Banner Cross Methodist Church facts for kids
Banner Cross Methodist Church is a church located in the Banner Cross area of Sheffield, England. It stands on Ecclesall Road South, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) southwest of the city center. The church building, its attached schoolroom, and even the boundary wall and gate are all special historic buildings. This means they are protected because of their importance.
Contents
History of the Church
Building the First Church
At the start of the 1900s, people in the Banner Cross area decided they needed a Methodist church. Before this, Banner Cross was mostly farmland. But new houses were being built, and more people were moving in.
In 1902, a group of people started raising money for a place to worship. They bought land and built a church and a schoolroom. It cost about £3,034. The famous London architects George Baines and Son designed the building. It was opened on June 27, 1907. The first minister was Reverend W.H. Wheeldon.
A New, Bigger Church is Built
As the area grew, more people joined the church. By 1921, there were 200 members! They needed a bigger building. So, they started a plan to raise money for a new church right next to the old one. By 1928, they had raised £5,000.
The new church was designed by William John Hale, who had designed other churches in Sheffield. The total cost for the new church was about £10,000. The first stone was officially laid on April 21, 1928. The church was opened on July 13, 1929.
The old church building was then used as a schoolroom. This allowed the Sunday school to grow and have all its classes in one place. In 1931, a house for the minister, called a manse, was built nearby. A lecture hall was added to the church in 1937.
During the Second World War, one of the church rooms was used as a public library. The schoolroom also became a "Rest Centre" to help people. In 1962, the church became even bigger when two nearby Methodist churches closed and their members joined Banner Cross.
The Church Today
Today, the minister at Banner Cross Methodist Church is Reverend Tim Crome. He is the 20th minister to serve the church since it started in 1907. Reverend Crome began his work at the church on September 1, 2012.
The church is a busy place! It is open daily and hosts many activities for the community. These include Coffee Mornings, a Parent and Toddler group, and a Lunch and Friendship group. Young people can join the Boys' Brigade, Youth Club, Brownies, Rainbows, and Girl Guides. There are also Bible study groups.
Church Style and Design
The new Banner Cross Methodist Church is built in the Gothic Revival style. This means it looks like old Gothic churches, but it was built much later. It is made from strong stone with red brick details around some of the windows. The main tower of the church looks very grand and strong. Some people have even compared its design to famous monuments like The Cenotaph in London.
The design of this church is a bit different from William John Hale's earlier churches. He moved towards a simpler style, using bold shapes and clear lines.
The original church building from 1907, which is now the schoolroom, has a different look. It is built in the Arts and Crafts style. This style often uses natural materials and traditional craftsmanship. It is made from rough stone and brick, with smooth stone details and slate roofs.
