Christ Church, Bryn-y-Maen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church, Bryn-y-Maen |
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Christ Church, Bryn-y-Maen, from the southwest
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| OS grid reference | SH836761 |
| Location | Bryn-y-Maen, Colwyn Bay, Conwy County Borough |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | Colwyn Bay Parish |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founder(s) | Mrs Eleanor Frost |
| Dedication | Christ |
| Consecrated | 28 September 1899 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Douglas & Fordham |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 4 May 1897 |
| Completed | 1899 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Limestone with external dressings and ashlar interior of Helsby sandstone |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Rhos |
| Archdeaconry | St Asaph |
| Diocese | St Asaph |
| Province | Wales |
Christ Church, Bryn-y-Maen is a beautiful church located in the small village of Bryn-y-Maen. This village is found on the B5113 road, about 3 kilometers south of Colwyn Bay in Conwy County Borough, Wales. It is an active Anglican church. It belongs to the deanery of Rhos and the diocese of St Asaph. Locals often call it "The Cathedral of the Hills". This church is a very special building, recognized by Cadw as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's an important historic building.
Contents
A Look Back: How Christ Church Began
Christ Church was built between 1879 and 1899. A lady named Mrs. Eleanor Frost paid for the entire church. She built it to remember her late husband, Charles Frost. The architects who designed the church were Douglas and Fordham from Chester. They used a style called Neo-Perpendicular. This style looks back to old Gothic churches. Mrs. Frost also paid for the vicarage (the priest's house) and a house for herself.
Exploring the Church's Design
Building Materials and Shape
The church is built using local limestone. The special decorative parts and the inside walls are made of ashlar Helsby sandstone. Ashlar means the stones are cut very smoothly. The church has a cruciform shape, like a cross. It has a short, strong tower where the main parts of the church meet, right over the choir area. There is a wide main hall, called a nave, and a smaller section on the south side, known as an aisle. The transepts, which are the "arms" of the cross shape, hold the vestry (a room for changing clothes) and the organ. The top of the tower has crenellated edges, which look like the top of a castle wall. The openings for the bells are straight at the top.
Inside the Church: Special Features
Inside, the arcade (a row of arches) has eight-sided piers (support columns). The arches under the tower are almost round. They have a smooth, sloped edge called a chamfer. The church's furniture is very special. It was all designed in a unique style by the architect Douglas. This includes the reredos (a screen behind the altar), the organ case, and the stalls (seats for the choir). You can also see the pulpit (where sermons are given) and the lectern (where readings are done). Even the font cover, pews, hymn board, alms box (for donations), and an umbrella stand were part of this special design!
See also
