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Church of Holy Trinity, Eltham
Holy Trinity, Eltham
The Western Face of the Church of Holy Trinity, Eltham.jpg
51°26′54″N 0°03′52″E / 51.44835°N 0.06450°E / 51.44835; 0.06450
Location Southend Crescent, Eltham, Greater London, SE9 2SD
Country England
Denomination Church of England
Churchmanship Inclusive Catholic
History
Status Active
Architecture
Functional status Parish church
Heritage designation Grade II listed
Style Gothic Revival
Administration
Parish Holy Trinity, Eltham
Deanery Eltham and Mottingham Deanery
Archdeaconry Archdeaconry of Lewisham & Greenwich
Episcopal area Woolwich Episcopal Area
Diocese Diocese of Southwark

The Church of Holy Trinity is a special church in Eltham, London. It's part of the Church of England. This church is important enough to be a grade II listed building, which means it's protected. Inside, there's a special place called the Gallipoli Memorial Chapel. It was built in 1917 to remember people who died in a big war event called the Gallipoli Campaign.

Building the Church

War memorial outside Holy Trinity Church (geograph 2533590)
War memorial outside the Church

Building the church started a long time ago. From 1868 to 1869, the main parts like the chancel and nave were built. A famous architect named G. E. Street designed these first sections.

Later, in 1908, more parts were added. These included a vestry (a room for clergy) and a baptistery (where baptisms happen). These new parts were designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield and Sons. The church is built in a style called Gothic Revival. This means it looks like old Gothic churches from the Middle Ages.

The Gallipoli Memorial Chapel

In 1909, a special area called the St Agnes Chapel was built. A person named Edith Gertrude Latter paid for it. Sir Arthur Blomfield and Sons also designed this chapel. It was decorated by a company called C. E. Kempe and Co.

During the First World War, the church's vicar, Henry Hall, served as a chaplain. He helped soldiers in the 29th Division of the British Army. This division fought in the Gallipoli Campaign. Vicar Hall was hurt during the campaign and had to leave the army.

When he returned to Eltham, he wanted to honor those who had died. He changed the St Agnes Chapel into the Gallipoli Memorial Chapel. It was officially opened by General Sir Ian Hamilton on April 25, 1917. This chapel is a lasting memorial to the soldiers.

Holy Trinity Today

The Church of Holy Trinity in Eltham is still an active parish church. It belongs to the Diocese of Southwark.

The church follows an "Inclusive Catholic" tradition within the Church of England. This means it welcomes everyone and has a style of worship that includes older traditions. It is also a member of a group called Inclusive Church.

On June 8, 1973, the church was officially named a grade II listed building. This protects its special architecture and history.

Notable People Connected to the Church

Over the years, several important people have served at Holy Trinity Church:

  • Charles Cockbill: He was an assistant curate here. Later, he became an Archdeacon.
  • Mike Harrison: He was the vicar from 1998 to 2006. He later became a bishop.
  • Jeffrey John: He served as vicar from 1991 to 1997. He later became the Dean of St Albans.
  • Christopher Lowson: He was the vicar from 1983 to 1991. He later became the Bishop of Lincoln.
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