Corpus Christi Church, Brixton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corpus Christi Church |
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Front of the church
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| OS grid reference | TQ3075574673 |
| Location | Brixton, London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | CorpusChristiBrixton.org |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founder(s) | Fr Henrik van Doorne |
| Dedication | Body of Christ |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | 27 January 1981 |
| Designated | Grade II* listed |
| Architect(s) | John Francis Bentley |
| Groundbreaking | 14 July 1886 |
| Completed | 12 June 1887 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Lambeth |
| Archdiocese | Southwark |
| Province | Southwark |
Corpus Christi Church is a Roman Catholic Parish church located in Brixton, a part of London. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Southwark. This church was started in 1886. It was designed by a famous architect named John Francis Bentley. Today, it is recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it is very important historically and architecturally.
Contents
History of Corpus Christi Church
This section tells you about how Corpus Christi Church was started and built.
How the Church Began
In 1880, a priest named Rev. Henrik van Doorne began helping local Catholic people in Brixton. He came from Flanders and had lived in England for many years. He bought a house for £2,610 to use as a small chapel.
In 1885, a well-known architect, John Francis Bentley, was asked to design a bigger church. He suggested buying a large house called Bethel House. This house was on the corner of Brixton Hill and Horsford Road. It was bought for £3,550. On July 14, 1886, the first stone of the church was laid. This was done by Bishop John Butt of Southwark.
Building the Church
The church officially opened on June 12, 1887. Bishop Butt also opened it. At first, only part of the church was built because there wasn't enough money. This included the main altar area (chancel) and two smaller chapels.
Later, in 1904, more parts of the church called the transepts were added. These are the parts that stick out from the sides, making the church look like a cross from above.
Recent History
In 1902, a school called Corpus Christi Primary School was built. It was placed behind the church, on the land where Bethel House used to be.
For many years, a group of priests called the Society of Jesus (also known as Jesuits) helped manage the church. But on July 23, 2005, they handed the church back to the Archdiocese of Southwark. The Archdiocese continues to look after the church and its community today.
The Church Community (Parish)
Even though the church was not fully completed as planned, it can hold about 300 people inside. It might look bigger from the outside.
The church holds several services each week. On Saturdays, there is one evening service at 6:00 PM. On Sundays, there are four services: at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 12 midday, and another at 6:00 PM. There are also services during the week, usually at 10:00 AM from Monday to Saturday. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there are extra evening services at 7:00 PM.
The church also helps people in the local area. HM Prison Brixton is nearby. Priests from Corpus Christi Church visit the prison to hold services for the people living and working there. These services happen on Saturdays at 9:15 AM.
Corpus Christi Church also works closely with Corpus Christi School. The school's goal is to give children the best education. It also teaches them about Catholic beliefs and values.
See also
