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, North Yorkshire, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church was the very first one built in Harrogate. Today, it's a busy place with many people attending. It also has a Parish Centre next door. This centre is a key spot for lots of community activities.
Contents
Discovering Christ Church's History
Christ Church, High Harrogate, was the first church building ever in Harrogate. Before it was built, Harrogate didn't have its own church. It started as a "chapel of ease" for a church in Knaresborough. This means it was a smaller church built for people who lived far from the main church.
Building the First Church
Most of the church you see today was built in 1831. John Oates (architect) designed it. When it was finished, it became the first official parish church in Harrogate. Later, in 1862, some parts were added. These included the transepts (the arms of the cross-shaped church) and the chancel (the area near the altar). Henry Francis Lockwood and William Mawson designed these additions. The beautiful carvings on these new parts were made by Mawer and Ingle.
The church has changed a lot over the years. In the 1920s, many big changes were made inside. In the 1930s, a special altar screen called a reredos was put in. It was designed by Ninian Comper. Then, in the 1980s, the Parish Centre was built right next to the church.
Growing the Church Community
Christ Church has helped start other churches in Harrogate. These include St. Peter's (built in 1870), St Luke's (1898), and St Andrew's Starbeck (1911). Just like Christ Church, these churches are still active and important parts of their communities today.
Christ Church Today: A Lively Community
Today, Christ Church is home to a very active 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. It's a place where people come together to worship and connect.
The Church Organ: A Musical Heart
The church has a wonderful organ that makes beautiful music. A new organ was put in back in 1908. It was built by a company called Norman & Beard. Later, in 1980, the organ was rebuilt by John T. Jackson. A new, separate console (where the organist sits) was added. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
The current organist and Director of Music is Christine Alp. She has been playing for the church since 2009.
