Bishop Hannington Memorial Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bishop Hannington Memorial Church |
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The church from the northwest
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| 50°50′33″N 0°11′14″W / 50.8426°N 0.1873°W | |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Conservative Evangelical |
| Website | www.bhmc.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | Bishop Hannington |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Sir Edward Maufe |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Hove, Bishop Hannington Memorial Church |
| Deanery | Rural Deanery of Hove |
| Archdeaconry | Brighton & Lewes |
| Diocese | Chichester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Bishop Hannington Memorial Church is a special Anglican church located in the West Blatchington area of Hove, England. It was built between 1938 and 1939. This church was created to honor James Hannington. He was the first Bishop of East Equatorial Africa. Bishop Hannington was sadly killed in Uganda in 1885 while doing important missionary work. The church was designed by a famous architect named Sir Edward Maufe.
The Story of Bishop Hannington
James Hannington was born in Hurstpierpoint, which is a few miles north of Brighton and Hove. His family owned a well-known department store in Brighton called Hanningtons. He became a priest in 1874. After that, he worked at St George's Church in Hurstpierpoint.
In 1882, he decided to volunteer for missionary work in East Africa. He had to return to Britain in 1883 because he became ill. But he went back to Uganda in 1884. On June 24, 1884, he became the Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa.
Bishop Hannington and a group of men tried to enter Uganda using a new route. They were almost at their destination. However, they were stopped by people working for Mwanga II. He was the ruler of Buganda. Bishop Hannington and his group were arrested. Eight days later, on October 29, 1885, most of the men were killed.
The Diocese of Chichester decided to build a new church to remember Bishop Hannington. A special stone was placed by the entrance on November 26, 1938. This stone honors Bishop Hannington and shows the date. The Bishop of Chichester, George Bell, placed this stone.
About the Church Building
The church was designed by Sir Edward Maufe. He was also known for designing Guildford Cathedral. He built the church between 1938 and 1939. It is a large building located on a corner. The main entrance is at the west end. There is a tall bell tower at the northeast corner.
The church is mostly built with brown brick. Its roof is made of pantiles, which are curved tiles. The roof is quite flat. The large tower has a similar but steeper roof with a cross on top. In the 1970s, an extra part was added on the north side. This part is used as a day center. It matches the church's style but has a flat roof.
Inside, the church has a chancel, which is the area around the altar. There is also an organ area in the tower. A Lady chapel is in the southeast corner. The main part of the church, called the nave, has aisles on both sides. The main entrance has a tall, pointed arch with decorative brickwork. Above this arch is a large, arched window. There are two similar, smaller windows on the north and south sides.
The floor in the chancel is made of travertine. This is a type of rock that looks like limestone and marble. The nave uses beech wood from the local area. You can often see a special symbol inside the church. It is called the "martyr's crown." This symbol reminds everyone of Bishop Hannington's martyrdom.
On November 2, 1992, the church became a listed building. This means it is an important historical building. It was given Grade II status.
The Church Today
Today, the church holds services that are evangelical. There is a Communion service every Sunday morning at 8 AM. Two other services are held on Sundays at 10 AM and 6:30 PM. Small groups meet in people's homes for Bible study and prayer. There is also a group called CAMEO for older people to meet. The church has various youth groups and facilities for children.
Besides the clergy, the church has a staff team. This team includes a youth minister, a women and families minister, and a music minister. Office staff also help run many groups and Sunday services. Many church members help out too. The church follows the Conservative Evangelical tradition.
The parish of Bishop Hannington Memorial Church also includes the Holy Cross Church. This is a smaller Anglican church. It also follows the Conservative Evangelical tradition. Holy Cross Church is an older building, built in 1903. It serves the area around Aldrington railway station. It has services every Sunday, including a Communion service once a month. There are also groups and events for young people during the week and on Sundays.
The boundaries of the parish include Portland Road (between Bolsover Road and Westbourne Street), Rowan Avenue, Hangleton Road, Nevill Avenue, and Hove Park.
See also
- Grade II listed buildings in Brighton and Hove: A–B
- List of places of worship in Brighton and Hove
- St Mary's Church, Hampden Park, Eastbourne
