Highfield Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Highfield Church |
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| Christ Church, Portswood | |
Highfield Church in 2007
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 Highfield Church
Location in Southampton
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| 50°55′47″N 1°23′43″W / 50.9296°N 1.3952°W | |
| Location | Highfield, Southampton |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | www.highfield.church |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 12 September 1846 |
| Founder(s) | Charles Sumner |
| Dedication | Christ |
| Consecrated | 17 September 1847 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | by 1969 |
| Architect(s) | Joshua Brandon |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Materials | Purbeck Stone, Caen Stone mouldings |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Highfield |
| Diocese | Winchester |
Highfield Church is a special building in the Highfield area of Southampton, England. It's a parish church, which means it serves the local community. This church belongs to the Church of England and is part of the Diocese of Winchester. Its official name is Christ Church, Portswood, but most people call it Highfield Church.
Contents
The Story of Highfield Church
How It All Began
The very first stone for Highfield Church was put in place on September 12, 1846. The church was officially opened and blessed on September 17, 1847. This special ceremony was led by Charles Sumner, who was the Bishop of Winchester at the time.
The first minister of the church was Reverend Philip Raulin Robin. Even though its legal name is Christ Church, Portswood, it became known as Highfield Church in 1883.
Highfield Church During the World Wars
During the First World War (1914–1918), many men from the Highfield area went to fight. The church needed more space because new houses were being built nearby. So, a western part was added to the church to welcome the growing number of people. A special memorial for those who died in the First World War was put up near the south door in 1921.
During the Second World War (1939–1945), Southampton was heavily bombed. The church and its members worked hard to protect the building. They kept watch with buckets and shovels to put out any fires. The windows were covered with a rubber solution to stop glass from shattering.
A nearby church, St Barnabas, was destroyed in 1940. For a while, the two churches shared Highfield Church until St Barnabas was rebuilt in 1957.
In 1941, bombs fell near Highfield Church. The church didn't get serious damage, but windows at both ends were broken. Even though the roof needed 7,000 new tiles, the morning service still happened! The broken windows were replaced in 1952. These new windows became a memorial to those who died in the Second World War.
Recent History of the Church
Highfield Church celebrated its 100th birthday in September 1947. Special services were held, with two former vicars leading them.
By 1969, the church building was given "Grade II listed" status. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.
In 2011, the old wooden pews inside the church were replaced with comfy seats. The building was also updated and renovated to make it more modern and welcoming.
The Church Building and Its Design
The original church building had a main hall called a nave, a smaller area called a chancel with windows high up, and a side section called a south aisle. It also had a tower with a pointed roof called a spire, which held one bell.
The person who designed the church was Joshua Brandon. Sadly, he passed away before the church was finished and is buried in the churchyard. The church walls are made of Purbeck Stone, and the decorative parts are made of Caen Stone. The beautiful stained-glass windows were made by Nixon and Ward.
Over the years, the church has been changed and added to many times:
- In 1852, a house for the vicar, called a parsonage, was added.
- In 1855, another side section, the north aisle, was built.
- In 1863, gas lighting was put in, replacing the candles that were used before.
- In 1869, the chancel was rebuilt, the spire was fixed, and the windows were made taller.
- In 1885, new gas controls and lights were installed throughout the church.
- In 1915, the western part of the church was extended.
- In 1921, a memorial for the First World War was placed near the south door.
- In 1955, a west porch (an entrance area) was designed by Ernest Berry Webber. He was also the architect for the Civic Centre of Southampton. This porch was dedicated to Sir Sidney Kimber and his son.
- In 2011, the pews were replaced with soft seating, and the building was renovated and updated.
The Church's Location
Highfield Church is located where Highfield Lane and Church Lane meet in the Highfield area of Southampton.
Right next to the church is the Church Centre. This building is used by the church for its activities and by the community for events, like adult education classes. The main Highfield campus of the University of Southampton is also very close to the church. The Highfield Church of England School building stands right next to Highfield Church.
