Christ Church, Coxley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1840 |
| Location | |
| Location | Coxley, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Richard Carver |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Early English |
Christ Church is a special church in Coxley, Somerset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church was built a long time ago, between 1839 and 1840. A famous architect named Richard Carver designed it. It is also a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.
Contents
History of Christ Church
Why the Church Was Built
Christ Church was built as a "chapel of ease." This means it was a smaller church built to help a larger main church. The main church was St Cuthbert's in St Cuthbert Out. Many people lived far from the main church. There was not enough space for everyone there either.
So, two new chapels were built. One was at East Horrington and the other was Christ Church in Coxley. Christ Church was meant to serve about 500 people. These people lived in areas like Coxley and Polsham. Money for the church came from public donations. People gave money to help build it. A group called the Bath and Wells Diocesan Church Building Association also gave a grant.
Building and Opening the Church
Building the church started in 1839. Richard Carver from Taunton drew the plans. The church was designed to hold 270 people. Many of these seats, 196 of them, were free for anyone to use.
The church was finished and officially opened on June 23, 1840. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, George Henry Law, led the special ceremony. A sermon was also given by Rev. J. H. Pinder. He was one of the Bishop's chaplains. Later, on September 14, 1844, Coxley became its own church parish.
Restoring the Church in 1903
Christ Church was repaired and updated in 1903–04. This work cost about £500. Mr. Edmund Buckle, the church's architect for the area, made the plans. A company called Messrs. Dell Brothers from Wells did the work.
The repairs started in September 1903. The church reopened on February 27, 1904. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, George Kennion, attended the event. Before the repairs, the church walls needed a lot of work. The old seats were also uncomfortable. The church needed new heating too.
Soon after work began, they found the floor needed replacing. A new wooden block floor was put in. This allowed new benches to be installed. Tiles were also laid in the aisle. The church's walls, gallery, and font were all cleaned up. The inside was painted again. New benches made of Austrian oak were added. The pulpit was moved to a new spot. The roof supports were changed. The east window was made taller and wider. Friends and church members gave a new oak pulpit. It was a gift to remember Rev. Dr. R. T. Wallace, who was the vicar of Coxley.
Later Changes and Today
A new gate was built for the churchyard in 1963. The old gate was too close to a busy road. This new gate made it safer for people visiting the church. The inside of the church was repaired and painted again around 1997. Today, Christ Church is part of a group of churches. This group includes Coxley, Godney, Henton, and Wookey.
What Christ Church Looks Like
Christ Church is built from stone blocks. It has a roof made of slate. The church has a long main area called a nave. It also has a chancel, which is where the altar is. There is a porch at the west end. A small room called a vestry is on the north side.
The roof at the west end has a small tower. This tower holds one bell. Inside the west end of the nave is a gallery. This area was designed for the organ and the choir. The church's organ was built in 1857 by Sweetland of Bath. It was later rebuilt in 1936 by W.G. Vowles Ltd from Bristol.
