Church of St Birinus, Morgan's Vale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Birinus |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1896 |
| Location | |
| Location | Morgan's Vale, Wiltshire, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Charles Ponting |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
The Church of St Birinus is a beautiful Church of England church located in Morgan's Vale, Wiltshire, England. It was designed by the architect Charles Ponting and built between 1894 and 1896. Since 1985, this church has been recognized as a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical building worth protecting.
Contents
A Look Back: How the Church Was Built
Early Beginnings
Before the current Church of St Birinus was built, there was an older building. This first building was used both as a small chapel and an infant school. It was built in 1868–69 to serve the local village. The school opened in January 1869, and the chapel started holding services in February 1869.
A Special Gift
The idea for a new, bigger church came from a generous gift. A man named Rev. Edward Augustus Ferryman, who lived nearby, passed away in 1884. He left £2,000 in his will to build a new church. He also left £4,000 to help support the church financially. This money became available after his wife passed away. Rev. Ferryman wanted the new church to be a memorial to his uncle, Charles Theobold Maud.
Building the Church
After Mrs. Ferryman died in December 1891, the plans for the new church began. The chosen spot for the church was right next to the old chapel and school building. Charles Ponting, an architect from Marlborough, drew up the designs. A local builder, Charles Mitchell from Woodfalls, was chosen to construct the church.
The foundation stone, which is the very first stone laid for a building, was placed on September 27, 1894. This important event was done by Horatio Nelson, who was the 3rd Earl Nelson. The church was finished and officially opened by the Bishop of Salisbury, Right Rev. John Wordsworth, on February 1, 1896. The entire building project cost £2,200.
Church Furnishings
When the church first opened, it used a harmonium for music. This is a type of keyboard instrument. Later, enough money was raised to buy a proper organ. It was made by Conacher and Co. from Huddersfield and cost £185. The Bishop of Salisbury dedicated the new organ on December 19, 1900. The church also didn't have a pulpit, which is a raised stand where the preacher speaks, until 1901. An unknown person donated money for an oak pulpit, which was dedicated on June 30, 1901.
What the Church Looks Like
Design and Materials
The Church of St Birinus is built using local red bricks and has a tiled roof. The decorative parts are made from Bath stone, a type of limestone. The church was designed to hold 160 people.
It has several main parts:
- The nave is the main area where the congregation sits.
- The chancel is the part of the church near the altar, usually for the clergy and choir.
- An organ chamber is where the organ is located.
- A west baptistery is a special area for baptisms.
- A vestry is a room where clergy prepare for services.
- A south porch is an entrance area.
There is also a tower at the west end with a bellcote, which is a small structure holding one bell. A small statue of St Birinus is placed above one of the buttresses, which are supports on the outside walls. This statue was modeled in clay by Miss A. M. Palmer.
Windows and Floors
The large five-light east window, installed in 1895, is a beautiful feature. It was made by Heaton, Butler and Bayne and is described as "fine Arts and Crafts" style. This window includes three sections that were originally in the old school chapel. Mrs. Ferryman had them installed there in memory of her husband. The windows at the west end of the baptistery and in the vestry are made of oak. The floors in the nave, baptistery, and vestry are paved with wood blocks, while the chancel and porch have tiled floors. The original font, used for baptisms, is made of Bath stone and has an oak cover.
The Church Today
Serving the Community
In 1915, a special church area, called an ecclesiastical district, was created for the Church of St Birinus. This area was formed from parts of the Downton and Redlynch parishes. In 1968, the church joined with St Mary's, Redlynch. Today, the Church of St Birinus is one of six churches that are part of the Forest & Avon Team Ministry, serving the local community.
