Christ Church, Belper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church, Belper |
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Christ Church, Belper
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| 53°01′38.7″N 1°29′9.9″W / 53.027417°N 1.486083°W | |
| Location | Belper, Derbyshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | Christ Church |
| Consecrated | 30 July 1850 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Architect(s) | Henry Isaac Stevens |
| Completed | 1849 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Christ Church Belper |
| Deanery | Dove and Derwent |
| Archdeaconry | Derbyshire Peak and Dales |
| Diocese | Diocese of Derby |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
Christ Church is a historic church located in Belper, Derbyshire, England. It is part of the Church of England and is recognized as a Grade II listed building. This means it's a very important building that needs to be protected because of its special history and design.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Christ Church was designed by a skilled architect named Henry Isaac Stevens. The building was completed in 1849. It was officially opened and blessed on July 30, 1850, by the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry.
Renovations and Changes
In 1878, the church had a big makeover! Old varnish was taken off the roof timbers. The ceiling and walls were painted by T.R. Hibbert from Belper. A special screen was put up, and the gas lighting was made better. The church floor was also lowered by 5 inches (13 cm). The aisles, which are the walkways, were paved with beautiful patterned tiles.
All this work was overseen by an architect named Mr. Robinson from Derby. At the same time, the church's organ was moved. It used to be on one side, but it was split and placed on both sides of the chancel (the area near the altar). A local business owner, G.H. Strutt, paid for all these improvements. Because of his generosity, the church became "free and open," meaning anyone could attend without a fee. In 1903, two new rooms called vestries were added. Other changes were also made, designed by Hunter and Woodhouse from Belper.
Parish Status
Christ Church in Belper is part of a larger church group. It works together with the parish of All Saints' Church, Turnditch. This means they share resources and support each other.
The Church Organ
The church has a wonderful pipe organ made by a company called Brindley & Foster. You can find more details about this specific organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
Past Organists
Many talented musicians have played the organ at Christ Church over the years. Here are some of them:
- Thomas Barker Mellor (1862–1871)
- James Whitehead (1877–1879)
- A. W. V. Vorne Palmer (1880–????) – He used to play at Lichfield Cathedral.
- Frederick William Kirkland (1883–1924)
- Alec Kirkland (around 1928–????) – He was Frederick William Kirkland's son.
See also
- Listed buildings in Belper
