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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 Church of England parish church located in Eltham, a part of London. A parish church is a church that serves a specific local area. This church is a grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical building protected by law. It is also home to the Gallipoli Memorial Chapel, a special place dedicated in 1917 to remember those who died in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.

History of Holy Trinity Church

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

The main parts of the church were built between 1868 and 1869. These sections include the chancel (the area around the altar), the transepts (parts that stick out like arms of a cross), and the eastern parts of the nave (the main area where people sit). These were designed by a famous architect named G. E. Street.

Later, in 1908, more sections were added. These included a vestry (a room for clergy robes), a baptistery (where baptisms happen), and the western part of the nave. These additions were designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield and Sons. The church's style is called Gothic Revival, which means it looks like old Gothic churches from the Middle Ages.

The Gallipoli Memorial Chapel

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

During the First World War, the church's vicar, Henry Hall, served as a military chaplain. This means he was a priest who worked with soldiers. He was with the 29th Division of the British Army. This division fought in the Gallipoli Campaign, a major battle.

Vicar Hall was injured during the campaign and had to leave the army. When he returned to Eltham, he wanted to honor the soldiers who had died. He decided to turn the St Agnes Chapel into the Gallipoli Memorial Chapel. It was officially opened by General Sir Ian Hamilton on April 25, 1917.

On June 8, 1973, the Church of Holy Trinity was officially named a grade II listed building. This status helps protect its historical importance.

Holy Trinity Church Today

The Church of Holy Trinity in Eltham is part of the Church of England. It belongs to the Archdeaconry of Lewisham & Greenwich and the Diocese of Southwark. These are like different regions or areas within the Church of England.

The church follows an "Inclusive Catholic" tradition. This means it is a welcoming place for everyone. It is also a member of an organization called Inclusive Church.

Notable Clergy

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

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