Holy Trinity Church, Dorchester facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church
Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic (formerly Church of England)
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Active
Location
Location	Dorchester, Dorset, England
Architecture
Architect(s)	Benjamin Ferrey
Architectural type	Church
Completed	1876

Holy Trinity Church is a beautiful building in Dorchester, Dorset, England. Today, it is a Roman Catholic church. Before 1976, it was a Church of England church. The church was built between 1875 and 1876. It was designed by an architect named Benjamin Ferrey. In 1975, the Church of England decided they no longer needed it. The next year, it became a Roman Catholic church. Since 1975, it has been a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building.

History of Holy Trinity Church

A church has stood on the site of Holy Trinity for a very long time. Records show a church was there as early as the 11th century. This was mentioned in the Domesday Book. The church was rebuilt in 1824. This new building had a main hall (nave) but no side sections (aisles) or a special area for the altar (chancel).

Growing the Church in the 1800s

During the 1800s, more space was needed. Galleries were added inside the church. This allowed about 470 people to attend services. By the 1870s, the church needed to be made even bigger or replaced. People raised money to help pay for this. They got donations from the public and from church building groups.

Rebuilding the Church in 1875

Holy Trinity Church was rebuilt to be about twice its original size. Benjamin Ferrey created the new designs. The building work started in March 1875. It cost about £4,500. Messrs Tilley Brothers of Dorchester did the construction. Mr. E. Miles was in charge of the work.

Grand Reopening in 1876

The new Holy Trinity Church opened on May 31, 1876. The first service was an early morning communion. This was followed by a morning service. The Bishop of Salisbury, George Moberly, attended the opening. He gave a sermon during the morning service. After the service, a lunch was held in the town's Corn Exchange. There was also an evening service later that day. The workers who built the church had their own special dinner.

The Church Organ

When the church first opened, its new organ was not ready. It was being built by Messrs William Hill & Sons. So, a temporary American harmonium was used instead. The old organ from the 1824 church was not used. It was in poor condition. The new organ was officially opened on October 19, 1876. This was celebrated with two special services.

Changes and Additions Over Time

In 1899–1900, a side chapel was added. This was in the south transept (a part of the church that sticks out). Messrs Norman and Burt did the work. The designs were by Charles Eamer Kempe. Miss Ashley paid for these changes. Many new parts were made from oak wood. These included a carved screen and wood panels.

In 1900, some church items were moved. The choir stalls, pulpit, reading desk, communion rails, and font were taken. They were moved to the new Ashley Chapel at the Dorchester Workhouse. New items were then added to Holy Trinity Church. Miss Ashley also paid for these new replacements.

In 1897, decorative panels (reredos) were added behind the altar. This was to remember Rev. H. Everett, who was the church's rector until 1896. In 1906, the famous writer Thomas Hardy drew plans for a tower. He gave these plans to the rector, Rev. Rowland Hill. Hardy hoped someone wealthy would build the tower. However, the tower was never built. After World War I, a stone tablet was placed outside the church. It honored the local men who died in the war.

Becoming a Roman Catholic Church

Holy Trinity Church was no longer needed by the Church of England on May 1, 1975. It was then sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth. The Roman Catholic church in Dorchester, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St Michael, needed more space. The sale of Holy Trinity Church was completed in May 1976. Plans for its restoration were made by Anthony Jaggard.

Some items from the original Roman Catholic church were moved to Holy Trinity. These included an onyx marble altar and the Stations of the Cross. Holy Trinity reopened as a Roman Catholic church on May 28, 1976. Father M. Joseph O'Brien celebrated the first mass there.

Architecture of Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church is mostly built from Pokeswell stone. It also uses Portland stone and Box Ground Bath Stone. The Portland stone was reused from the earlier church. The roofs are made of slate. Inside, Bath stone from Corsham Down is used.

Church Layout and Capacity

The church was designed to hold 625 people. It has a main hall (nave) with side sections (north and south aisles). It also has a special area for the altar (chancel). There is a vestry (a room for clergy) and an organ chamber. The chancel had to be small because of the limited space around the church. Also, the south aisle of the nave is shorter than the north aisle.

The nave and chancel are separated by black-polished Devonshire marble columns. The floor of the chancel has colorful encaustic tiles. These were made by Godwin of Lugwardine. The rest of the church floor uses old Portland memorial stones.

Original Fittings and Furnishings

Most of the original items inside the church were made according to Ferrey's designs. Only the lectern and font were different. Many furnishings were given as gifts. Mr. Tilley personally oversaw the wooden fittings. Mr. Frank Witcombe of Bristol did the wood and stone carvings. The open benches were made from stained and varnished deal wood. The chancel benches had carved oak ends and fronts. All the original windows had rolled Cathedral glass.

Special Gifts and Features

The original octagonal font was made of Caen stone. Mr. Grassby of Dorchester carved and gifted it. It was a memorial to his four children who died in 1870. The top part of the original pulpit was made of English oak. Its base was red Mansfield stone, with steps of Portland stone.

The lectern was a gift from the two daughters of Rev. George Wood. He was the rector of Holy Trinity until 1847. They gave it in memory of their father. The polished brass for the lectern came from Mr. Wippell of Exeter. The reading desk was carved from oak from Wolveton House. Mr. Miles gifted this desk. The communion rail was made of brass, iron, and oak. Mr. Singer of Frome created it. Mr. and Mrs. A. Spicer gave the furnishings inside the rails.

Some items from the previous church were also put into the new building. These included a bell from 1732, made by the Bilbie family. An oak chest from 1683 is in the nave. There are also various monuments, mostly from the early 1800s.

Historical Importance

The church became a listed building in 1975. Historic England believes it is a great example of Gothic Revival architecture. They note its "good detailing and use of materials" and "good craftsmanship."