Christ Church, Bath facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christ Church, Bath
OS grid reference	ST7465
Location	Julian Road, Bath
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Church of England
Churchmanship	Broad Church
Website	www.christchurchbath.org
History
Status	Church
Dedication	Christ Church
Dedicated	November 7th, 1798
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architect(s)	John Palmer
Style	neo-Gothic
Specifications
Materials	Bath stone
Administration
Deanery	Bath
Archdeaconry	Bath
Diocese	Bath and Wells
Province	Canterbury

Christ Church, Bath is a special church located on Julian Road in the city of Bath, England. It's not a regular parish church, but it has a unique history and serves its community in many ways.

A Church for Everyone

Why Christ Church Was Built

Christ Church was started by caring church leaders and regular people. They wanted to help those who couldn't attend church because of something called "pew rents." Back then, people often had to pay to sit in certain church seats. This church was probably the first to offer free seating for everyone.

Famous Early Supporters

Many important people supported Christ Church from the beginning. These included the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is a very high-ranking church leader. Also, William Wilberforce, a famous person who fought against slavery, was an early supporter.

How the Church Works Today

Even though it's not a parish church, Christ Church has regular services and activities. People come from all over Bath and even further away to worship here. A special charity owns the church, and a group of Trustees and a Church Council manage it.

Priests and Students

Christ Church is part of the Bath and Wells Diocese. The priests who work here are "non-stipendiary," which means they don't get paid for their church work. Because of this, many different priests have served the church over its 200-year history. In recent years, many students from the University of Bath have attended services at Christ Church.

The Church Building

Design and Style

An aerial view of Christ Church in Bath.

The church building was designed by John Palmer. He was a main architect in Bath during the Georgian era. It was built in 1798. The church looks like a modern Gothic building, but it has classic, balanced shapes. It has side sections (aisles) and a balcony on three sides. A rounded part at the end, called an apse, was added later in 1865-66.

Beautiful Stained Glass

The church has many beautiful stained glass windows. On the south side of the balcony, some windows show Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the story of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. At the west end, two windows show Christ in Majesty and the raising of the daughter of Jairus. The rounded apse has nine tall, narrow windows. These windows show different saints, angels, and Bible characters. They are all linked to a famous Christian hymn called the Te Deum Laudamus.

Inside the Church

Inside, you can also see a unique wooden altarpiece. In 2020, a new central altar was added. It came with matching furniture, like seats for the choir and readers. These were placed on a larger platform in the front of the church.

Church Bells

In 2015, a new set of bells was put in the church tower. These bells were specially recast to sound wonderful.

Music and Events

The Church Organ

The first organ was put in the church in 1800 by John Avery. In 2003, a famous musician named David Briggs played the first concert on the organ after it was rebuilt. The organ was worked on again in 2018-19.

Choir and Concerts

The church choir sings at the main Sunday morning service every week. They also sing at a special evening service once a month. Christ Church is sometimes used for concerts during the Bath International Music Festival. Famous groups like the Hilliard Ensemble and Exaudi have performed there.

Book Signings and More

The church also hosts book signings. These events are arranged by a local bookshop. Well-known authors like Gordon Brown, Paddy Ashdown, Prue Leith, Ruby Wax, and Brian May have presented their books at Christ Church.