Churches in Harrogate facts for kids
Harrogate, a town in North Yorkshire, England, is home to many churches. There are about 30 churches in the town, and new ones sometimes open while others might close. Most of these churches are listed on the Churches Together website.
Christianity has been a part of Harrogate's history since the 1400s. Early chapels were built in an area now known as The Stray. For example, St John's chantry chapel was started in 1439. This chapel later became Christ Church. A bell from that old church is now in the tower of West Park United Reformed Church.
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Anglican Churches in Harrogate
In the past, around 1851, other Christian groups like Methodists were very common in Harrogate. However, today, the largest group is the Church of England, also known as Anglican. They have many different churches across the town.
Christ Church on The Stray was the very first church building in Harrogate. It started as a smaller church from St John's in Knaresborough. Over time, it grew into its own parish. Christ Church then helped start other churches. These include St Peter's in the town centre, St John's in Bilton, and St Andrew's in Starbeck. All these churches, including Christ Church, are still active today.
As Harrogate grew, more churches were built. These included St. Wilfrid's and St Mark's. Some churches, like All Saints in Harlow Hill and St Mary's, have closed in recent years. A new type of church, called the Kairos Church, has started. It works as a network across the town.
The Anglican churches in Harrogate are the biggest group in the town. They work closely with many other churches, no matter what their specific group is called.
Roman Catholic Churches
Roman Catholic churches are also an important part of the Christian community in Harrogate. St Robert's is in the town centre. It is the largest single church in Harrogate. It also has a chapel at St John Fisher Catholic High School. There are other Catholic churches too. These include St Aelred's in the Fairfax area and St Joseph's in the north of the town.
Methodist Churches
Methodism has played a very important role in Harrogate's religious life. Today, many Methodist activities happen at chapels like Woodlands and Bar Chapel. The large Wesley Chapel in the town centre has a special connection with St Peter's church. Trinity Chapel on The Stray was recently updated. This was done to help it continue its work in the future.
Other Traditional Churches
Victoria Avenue in the town centre was designed for several different churches. Today, it is home to St Paul's and West Park United Reformed Churches. It also houses Harrogate Baptist Church. The Quaker meeting house, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, is nearby on Queens Parade.
The Town Mission on Mayfield Grove changed names over time. It became the Evangelical Free Church, then Mayfield Community Church. Later, it was known as Mowbray Community Church. The original Victorian church building was sold.
Newer Churches
Many newer churches have started in Harrogate. They add a lot to the town's community life. These include New Life, which meets at the Cedar Court Hotel. Life Destiny Church shares its building with Starbeck Methodist Church. Jennyfields Evangelical Church is another example, along with several others.
Churches Together in Harrogate
Churches Together in Harrogate is an organization that helps churches work together. It encourages them to act as one community. It also helps build friendships between the different churches. Ministers from many different churches meet regularly through this group.
See also
- List of places of worship in Harrogate
- Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Grove Road, Harrogate
