Christ Church, Woking facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church |
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Christ Church, Woking, with the town War Memorial in the foreground
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| 51°19′11.8″N 0°33′29.1″W / 51.319944°N 0.558083°W | |
| Location | Woking |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | Christ Church website |
| History | |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Consecrated | 14 June 1893 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | W.F. Unsworth |
| Architectural type | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1887 |
| Completed | 1908 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Guildford |
| Province | Canterbury |
Christ Church is a church located in Woking, England. It belongs to the Church of England and is part of the Diocese of Guildford.
Contents
History of Christ Church
Early Days and Growth
In the 1870s, more and more people were moving to Woking. At first, church services were held in a small room at a local shop. But by 1877, too many people wanted to attend, and the room became too crowded.
To fit everyone, a special church hall was built. It was known as the 'Iron Room' and could hold about 400 people. This hall was built on the same spot where the current Christ Church stands today.
Planning the New Church
A company called the London Necropolis Railway was selling off a lot of land. They set aside a piece of land especially for a church, a vicar's house, and a burial ground. This land included the site where the Iron Room and the modern church were built.
Because the Iron Room was still too crowded, people decided on February 11, 1885, that a brand new church was needed. They estimated it would cost between £4,000 and £5,000 to build.
Building Christ Church
Construction on Christ Church began in 1887. The first stone was laid by the Duchess of Albany, an important royal figure. The church held its very first service on New Year's Day in 1889.
The church wasn't fully finished until 1908. This was when the side sections, called transepts, and a small morning chapel were completed.
Modern Changes
In recent years, Christ Church has been updated. It now includes a café and a bookshop, making it a place for the community to gather beyond just services.
