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 | |
| OS grid reference | SK 34563 47912 |
| 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 special old church in Belper, Derbyshire. It is part of the Church of England. This church is so important that it is a Grade II listed building. This means it is protected because of its history and unique design.
Contents
History of Christ Church
This church was designed by an architect named Henry Isaac Stevens. It was finished in 1849 and officially opened on July 30, 1850. A house for the vicar, called a vicarage, was also built nearby in 1857. Henry Isaac Stevens designed that building too.
Church Improvements Over Time
In 1878, the church got some updates. Workers removed the old varnish from the wooden roof. They also painted the ceiling and walls. A special screen was put up, and the gas lighting was made better. The floor of the church was lowered by about 13 centimeters. The walkways were covered 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 into two parts on either side of the chancel. A rich local businessman named G.H. Strutt paid for these changes. Because of his generosity, the church became "free and open." This meant people did not have to pay to attend services. In 1903, two new rooms called vestries were added. Other changes were made based on designs by Hunter and Woodhouse of Belper.
Parish Status
Christ Church in Belper is part of a shared group of churches. It works together with All Saints' Church, Turnditch. This is called a joint benefice.
The Church Organ
Christ Church has a pipe organ made by a company called Brindley & Foster. You can find detailed information about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
Past Organists
Many talented people have played the organ at Christ Church over the years. Here are some of them:
- Thomas Barker Mellor played from 1862 to 1871.
- James Whitehead played from 1877 to 1879.
- A. W. V. Vorne Palmer played starting in 1880. He used to play at Lichfield Cathedral.
- Frederick William Kirkland played for a long time, from 1883 to 1924.
- Alec Kirkland, who was Frederick William Kirkland's son, played around 1928.
More Information
- You can learn more about other important buildings in the area by looking at Listed buildings in Belper.
