Annunciation Church, Chesterfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Annunciation Church |
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Front entrance
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| OS grid reference | SK 37996 71541 |
| Location | Chesterfield |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | Annunciation.org.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1854 |
| Founder(s) | Society of Jesus |
| Dedication | Annunciation |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 26 September 1977 |
| Architect(s) | Joseph Hansom |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Chesterfield |
| Diocese | Hallam |
| Province | Liverpool |
The Annunciation Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Chesterfield, England. It was started by a group called the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuits) in 1854. The church is on Spencer Street and was designed by a famous architect named Joseph Hansom. It is a special building, listed as Grade II, which means it's important for its history and architecture.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
How the Church Began
In 1840, the Jesuits opened Mount St Mary's College in a nearby town called Spinkhill. From there, they helped Catholic people living in the area. In the 1850s, they decided to build a church right in Chesterfield. They asked Joseph Hansom to design it. He was a popular architect who designed many churches for the Jesuits. Some of his other works include Our Lady Immaculate and St Joseph Church, Prescot and St Walburge's Church, Preston.
Special Features Inside
You can see the influence of the Jesuits inside the church. There is a special window just before you enter the Sacristy (a room where priests prepare). This window shows a priest leading a Mass, surrounded by a group of Jesuits. Two important figures shown in the window are St Ignatius Loyola and St Francis Xavier, who were very important to the Jesuit order.
The Church Organ
In 1881, a large organ was installed in the church. It was built by Henry Willis Senior, from a well-known company called Henry Willis & Sons. Organs like this are often very old and have a rich sound.
Changes in Leadership
Over time, the way the church was managed changed. In the early to mid-1900s, the Jesuits handed over the church's care to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham. Later, in 1980, Chesterfield became part of a new area called the Diocese of Hallam. This diocese continues to look after the church today.
Modern Updates
Between 1990 and 1991, the church was updated. During this time, the main altar was removed. However, a part of it was kept and now serves as the base for a beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Life at the Parish Today
Mass Times and Services
The Annunciation Church holds four Sunday Masses. These services take place at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 6:00 PM. There is also a special Mass at 1:15 PM for the Polish community. On weekdays, Masses are held at 9:00 AM at a nearby convent. This convent is home to the Daughters of Divine Charity, who also run St Joseph's School.
Local Schools Connected to the Church
There are two schools in the area that have a close connection with the church. St Mary's Catholic Primary School is located on Cross Street. It uses the buildings where St Mary's Roman Catholic High School, Chesterfield used to be before it moved to a new location on Newbold Street.
See also
- Society of Jesus
- St Mary's Roman Catholic High School, Chesterfield
