Christ Church, Pitsmoor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church |
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Christ Church, seen from the south
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Anglican |
| District | Diocese of Sheffield |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Church |
| Leadership | Pip Salmon (vicar) |
| Year consecrated | 1850 |
| Location | |
| Location | Pitsmoor, Sheffield South Yorkshire, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Flockton & Son |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Gothic revival |
| Completed | 1850 |
| Construction cost | £2,707 (equivalent to £220,000 in 2021) |
| Capacity | 500 |
Christ Church is a Church of England church located in the Pitsmoor area, just north of Sheffield City Centre in England. It's a special building because it's listed as a Grade II building, meaning it's historically important and protected.
Contents
Why Christ Church Was Built
In the mid-1800s, many people moved to the north of Sheffield. The population grew very quickly! Because of this, the Church of England decided to build new churches in the area.
Before this, the Pitsmoor area was part of a larger church district called Brightside. To help serve the growing number of people, a group called the Ecclesiastical Commissioners created three new church districts: Brightside, Pitsmoor, and Wicker. They also planned for a new church to be built in each of these new areas.
Funding the Church
The Ecclesiastical Commissioners gave £507 towards building Christ Church. People also donated a lot of money, raising another £2200. The Commissioners also promised to give the church £150 every year to help it run.
Local architects named Flockton & Son designed the church. It was built between 1849 and 1850. The church was officially opened and blessed on August 15, 1850.
A famous guide to buildings, the Pevsner Guide, described Christ Church as "large and handsome." This means it was big and beautiful, built to welcome a large community. Records from 1851 show that about 200 people attended each of the three church services held there.
Changes and Features Over Time
Christ Church has been updated and improved over the years.
Restorations and Fittings
- In 1907, the church was restored, which means it was repaired and brought back to good condition.
- Most of the church's furniture and decorations were replaced in 1913. This included the font (where baptisms happen) and the pulpit (where sermons are given).
- The floor in the chancel (the area around the altar) and the baptistery (the area for baptisms) was replaced with a beautiful mosaic design.
Stained Glass Windows
Several stunning stained glass windows have been added to the church over the years:
- On the east side, there's a window from 1903 showing the Crucifixion and Ascension of Christ. It also features Saint Wilfred and Saint Helena.
- On the north side, there are two windows from 1915. One shows Christ Blessing Little Children. The other, designed by Kayll and Reed, shows acts of charity.
Modern Additions
In the 1980s, a church hall was added to the south side of the church. This hall was designed by Ken Murta and Austin Peter Fawcett.
Important People Connected to Christ Church
Many notable people have been involved with Christ Church:
- Martyn Snow, who is now the Bishop of Leicester, was the vicar (the main priest) at Christ Church from 2001 to 2010.
- John Marsh, who used to be the Archdeacon of Blackburn, worked as a curate (a junior priest) at the church in the 1980s.
See also
- Listed buildings in Sheffield
- List of Commissioners' churches in Yorkshire
