Christ Church, Dorchester facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christ Church
The rear of Christ Church from Colliton Walk, c. 1905
Religion
Affiliation	Church of England
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Demolished
Year consecrated	1846
Location
Location	Dorchester, Dorset, England
Architecture
Architect(s)	Edward Mondey
Architectural type	Church

Christ Church was a Church of England church located in West Fordington, a part of Dorchester, Dorset, England. It was built between 1845 and 1846. Sadly, the church was taken down in 1933.

History of Christ Church

Christ Church was first built as a "chapel of ease." This means it was a smaller church built to help the main parish church, St George's, serve a growing community.

Why Christ Church Was Built

The idea for Christ Church came from Rev. Henry Moule. He was the vicar (a type of priest) for the Fordington parish. He saw that more and more people were living in the area. Also, many soldiers were stationed at Dorchester Barracks nearby. Rev. Moule wanted a new church to serve both the local residents and the soldiers.

He had been a chaplain (a religious leader) at the barracks since 1829. He even used some of the money from his book, Barrack Sermons, published in 1845, to help pay for the new church. Other people also gave money. Building societies, which help fund churches, provided grants too. The land for the church was given by the Duchy of Cornwall. This is a special estate that belongs to the British royal family.

Building and Opening the Church

Mr. Edward Mondey from Dorchester designed Christ Church. Mr. John Wellspring, from Fordington, built it under Mr. Mondey's guidance. The first stone was laid on May 29, 1845. This important ceremony was led by the Archdeacon of Dorset, Robert Buckle. Rev. Moule and other clergy members also helped. Even though the weather was bad, hundreds of people came to watch.

Christ Church was officially opened and blessed (called "consecrated") on October 21, 1846. This ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Salisbury, Edward Denison.

Changes Over Time

In 1847, Christ Church became the main church for a new area called West Fordington parish. The population kept growing. So, a temporary church, nicknamed the "Tin Tabernacle," was put up in 1896–97. This temporary building was later replaced by a permanent church, St Mary's, which opened in 1912.

Christ Church continued to be used for special events like christenings (baptisms) and marriages until 1924. It finally closed its doors when St Mary's was named the new parish church of West Fordington in 1929.

The End of Christ Church

By 1931, it was suggested that Christ Church should be taken down. A man named Mr. Herbert Kendall had an idea to buy the church. He wanted to take it apart and rebuild it in Ferndown, another town. Ferndown needed a new church to replace its older one from 1901, St Mary's. However, this plan didn't happen. Instead, a new church designed by Kendall was built in Ferndown. Christ Church was then demolished (taken down) in 1933.

Architecture of Christ Church

Christ Church was built in a style called "Early English." This style was popular in England during the 13th century. It was designed to hold 400 people.

Church Layout and Features

The church had a "cruciform plan." This means it was shaped like a cross when viewed from above. It included:

• A nave: The main part of the church where the congregation (people attending) sat.
• A chancel: The area around the altar, usually at the east end.
• Transepts: The parts that stick out on the sides, forming the arms of the cross shape.
• A vestry: A room used by the clergy to prepare for services.
• A porch: An entrance area.

The southern transept was set aside for children attending Sunday school. The western part of the nave was used by soldiers from Dorchester Barracks. A small tower, called a "turret," held one bell. It was placed on the west end of the roof.

The church had tall, narrow windows called "lancet windows." There were three of these in each of the four sections of the nave. The chancel had a window with three lights (sections of glass). Each transept had a window with two lights.

Inside the Church

The font, used for baptisms, was made of Caen stone. This is a light-colored limestone from France. Other church furniture, like the pulpit (where sermons are given), the reading desk, and the communion table, were made of wood. A new organ was installed in the church on January 26, 1862. It was made by Mr. J. Eagles of London.

Images for kids

• 

  The rear of Christ Church from Colliton Walk, c. 1905