Christ Church, Downside facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Closed |
| Year consecrated | 1838 |
| Location | |
| Location | Downside, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | John Pinch the younger |
| Architectural type | Church |
Christ Church used to be a Church of England church in a place called Downside, Somerset, England. A famous architect named John Pinch the younger designed it. It was built a long time ago, between 1837 and 1838. The church closed its doors in 1983. Today, this old church building is a private home. It's also a special Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical building.
The Story of Christ Church
Christ Church was built as a smaller church to help the main church, St John the Baptist, in Midsomer Norton. At that time, many people lived in the area, over 3,000! The main church was a bit far for some people to reach.
This new church was meant for people living in Downside, Benter, and Clapton. These villages were a few miles away from the main church. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, a church leader, gave the land for the new building. John Pinch drew up the plans for the church.
Building started in 1837. The church was finished and officially opened on November 29, 1838. The same Bishop, George Henry Law, led the opening ceremony. A few years later, on July 4, 1845, Downside became its own church area, called an ecclesiastical parish. This new parish included Downside, Benter, Nettlebridge, and part of Chilcompton.
Changes Over Time
In 1897, Christ Church got some updates. They replaced the old benches with new ones made of pitch pine wood. They also put in new flooring and added special steps for the altar. New choir stalls and a small room for the priest, called a vestry, were also added.
Workers from Midsomer Norton, Messrs. W. A. Catley and C. Hill, did the work. The changes cost about £200. The church reopened on November 21, 1897, looking fresh and new.
A new organ was given to the church in 1899 by Miss Talbot from Bath. It was officially dedicated on June 7, 1899. The churchyard, where people are buried, was also made bigger that year. This gave more space for burials. Bishop George Kennion officially opened the extended churchyard on June 24, 1899.
What Happened Next?
Christ Church stopped being an active church on July 1, 1983. After that, it was sold and used as a storage building from 1985 to 1995. In 1995, permission was given to turn the old church into a single home.
How the Church Looked
Christ Church was built using a type of stone called Doulting stone. Its roof was made of tiles and slate. It was designed to hold 272 people.
The church had a main hall called a nave, a special area near the altar called a chancel, and a porch at the front. A small tower with one bell, called a bellcote, was built on the west end of the roof. In 1907, a vestry (a room for the priest to prepare) was added to the church.
