Christ Church, High Harrogate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church, High Harrogate |
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Christ Church, High Harrogate
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 Christ Church, High Harrogate
Location in North Yorkshire
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| 53°59′38″N 01°31′31″W / 53.99389°N 1.52528°W | |
| OS grid reference | SE 31193 55415 |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Central churchmanship |
| Website | www.christchurchharrogate.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | Christ Church |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Christ Church High Harrogate |
| Deanery | Harrogate |
| Archdeaconry | Richmond and Craven |
| Episcopal area | Ripon |
| Diocese | Leeds |
| Province | York |
Christ Church, High Harrogate is a special parish church in Harrogate, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church was the very first one built in Harrogate.
Today, it is a busy place with many people who attend services. It also has a Parish Centre next door. This centre is an important place for community activities.
Contents
History of Christ Church
Christ Church, High Harrogate was the first church building ever in Harrogate. Before it was built, Harrogate did not have its own church. It started as a "chapel of ease" for a church in Knaresborough. This meant it was a smaller church for people who lived far from the main one.
Most of the church you see today was built in 1831. John Oates was the architect who designed it. It then became the first official parish church in the town. Later, in 1862, more parts were added. These included the transepts (the arms of the cross shape) and the chancel (the area near the altar). Henry Francis Lockwood and William Mawson designed these additions.
The church has changed quite a bit over the years. In the 1920s, many big changes were made inside. In the 1930s, a special decorated screen called a reredos was added. Then, in the 1980s, the Parish Centre was built next to the church.
New Churches Started by Christ Church
Christ Church also helped start other churches in Harrogate. These include St. Peter's (built in 1870), St Luke's (1898), and St Andrew's Starbeck (1911). All these churches are still active Christian communities today.
Christ Church Today
Christ Church is home to a lively Christian community. It has over 300 adults and more than 170 children and young people. The church follows the main traditions of the Anglican Church, which is another name for the Church of England.
Leaders of the Church
The church has had many leaders over the years. These leaders are called Vicars.
- The first leader was William Leigh Williamson, starting in 1755.
- The current Vicar is The Revd Matthew Scott Evans. He started in 2015.
The Church Organ
In 1908, a new organ was put into Christ Church. It was built by a company called Norman & Beard. An organ is a very large musical instrument often found in churches. It was later rebuilt in 1980 by John T. Jackson. This rebuild included a new console, which is where the organist sits to play.
Organists and Music Directors
The church has also had many talented organists and directors of music. They help lead the music during church services.
- The first known organist was Mr. Pilkington around 1863.
- The current Organist and Director of Music is David Darling, who started in 2024.
See also
- Listed buildings in Harrogate (High Harrogate Ward)
