Northgate Church, Chester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northgate Church, Chester |
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Northgate Church, Chester
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| OS grid reference | SJ 404 669 |
| Location | Upper Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Independent |
| Website | Northgate Church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 23 July 1998 |
| Architect(s) | T. M. Lockwood |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1874 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Sandstone and brick Slate roofs |
Northgate Church, Chester, is a church building located on Upper Northgate Street in Chester, Cheshire, England. It is an active church that welcomes people today.
Contents
History of Northgate Church
Building the Church
The church building was first built in 1874. It was designed by a local architect named T.M. Lockwood. At that time, it was a Congregational church. Congregational churches are Christian churches where each local church manages its own affairs.
The first stone of the church was laid on July 23, 1874. This important event was done by John George Dodson, who was a Member of Parliament for Chester. The church officially opened its doors on July 22, 1875. A special sermon was given by Reverend Alexander Thomson, who was the leader of the Congregational Union of England and Wales.
Changes Over Time
The building was used by the Congregational church until 1967. After that, it was used for a while by Chester College. This college is now known as Chester University.
In 1979, the building was bought by its current owners, Northgate Church. They have been using it as their place of worship ever since.
Architecture of the Church
Building Materials and Design
The front of Northgate Church is made from a type of stone called Storeton Hill sandstone. The sides and back of the building are made of brick. The roof is covered with slate tiles.
Experts who wrote the Buildings of England series describe the church as "quite a landmark." This means it's a very noticeable and important building.
Spire and Landmark Status
The church stands on the highest ground in Chester city centre. Its spire is 28 meters (92 feet) tall. Because of its height and location, you can see the spire from many parts of the city.
Northgate Church is also a special building because it is a Grade II listed building. This means it is protected because of its historical and architectural importance. It was given this status on July 23, 1998.
Sunday School Building
History of the Sunday School
A second building was constructed right behind the main church. This building was made to be a Sunday School. Sunday Schools are places where children learn about religious teachings.
A special stone in this building says, "This stone was laid by R.W. Hudson, Esq. B.A. July 28th 1880." Robert William Hudson was a local person who made soap and also gave a lot of money to good causes.
Curious Markings
There's a very interesting feature on the walls of the Sunday School building. You can see circular holes that were made by children. These children would wait in line for Sunday School. While waiting, they used their pennies, halfpennies, and farthings (old British coins) to bore into the soft brick and stone.
See also
- Grade II listed buildings in Chester (north and west)
