Bishop Ryder Church, Birmingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bishop Ryder Memorial Church, Birmingham |
|
|---|---|
| Location | Birmingham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Rickman and Richard Charles Hussey |
| Completed | 1838 |
| Construction cost | £4,500 (£314,935 in 2021) |
| Demolished | 1960 |
The Bishop Ryder Memorial Church was a special church in Birmingham, England. It was part of the Church of England. The church served its community from 1838 until 1960.
Contents
History of Bishop Ryder Church
Building and Design
The church was built on Gem Street in an area called Gosta Green in Birmingham. It was designed by two architects, Thomas Rickman and Richard Charles Hussey. They used a style called Gothic, which often features pointed arches and tall windows. The church was made of red brick and stone.
Why the Church Was Built
This church was built to remember Henry Ryder. He was an important religious leader, a Bishop of Lichfield. The church was officially opened in 1838. In 1841, it became a separate parish. This meant it had its own local area and community to serve, separate from St Martin in the Bull Ring.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, parts of the church were updated. In 1894, the chancel, which is the area around the altar, was rebuilt. This work was paid for by J.C. Holder to honor his father. Later, in 1925, the church's parish joined with St Mary's Church, Whittall Street, Birmingham. In 1939, another part of the parish joined with St Bartholomew’s Church, Birmingham.
The Church Today
Sadly, the Bishop Ryder Memorial Church was taken down in 1960. The street it was on, Gem Street, also no longer exists. Today, the area where the church once stood is in the middle of the Aston University campus.
Vicars of the Church
A vicar is a priest who leads a church parish. Here are some of the vicars who served at Bishop Ryder Memorial Church:
- M.A. Collinson (1838 – 1847)
- Sampson Jervois (1847 – 1857)
- John H. Burges (1857 – 1874)
- Joseph Phelps Gardiner (1875 – 1900)
- George Edwin Badger (1900 – 1933)
- C.H. Williams (1933 – 1940)
- Jack Richard Hassett (1940 – 1947)
- Christopher Martindale Waddleton (1947 – 1949)
- Edward A. Burton (1949 – 1951)
- William George Griffin (1951 – 1956)
Church Bells
Early Bells
When the church was first opened in 1838, it had one bell. This bell was made by William Taylor of Oxford.
A Ring of Bells
In 1869, the church got a set of eight bells. These were made by Blews and Son and cost £600. Later, these bells were remade by a company called Taylors of Loughborough.
Where the Bells Are Now
When Bishop Ryder Memorial Church closed down, its bells were moved. They found a new home at St Peter's Church, Harborne.
The Church Organ
First Organ
The church had a musical instrument called an organ. The first organ cost £270 and was built by Theodore Charles Bates of London. It was first played on December 7, 1841.
New Organ and Updates
In 1882, a new organ was installed. This one was made by J.C. Banfield and cost £350. It was opened on November 25. Later, in 1939, the organ was repaired and improved by Walter James Bird. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
Organists of the Church
An organist is someone who plays the organ. Here are some of the people who played the organ at Bishop Ryder Memorial Church:
- William Elliott (around 1846 - 1848)
- George W. Elliott (from 1848)
- Frank Frederick Cuisset
- A. Andrews (until 1862)
- Alfred Sears (until 1888)
- Alfred E Bateman-Brown (1888)
- William Henry Johns (1888 - 1936)
- Frank Walford Grove (from 1943)
- R.B. Jameson (around 1945)
