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 special building in Dorchester, England. It used to be a Church of England church. Now, it is a Roman Catholic church. The church was built between 1875 and 1876. It was designed by an architect named Benjamin Ferrey. In 1975, the Church of England 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 this spot since at least the 11th century. It was even mentioned in the Domesday Book. The church was rebuilt in 1824. This new building had a main hall, called a nave. It did not have side sections or a special area for the altar.

During the 1800s, more seating areas were added. This allowed about 470 people to fit inside. By the 1870s, the church needed to be much bigger. People raised money to rebuild it. They got help from church building groups too.

Rebuilding the Church (1875-1876)

Holy Trinity Church was rebuilt based on Benjamin Ferrey's plans. The new church was about twice as big as the old one. Work started in March 1875 and cost £4,500. Local builders, Messrs Tilley Brothers, did the work.

The church reopened on May 31, 1876. The first service was an early morning communion. Later, the Bishop of Salisbury, George Moberly, led a special service. A lunch was held for everyone in the town's Corn Exchange. The workers who built the church had their own dinner.

The Church Organ

The church's new organ was still being built when the church opened. So, they used a temporary instrument called an American harmonium. The old organ from the 1824 church was not good enough. It was too "defective" to be used again. The new organ was officially opened on October 19, 1876. This was celebrated with two special services.

Later Changes and Additions

Between 1899 and 1900, a side chapel was added. This work was paid for by Miss Ashley of Stratton Manor. Many new parts were carved from oak wood. These included a special screen and wood panels.

In 1900, some church items were moved. The choir stalls, pulpit, and font went to a new chapel. This chapel was at the Dorchester Workhouse. Miss Ashley paid for new replacements at Holy Trinity.

Special decorative screens, called reredos, were added in 1897. They were a memorial to Rev. H. Everett. He was the church's rector until 1896. In 1906, the famous writer Thomas Hardy drew plans for a church tower. He hoped someone rich would build it. However, the tower was never built.

After World War I, a stone tablet was placed outside. It remembered 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 in 1975. It was then sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth. Their old church in Dorchester was too small. The sale was finished in May 1976.

Plans were made to restore the church. Some items from the old Roman Catholic church were moved in. These included an onyx marble altar. The Stations of the Cross were also moved. Holy Trinity reopened on May 28, 1976. Father M. Joseph O'Brien celebrated the first mass.

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 roofs are made of slate. Inside, there is more Bath stone. The church was designed to hold 625 people.

The church has a main hall (nave) with side sections (aisles). It also has a special area for the altar (chancel). There is a vestry and an organ room. The church site was difficult to build on. So, the chancel is smaller than usual. The south aisle is also shorter than the north aisle.

Black marble columns divide the nave and chancel. The floor in the chancel has special patterned tiles. The rest of the church floor uses old memorial stones.

Original Fittings and Decorations

Most of the church's original fittings were designed by Ferrey. Many items were given as gifts. The wooden parts were made under Mr. Tilley's watch. Carvings in wood and stone were done by Mr. Frank Witcombe. The benches were made from stained wood. The chancel benches had special oak ends. All the original windows had clear glass.

The original font was made of Caen stone. It was given by Mr. Grassby as a memorial. It remembered his four children who died young in 1870. The top of the original pulpit was oak. Its base was red stone, with steps of Portland stone.

The lectern was a gift from two daughters of Rev. George Wood. He was a rector of Holy Trinity until 1847. It was made of polished brass. The reading desk was carved from oak wood. It was a gift from Mr. Miles. The communion rail was made of brass, iron, and oak. It was created by Mr. Singer. Other furnishings were given by Mr. and Mrs. A. Spicer.

Older Items in the New Church

Some items from the previous church were also used. These included a bell from 1732. It was made by the Bilbie family. An oak chest from 1683 is in the nave. Various monuments from the early 1800s are also there.

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