Holy Trinity Church, Chipping Norton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Church
Church entrance
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OS grid reference	SP 31828 27329
Location	Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Country	England
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	BirminghamDiocese.org.uk
History
Status	Active
Founded	1836 (1836)
Dedication	Holy Trinity
Architecture
Functional status	Parish church
Heritage designation	Grade II listed
Designated	23 April 1952
Architect(s)	John Macduff Derick
Style	Classical Revival
Completed	25 October 1836
Administration
Deanery	Banbury
Diocese	Birmingham
Province	Birmingham

Holy Trinity Church is an old and important Catholic church in Chipping Norton, a town in Oxfordshire, England. You can find it on the London road, close to the town center. This church was built a long time ago, in 1836. It's so special that it's officially protected as a Grade II listed building, which means it's a historic landmark.

History of Holy Trinity Church

Building the Church

Holy Trinity Church was built in 1836. This was just seven years after a law called the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 was passed. This law made it easier for Catholics to practice their faith in England.

At that time, there were no official Catholic areas called "dioceses" in England. So, the church was looked after by a special leader called the Vicar Apostolic of the Midland District. The church was designed in a style called Classical Revival, which looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings. It's similar to the Chipping Norton Town Hall.

Jesuits and the Church

From 1922 to 1969, a group of priests called the Society of Jesus (also known as Jesuits) lived at Heythrop Park. This was a large country house in the same area as the church. Heythrop Hall was a college where Jesuits studied to become priests.

While they were there, the Jesuits also helped run Holy Trinity Church. After they left Heythrop Park, the church went back to being cared for by the Archdiocese of Birmingham. They still look after the church today.

Church Leaders

In March 2009, Bishop Mark Jabalé became the parish priest of Holy Trinity Church. He was a former bishop and abbot (a leader of a monastery) before coming to Chipping Norton.

Church Design and Architecture

The church is built using different types of stone. The back of the church is made of rough stone called rubble. The other sides use smooth, cut stone called ashlar.

There are three round-topped windows on each side of the main part of the church, called the nave. Inside, at the back (west side), there is a gallery. Behind the altar, there is a beautiful stained glass window that was made in 1873.

On the side of the church facing the road, there are two doorways. Above these doorways are special sections called bays. Above the bays and windows, there's a decorative edge called a coved cornice. There are also porches sticking out on either side, with fancy stone carvings like sunburst shells.

Parish Life and Activities

Holy Trinity Church holds two Sunday Masses (church services) each week. One is on Saturday evening at 6:00 PM, and the other is on Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. The church also has a close connection with the nearby Holy Trinity Catholic School.

Images for kids

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  Church interior

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  Stained glass window behind the altar

See also

• Chipping Norton
• Heythrop Park