Church of St George, Letchworth facts for kids
St George's Church is a modern Church of England church located in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. It opened in 1964 and has a unique arrow shape with a tall, 120-foot concrete spire. Inside, people sit in a semi-circle facing the altar (the special table used during services). The church was designed in a style popular after World War II. In 2015, it was given a special "Grade II listed" status because of its amazing design and the way different materials were used to build it.
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History of St George's Church
For about 850 years, the main church for the village of Norton was the Church of St Nicholas. But as more homes were built and Norton grew into a part of Letchworth, people realized a bigger church was needed.
Building a New Church in Letchworth
Plans were made for a large, old-style (Gothic) church and a hall. However, only the hall was built, opening in 1915. This hall was used for church services for about 50 years. After World War II, even more houses were built nearby in the Grange Estate. This made the need for a new, bigger church even more urgent. From 1955 to the early 1960s, local people regularly gave money to help pay for the new church.
Designing St George's Church
St George's Church was designed by an architect named Peter Bosanquet (1918–2005). He worked for a company called Brett, Boyd and Bosanquet. Bosanquet also designed many of the church's inside features, like the pews (church benches). These were made from a special African wood called utile. Many people think this church is Bosanquet's best and most creative design.
Special Features and Artworks
He also designed other items, such as the special sticks used by churchwardens, all the candle holders, and the hymn board. These items were made at the nearby Norton School. Above the altar, there is a sculpture of Christ made from fiberglass. This artwork was created by Harry R Phillips (1911–1976). It was made to show the idea of the Resurrection (Christ rising from the dead) and the Ascension (Christ going up to heaven).
Construction and Opening of the Church
Building work on the church started in August 1962. It was built on a triangular piece of land. The main builders were J T Openshaw Ltd from Letchworth. The total cost of building the church was £46,000. The first stone was laid by John Trillo, who was the Bishop of Bedford, on April 27, 1963. The church was officially opened and made sacred on July 27, 1964, by Michael Gresford Jones, the Bishop of St Albans.
Unique Church Layout
The church has a very unusual shape, like an arrow. The seats are arranged in a fan shape, all pointing towards the altar at the front. This design means that everyone in the church can see clearly. The builders used plain concrete and natural wood. This was meant to remind people of the simple life of Christ. The round, black concrete font (where baptisms take place) is placed around the only pillar in the church. This symbolizes that just as the pillar supports the church building, baptism supports the Church.
Expert's View on the Design
A famous expert named Nikolaus Pevsner wrote about the church. He said it was a clever and impressive design that fit its corner location well. He noted how the large, sweeping roof looked like the older houses in the area. Pevsner especially liked how the building's structure and its fittings worked together. He pointed out that the tall concrete spire, made of two sides of a triangle, lets light into the roof. It also goes through the roof to form a background for the altar and crucifix. He also mentioned that the roof is held up by a concrete pillar at the west end, and the font is placed around this pillar, looking like a large ring. The entrance at the west end is cleverly placed under the organ area.
Connection to St Albans Cathedral
There is a special Roman tile from St Albans Cathedral set into the mosaic floor beneath the font. This tile marks the connection between the cathedral and this local church.
Gallery
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Statue of the Risen Christ above the altar
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The organ and choir
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The Lady Chapel
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The wooden Madonna and Child
