leisure Centre for working men, founded by William Leaf in 1864 - so it has never been a church.
The foundation stone reads:
"The foundation stone of this building erected by Wm Leaf Esq to promote the social, moral and spiritual welfare of the working classes of Eastbourne was laid by him November 3rd 1863."
The Latin on the crest above the door is the Leaf family motto. It translates as "The Leaf does not fall", which may be derived from a verse in the Bible, Psalm 1, v3.
Anna Borsey kindly supplied the following information (September 2009):
"The Latin inscription, "Folium non Defluet", on the crest above the main door of Leaf Hall is in actual fact the Leaf family motto. It translates as "The Leaf does not fall". This is a pun, and it is presumably a reference to the stout and stalwart character of the members of this family. William Leaf, who had this Hall built, was one of the wealthiest merchants in the City of London in his day, and he was a well known philantropist. He came from a very wealthy, well connected family who owned quite a few properties around London, as well as a large country house near London."
Digital photograph
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