Holy Trinity Church, Matlock Bath facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Holy Trinity Church, Matlock Bath
Holy Trinity Church, Matlock Bath
Holy Trinity Church, Matlock Bath Location in Derbyshire
53°07′3.22″N 1°33′41.18″W / 53.1175611°N 1.5614389°W / 53.1175611; -1.5614389
Location	Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
Website	holytrinitymatlockbath.org.uk
History
Dedication	Holy Trinity
Consecrated	4 October 1842
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade II listed
Designated	26 October 1972
Architect(s)	John Grey Weightman and Matthew Ellison Hadfield
Groundbreaking	8 June 1841
Administration
Parish	Matlock Bath
Deanery	Wirksworth
Archdeaconry	Chesterfield
Diocese	Derby
Province	Canterbury

Holy Trinity Church in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, is a special old church. It's listed as a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical place. It belongs to the Church of England and has been a place of worship for a long time.

History of Holy Trinity Church

Building the Church

The first stone of Holy Trinity Church was laid on June 9, 1841. This was a big moment for the community. A special message was placed inside a glass container within the foundations. This message said the church was being built for the glory of God. It was also meant for people to worship God following the rules of the Church of England.

The church was built thanks to money given by people who wanted to help. It was designed by two architects from Sheffield, John Grey Weightman and Matthew Ellison Hadfield. The church was officially opened and blessed on October 4, 1842. This ceremony was led by Bishop Thomas Musgrave.

Changes Over Time

The church was made bigger between 1873 and 1874. T.E. Streatfeild added a new section called a south aisle. He also made the chancel (the area near the altar) longer. A vestry (a room for clergy) and an organ chamber were also added. In 1874, a beautiful reredos (a screen behind the altar) was put in place.

In the 1970s, the inside of the church was changed again. Some parts were separated and cleared out. A baptistry, which is a place for baptisms, was built into the floor. The floors in the main part of the church were also raised.

Vicars of Holy Trinity Church

Many vicars have led the Holy Trinity Church community over the years. Here is a list of some of them:

Stained Glass Windows

The church has some lovely stained glass windows.

• One window in the nave (the main part of the church) was made in 1889 by Ward and Hughes. It shows the story of the Good Samaritan.
• Another window in the north transept (a part of the church that sticks out) was made in 1923. It shows the Nativity, which is the birth of Jesus.

Church Community Status

Holy Trinity Church is part of a "United Benefice." This means it works closely with St Mary's Church, Cromford. They share resources and clergy to serve both communities.

Church Organ History

The Pipe Organ

In 1876, a large pipe organ was built for the church by William Hill. It cost £350 at the time, which would be about equivalent to £23,600 in 2021 today. The organ was first played on April 18, 1876, by Arthur Smith. He was the organist from St Werburgh's Church, Derby. You can find details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Organ Changes and Organists

The pipe organ was replaced in 1975 with an electronic instrument. The pipes from the old organ stayed in the church until 1993. After that, they were taken out and used elsewhere.

Here are some of the people who played the organ at Holy Trinity Church:

• John Goddard Barker was the organist from 1884 to 1889. He later became the organist at All Saints' Church, Matlock Bank.
• Phyllis Wright played the organ from 1944 to 1966.

See also

• Listed buildings in Matlock Bath