Christ Church, Paignton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church, Paignton |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| 50°26′25″N 3°34′00″W / 50.4403°N 3.5667°W | |
| Location | Paignton, Devon, England |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Open evangelical |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Walter G. Couldrey, Edward Gabriel |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Early English/Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1888 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 600 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Paignton Christ Church |
| Benefice | Paignton Christ Church and Preston St Paul |
| Deanery | Torbay |
| Archdeaconry | Totnes |
| Diocese | Exeter |
Christ Church is a beautiful old church in Paignton, Devon, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church was designed by Walter G. Couldrey and Edward Gabriel. It was built between 1887 and 1888. Since 1993, it has been recognized as a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building.
Contents
History of Christ Church
Why Christ Church Was Built
Paignton was growing very fast in the late 1800s. More people meant there was a need for a new church. People had tried to build a new church since 1863. But these early plans did not work out.
In April 1886, a public meeting was held. People wanted to know if a new church area should be made. This new area would be in the northern part of Paignton. A woman named Mrs. Disney Robinson promised £1,500 to help. This was a lot of money back then!
Building the Church
The meeting decided to start collecting money. A building committee was formed. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners also agreed to help. They matched Mrs. Robinson's donation. They also gave land for the church, a vicarage (where the vicar lives), and a school.
Mr. Walter G. Couldrey and Mr. Edward Gabriel were the architects. They worked together on the design. Local builders, Christopher and Robert Elliott Drew, built the church.
Before the main church was built, a temporary iron church was put up. This happened in August 1886. It was used for services while the new church was being built.
Laying the Foundation Stone
The first stone of Christ Church was laid on April 26, 1887. The Bishop of Exeter, Edward Bickersteth, did the honors. Mrs. Disney Robinson was supposed to lay the stone. But heavy rain stopped her from attending.
The church was finished one month early. It was officially opened on June 1, 1888. The Bishop of Exeter led the special ceremony. After the church was ready, its own church area was created.
What Happened Next
The old iron church was then used as a Sunday school. There were plans to build a permanent school building. But this idea never happened. The vicarage next to Christ Church was built in 1894.
In 2002, Christ Church joined with St Paul's Church. They now share a vicar. The original iron church is still used today as the church hall. Christ Church is an active church today.
Architecture of Christ Church
Christ Church is built from local red sandstone. It has special stone decorations. The church is built in the Early English style. This style was popular in England a long time ago.
The church was designed to hold 600 people. It has a main area called a nave. It also has a chancel, which is where the altar is. There are narrow aisles on the sides. It also has transepts, which are like arms of the church. There is also an organ room and a vestry.
A tall tower and spire were planned for the church. But there wasn't enough money to build them. So, they were never added.
Inside, you can see some original features. The pulpit is made of Caen stone. It has pillars of Devonshire marble. The lectern is also special. It is a brass eagle standing on a rough piece of Dartmoor granite.
Gallery
-
Christ Church church hall
-
Interior June 2020
-
Eagle lectern on Dartmoor stone
