Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Killinghall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Killinghall
St Thomas the Apostle Parish Church
St Thomas the Apostle, 2016
Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Killinghall Location in North Yorkshire
54°1′18″N 1°33′59″W / 54.02167°N 1.56639°W / 54.02167; -1.56639
OS grid reference	SE286584
Location	Killinghall, North Yorkshire
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
Churchmanship	Central
History
Status	Parish church
Founded	26 April 1879
Dedication	Thomas the Apostle
Dedicated	29 July 1880
Consecrated	29 July 1880
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Unlisted
Architectural type	Parish church
Style	Gothic Revival architecture
Specifications
Bells	2
Administration
Parish	Ecclesiastical parish of Killinghall
Deanery	Harrogate (46503)
Archdeaconry	Richmond and Craven (465)
Diocese	Ripon and Leeds

The Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Killinghall is an Anglican parish church in Killinghall, North Yorkshire, England. It was designed in 1879 by William Swinden Barber. The church was needed because the village of Killinghall was growing. It officially opened in 1880.

Building a New Church in Killinghall

Before St Thomas' was built, people in Killinghall had to walk about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to Ripley church. This was hard for older or sick people. For a while, they used the schoolroom for church services. However, the Bishop of Ripon felt a proper church building was needed.

Why a New Church Was Needed

In the 1870s, Killinghall village was getting bigger. By 1879, it had 6,200 people. They needed a church closer than the one in Ripley. So, Killinghall became its own separate church area, called a parish.

How the Church Was Funded

Money for the new church came from selling a farm in Ripley. Dr and Mrs Beaumont of Knaresborough donated over an acre of land for the church. Other local landowners also gave money. This allowed the church committee to plan for a vicarage (the vicar's home) too.

The committee received a grant of £1,500 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. They needed to raise about £3,000 for the church building. It was planned to hold 400–500 people. Another £1,500 was needed for the vicarage.

To raise money, a large sale (called a bazaar) was held in August 1879. It raised over £300. By July 1880, the church building cost more than £4,000. This money came from donations and fundraising events.

The Church Building and Design

North-east corner of the church

The first stone of the church was laid on April 26, 1879. This important event was done by Sir Henry Day Ingilby of Ripley Castle. About 300 people watched.

The church was designed in a style called Decorated Gothic. This style was popular between 1290 and 1350. The church is built from stone blocks from Killinghall quarry. The outside wall, built in 1880, also uses local stone.

The front of the church has two windows with a special design. It looks like a Canterbury cross. The North Porch has a St Thomas Cross on top. This porch was later changed into a toilet around 2015.

Building Materials and Workers

The main builder (mason) was James Simpson of Harrogate. He built many local buildings using stone from Killinghall quarry. The woodworker was William Bellerby of York. Other workers included a slater, a plasterer, a plumber, and painters. The total cost for work and materials in 1880 was about £3,000.

The bells in the bellcote

Bells and Clock

The church has two bells. The larger bell was made in 1879. It is rung using a bellrope. The smaller bell is connected to the clock. It was likely added in the 1930s when the clock was installed. The clock and its bell were given by the daughters of George Lewis. He was a churchwarden for 41 years.

Inside the Church

Font by Charles Mawer, showing square symbolising Thomas the Apostle

Inside, the church has a main area called the nave. On each side are aisles, separated by arches. The front part of the church, called the chancel, is a few steps higher. It has choir stalls designed by the architect.

The font (for baptisms) and the pulpit (where sermons are given) are made of Caen stone. They were paid for by Lady Ingilby. The church also received gifts like communion plate, chairs, and linen. The altar was given by Thomas Strother in memory of his mother. A beautiful wooden screen, called a chancel screen, was added in 1905.

Organ

The pipe organ was installed in 1908. It was built by William Andrews of Bradford. It has a carved oak case. The organ was renovated in 1992. Dinah Cautley, a big supporter of the church, donated this organ. It was one of the largest in the area at the time.

2nd Lieut Strother, remembered on a memorial plaque

Memorial Plaques

The church has several plaques that remember people. One brass plaque honors churchwarden George Lewis. There are also three plaques for the Strother family. This includes John Marmaduke Strother, who was killed in action in World War I at age 24. He is also remembered on the Arras Memorial.

Dinah Cautley, who gave a lot to the church, also has a plaque. Another plaque remembers a judge, Frederick McCulloch Jowitt. There is also a tablet for Arthur Keightley Smith. He was the son of the church's first vicar and was lost at sea during World War II.

Changes in the Early 1900s

Hodgson Fowler's 1905 chancel screen

Between 1905 and 1908, the chancel area of the church was updated. The altar and choir stalls were moved and replaced. The floor was raised and new stone was laid. A new carved oak chancel screen was added. This screen had wrought iron gates to keep strangers out when the church was open for prayer. The cost was about £265, raised by donations. The new designs were made by C. Hodgson Fowler.

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  Fowler's drawing of Barber's 1880 interior design for chancel

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  Hodgson Fowler's 1905 design for chancel

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  Fowler's drawing of Barber's east window and chancel arches

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  Hodgson Fowler's 1905 retable and chancel screen design

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  The chancel between 1905 and 1913

Stained Glass Windows

South Aisle Windows

The Mary and Elizabeth window

The window on the south side shows Elizabeth and her son John the Baptist. It also shows the Madonna and Child. This window was given in memory of Amelia Tanner.

Another window shows a scene from the Bible where Jesus heals sick people. This was given by Dinah Cautley in 1887. She gave it in memory of her husband William, who was a doctor. A third window in this aisle shows the Annunciation and the Resurrection. It was given by Dinah Cautley in memory of her mother.

Chancel Windows

The east window

A window on the north side of the chancel shows the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. It also shows Jesus raising the son of the widow of Nain. This window was given to William Strother by his mother.

The large east window was made by Cox & Son. Its design is based on the story of Doubting Thomas. In this image, Thomas finally believes after seeing Jesus' wounds. The top of the window has symbols like the Paschal Lamb and a pelican feeding its young. These symbols represent sacrifice. This window was paid for by Thomas Strother.

Another window on the north side of the chancel is for Thomas Strother (1806–1879). It shows St Peter with the Keys of Heaven and Paul the Apostle with a sword.

North Aisle Windows

The King David window

A window at the east end of the north aisle shows Mary and Martha of Bethany. Mary is shown praying and reading, while Martha has items like a spinning wheel. This window is dedicated to Ann Mitchell, the village postmistress.

The three-light window on the north aisle has a theme of music and spreading the word of God. It shows King David playing music in the center. The dedication for this window is missing. However, it was said to be given by William Clapham Cautley. It honors George Thomas Woods, who was the church organist for 24 years.

West Wall Windows

Part of the west window

The windows on the west wall are similar. The stone outside each window has a Canterbury cross shape. The colored glass around the cross shows a sunburst. The main parts of these windows have clear glass. This lets in a lot of light, especially on the font. One window has the Star of David. The other has the IHS symbol, which stands for Jesus. These windows were made by Cox and Son. They were paid for by Reverend T.C. Thompson.

Church Architect

William Swinden Barber The church was designed by William Swinden Barber (1832–1908). He was an architect who specialized in Gothic Revival churches. He worked mostly in Brighouse and Halifax. He designed many churches with bell-gables around 1880. He often designed the church's interior fittings himself. These were then made by local woodcarvers and sculptors.

Church Consecration

Bishop Robert Bickersteth

The church was officially opened and blessed (called consecrated) by Robert Bickersteth. He was the Bishop of Ripon at the time. This happened on Thursday, July 29, 1880.

The village was very lively on that day. Carriages and people came from everywhere. The church was completely full. Important people like Sir Henry Day and Lady Ingilby from Ripley Castle attended. Many local priests and other important figures were also there.

East wall of the church

The bishop was welcomed at the church entrance. Sir H.D. Ingilby presented the request for the church to be consecrated. Then, a procession of church officials and 23 clergymen went to the chancel. The Killinghall choir sang with the Ripley choristers. Fred Mitchell played the harmonium.

The bishop gave a sermon. He said that now there was a church nearby, people had "no excuse" not to attend. He hoped people would be thankful and use the church often. The money collected that day went towards paying off the church building debt. It also helped save for a future vicarage. The collection raised £40.

After the service, a sale was held in the schoolroom. It raised between £20 and £25. About 200 local people enjoyed tea. An evening service was also held, raising more money for the building fund.

Church Celebrations

The church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1930. The service was led by Canon Sydney Robert Ellison, the second vicar.

On July 29, 1980, a special service was held for the church's 100th anniversary. It was led by David Young, the Bishop of Ripon. Afterwards, Sir Thomas C.W. Ingilby cut a celebration cake. At this event, it was noted that the church had recorded 1,437 baptisms, 491 marriages, and 1,077 burials.

Graveyard

19th-century monuments in the graveyard

The church's burial ground was consecrated right after the church building, on July 29, 1880. The first burials happened in 1880. Burials continued there at least until 1993. Dinah Cautley and her husband, who gave a lot to the church, have a large grave here.

Vicarage

The old vicarage, the home for the vicar, was built nearby between 1880 and 1882. It might have been designed by William Swinden Barber. Parties and events used to be held in its gardens. It was sold in 1976. This happened when the Killinghall parish joined with Hampsthwaite. The vicar would then live in Hampsthwaite.

Services and Activities

Services are held most Sundays at 9:30 am at St Thomas the Apostle. On the fourth Sunday of the month, a joint service is held at 11 am. This service rotates between Killinghall, Birstwith, Hampsthwaite, and Felliscliffe churches. The Book of Common Prayer is used.

There is a Sunday school in the village hall on the first Sunday of each month. Holy Communion is held on the first and second Sundays. All-age worship is on the third Sunday. During school term time, there is tea and toast with prayers on Tuesday mornings. On the second Tuesday of the month, there is a mums and tots session. The church also has a choir and hosts music concerts.

Accessibility

The church building has wheelchair-accessible toilets. It also has baby-changing facilities. There is an Audio induction loop for people with hearing aids. large-print hymn books are available. guide dogs are welcome. A crèche (childcare) is sometimes offered.

Church Leaders (Vicars)

The church has had many vicars (priests) over the years.

Reverend Reginald Keightley Smith (1880–1903)

He was the first vicar of Killinghall parish. He started his role when the church was consecrated in 1880. He served until his death in 1904. He performed the church's first baptism in August 1880.

Canon Sydney Robert Elliston (1904–1935)

He followed Reverend Smith. He served during difficult times, including World War I and the Great Depression. He resigned in 1935 due to poor health.

Reverend Alfred William Price (1936–1940)

He was the first of two vicars who served during World War II. He was known for his humor. Once, when a parishioner complained about his and the choirboys' untidy hair, he joked about receiving brushes and combs.

Canon Lindsay Shorland-Ball (1940–1947)

He was the second vicar during World War II. He also served as a naval chaplain. He noted that church attendance had dropped after the war.

Venerable Robert Collier (1948–1952)

He had previously worked as a missionary in Kenya and India. He was also a chaplain to the forces.

Reverend Andrew Hodgson (1952–1958)

He served as vicar for six years. He was also a chaplain to the Territorial Army.

Reverend Robert V. Morris (1958–1976)

During his time, the church had a "fine choir" known for its high-quality music. They were even invited to sing at Ripon Cathedral.

Reverend John Frederick Walker (1976–1986)

He was the priest in charge when the Killinghall parish unofficially joined with Hampsthwaite. He wrote a pamphlet for the church's 100th anniversary in 1980.

Reverend Anthony George Hudson (1987–1999)

He became the priest in charge when the parishes of Hampsthwaite and Killinghall officially combined.

Reverend Garry Anthony Frank Hinchcliffe (2000–2013)

He served as vicar for Hampsthwaite and Killinghall, and later Birstwith too.

Reverend Christella Helen Wilson (2014–Present)

She became the vicar for St Thomas, Hampsthwaite (which includes Killinghall and Birstwith) in 2014.

The interior of the church in 2016