All Saints' Church, Cheltenham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints Church, Cheltenham |
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All Saints Church Cheltenham
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| 51°54′8″N 2°3′50″W / 51.90222°N 2.06389°W | |
| OS grid reference | SO 95703 22631 |
| Location | Cheltenham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Anglo-Catholic |
| History | |
| Dedication | All Saints |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Groundbreaking | 1865 |
| Completed | 1868 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Pittville All Saints |
| Deanery | Cheltenham |
| Archdeaconry | Cheltenham |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
All Saints Church in Cheltenham is a beautiful old church. It is part of the Church of England. This church is very special because it is a Grade I listed building. This means it is considered one of the most important historic buildings in England.
All Saints Church follows a tradition called Anglo-Catholicism. This is a style of worship within the Church of England. The church also has a special arrangement for its leadership. This is because it does not agree with women becoming priests or bishops. So, it gets guidance from a different bishop, the Bishop of Oswestry.
Contents
Building History
When Was All Saints Church Built?
The church was built a long time ago, between 1865 and 1868. A famous architect named John Middleton designed it. Later, in 1907, another architect, Temple Lushington Moore, helped make it even better. He refurbished parts of the church.
Inside the Church
What Can You See Inside?
The inside of All Saints Church is very impressive. One expert called it a "splendid example" of Victorian design. You can see a stone font, which is a large basin used for baptisms. It was designed by John Middleton. The font also has a beautiful cover made in 1896.
There is also a special screen made of wrought-iron. This screen separates the main part of the church from the altar area. It was made by William Letheren. Look for the large round window in the south transept. Its design was inspired by Edward Burne-Jones. This window was made in 1901.
Music Videos Filmed Here
All Saints Church is so beautiful that it has even been used for filming! A famous choir called Libera filmed two of their music videos here. The songs were "Still, Still, Still" and "How Shall I Sing that Majesty."
The Church Organ
A Grand Musical Instrument
The organ at All Saints Church is very old and special. It was built in 1887 by a well-known company called William Hill & Son. The organ has 46 different sounds, called "speaking stops." It also has many pipes and couplers. The church's vicar, George Gardiner, and the organist, Adolph von Holst, helped design it.
How the Organ Changed Over Time
Over the years, the organ has been updated several times.
- In 1896, a new section was added above the console. This was because the choir couldn't hear the main organ well.
- Some parts of the organ even came from another church's organ in Worcester Cathedral!
- In 1899, the organ was updated with new technology. This made it easier to play.
- In 1912, the old water-powered engine that blew air into the pipes was replaced. A powerful electric motor was installed instead. This motor is still working today, over 100 years later!
- More changes were made in 1927, 1952-53, 1968, 1994, and 2007. These updates helped keep the organ sounding great.
You can find more details about this amazing organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
Famous Organists
Many talented musicians have played the organ at All Saints Church.
- Adolph von Holst was the organist from 1866 to 1894. He was the father of the famous composer Gustav Holst.
- Other notable organists include Thomas John Grainge (1894–1935) and Melville Cook (1935–1937).
- The current organist, James MacDowall-Scott, started in 2022.
Images for kids
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Altar and Chancel Screen
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Font
