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 church located in Brixton, London. It is a special building because it is a Grade II* listed building, which means it is very important historically and architecturally. The church was designed by a famous architect named John Francis Bentley. It serves as a local church, also known as a Parish church, for the community in Brixton.
Contents
History of Corpus Christi Church
How the Church Started
In 1880, a priest named Rev. Henrik van Doorne from Flanders (a region in Belgium) began helping local Catholic people in Brixton. He bought a house for £2,610 to use as a small chapel. This was the beginning of the church's story.
In 1885, the church leaders asked John Francis Bentley 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.
Building the Church
The first stone for the new church was laid on July 14, 1886. This was done by Bishop John Butt of Southwark. The church officially opened on June 12, 1887.
At first, only part of the church was built because there wasn't enough money. They built the main altar area (called the chancel), two small chapels, and a sacristy (a room where priests prepare). Later, in 1904, the side sections of the church, called transepts, were added.
Important Events Over Time
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. This school helps educate children in the community.
For many years, a group of priests called the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuits) helped manage the church. However, on July 23, 2005, they handed the church's management back to the main church authority in Southwark. This authority continues to look after the church and its community today.
The Church Community
Corpus Christi Church can hold about 300 people inside. Even though it looks bigger from the outside, it was never fully completed. The church holds five Sunday Masses (services) for its community. There is one Mass on Saturday evening at 6:00 pm. On Sunday, there are Masses at 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm (midday), and 6:00 pm.
Weekday Masses are held at 10:00 am from Monday to Saturday. There are also evening Masses on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:00 pm.
Helping the Community
HM Prison Brixton is located within the church's local area. Priests from Corpus Christi Church visit the prison. They say Mass for the people living there and the staff on Saturdays at 9:15 am.
The church also has a close connection with Corpus Christi School. The school's goal is to give children the best education possible. It does this while teaching them about the values and beliefs of the Catholic faith.
Images for kids
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Front of the church
