Holy Rood Church, Barnsley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Rood Church |
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| 53°33′03″N 1°29′03″W / 53.5507°N 1.4841°W | |
| OS grid reference | SE3427906132 |
| Location | Barnsley |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | CatholicBarnsley.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | Feast of the Cross |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 13 January 1986 |
| Architect(s) | Edward Simpson |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1905 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Holy Rood |
| Deanery | Barnsley |
| Diocese | Hallam |
| Province | Liverpool |
Holy Rood Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. It first opened its doors in 1905. You can find it in the town centre, on the corner of Castlereagh Street and George Street. The church was designed by Edward Simpson and is a special building, listed as Grade II. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.
Contents
The Story of Holy Rood Church
How the Church Started
Around the year 1800, about 40 Catholic people in Barnsley needed a place to worship. They met with Father Vincent Louis Dennis, a French priest. He was teaching the children of John Payne, who owned Newhill Hall. Father Dennis agreed to help the local Catholic community.
Father Dennis passed away in 1819. But in 1822, the local people started building their own church. It was finished in 1824. This first church was quite simple, like a barn. It quickly became too small for the growing number of people. By 1831, 378 baptisms had taken place since Father Dennis began his work.
Because more space was needed, a second, larger church opened in 1832. This new church even had schoolrooms in its basement. Later, a special school building was built in 1859.
Building the Current Church
In 1903, work began on the Holy Rood Church you see today. The parish priest also invited the Sisters of Mercy to Barnsley. They came to help the church with its work in the community.
The church opened in 1905. It stands on a high spot, so its tall spire can be seen across the Barnsley town centre skyline. The church was officially made sacred on May 14, 1919. It was designed by Edward Simpson and his son Charles Simpson, who were architects from Bradford.
Church Design and Features
Holy Rood Church is built in the Late Victorian Gothic style. It has a roof made of Welsh slate. A tall tower stands on the north-west side of the building. The tower starts as a square shape at the bottom. Then it changes to an eight-sided shape. The spire at the top is made of stone and has gargoyles around it.
Inside the church, you can see beautiful artwork. There are two marble sculptures: one of a Pietà (Mary holding Jesus) and one of Saint Patrick. There are also two stone sculptures of Saint Michael and Saint Anthony. Above these sculptures, a long carving called a frieze shows the Stations of the Cross. At the back of the church, there is a gallery where the organ is. There is also a special area called the lady chapel in the south part of the church.
Catholic Churches in Barnsley
Holy Rood Church is connected to Our Lady and St James Church in Worsbrough. Both churches share the same weekly newsletter. They are also served by the same priest.
Our Lady and St James Church in Worsbrough was built in 1902. It was designed by T. H. and F. Healey. This church was first an Anglican church, dedicated only to Saint James. Later, when it was no longer used, local Catholics bought it. They then rededicated it to Our Lady and St James. This church is also a Grade II listed building.
At Holy Rood Church, Sunday Mass is celebrated at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Our Lady and St James Church has a special evening Mass on Saturday at 6:00 PM.
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Our Lady and St James Church, Worsbrough
See also
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Hallam
