Christ Church, Worthing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church |
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_(IoE_Code_432521).JPG)
The church seen from the south
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| 50°48′45″N 0°22′25″W / 50.81258°N 0.37359°W | |
| Location | Grafton Road, Worthing, West Sussex |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | www.ChristChurchWorthing.org.uk/ |
| History | |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Dedicated | 1843 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | John Elliott |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1812 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Worthing, Holy Trinity with Christ Church |
| Diocese | Diocese of Chichester |
Christ Church in Worthing, England, is an old church with a special history. It was officially opened in 1843 by the Bishop of Chichester, Ashurst Turner Gilbert. The church was built to help provide a place of worship for people who were not wealthy.
It was built between 1840 and 1843, paid for by donations. At first, it was like a smaller church connected to St Mary's Church in Broadwater. But in 1855, Christ Church became its own church with its own parish.
Contents
About Christ Church
Christ Church is the second oldest Church of England church still standing in Worthing town centre. Only St Paul's Church, which is very close by, is older. Christ Church stands tall at 85 feet (26 metres). It is one of Worthing's most noticeable buildings made of flint stone.
A Church for Everyone
This church was mainly built to offer a place for poorer people in Worthing to attend services. The other local church, St Paul's, was a "proprietary chapel." This meant people had to pay to have a seat, which made it hard for those with less money to attend. Christ Church was created to be open to everyone, regardless of their income.
Its Place in Worthing
In 1860, Christ Church also had schools for girls and young children. These schools were in a flint building, just south of the church. They were built in the same Gothic Revival style as the church.
History and Key People
Early Days and Growth
From 1855 to 1865, Philip Bennett Power was the person in charge of Christ Church. He was very active in the community. In 1859, he started the Workmen's Reading Room. This was a place where working people could go to read and learn. He also helped edit a local newspaper called the Worthing Messenger and Workmen's Friend.
Notable Burials
The church has a burial ground. A famous person buried there is John Turtle Wood. He was an architect, engineer, and archaeologist. He lived in Worthing and is well-known for discovering the ancient city of Ephesus.
Christ Church Today
Christ Church Worthing used to be known as the "Parish Church of Worthing." For a while, it was part of a larger group of churches. However, in 2008, it became part of a new group called Holy Trinity with Christ Church. This group also includes Holy Trinity Church and St. Pauls.
Since February 2013, Reverend Matthew Luff has been the Priest in Charge. After a service in 2014, all church services now take place at Christ Church on Grafton Road. The church continues to serve the people of Worthing.
Music at the Church
Christ Church has a strong tradition of choral music. This means they have a good choir. The church's organ is also very special. It was built in 1892 by J.J.Binns in Leeds. The church got the organ in 1967 when its original church was being torn down. It was rebuilt and installed in Christ Church in 1970. The organ is located in the south transept gallery.
See also
