Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Tile Cross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of Our Lady Help of Christians |
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| 52°28′50.08″N 1°46′16.28″W / 52.4805778°N 1.7711889°W | |
| Location | East Medway, Tile Cross, Birmingham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Architect(s) | Richard Gilbert Scott |
| Style | Brutalist |
| Groundbreaking | 1966 |
| Completed | 1967 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Birmingham East |
| Diocese | Archdiocese of Birmingham |
The Church of Our Lady Help of Christians is a special Catholic church located in Tile Cross, Birmingham. It is so important that it has a Grade II* listed status, which means it's a very important historical building.
It was built between 1966 and 1967, and a famous architect named Richard Gilbert Scott designed it. People still use the church today, with services held on Sundays. There's also a primary school nearby, Our Lady's Catholic Primary School, which is connected to the church.
The Church's Design
The church was designed by Richard Gilbert Scott. His father, Giles Gilbert Scott, was also a very famous architect. The church has a unique shape, like a 'T' with many sides. This design allows the altar (the main table where services happen) to be in the middle, surrounded by everyone attending.
Above the altar, the roof is very special. It's made of strong, curved concrete beams that look like ribs. The outside of this part of the roof is covered with shiny copper. Inside, you can see beautiful stained glass windows created by an artist named John Chrestien.
The design of the church followed new ideas from the Catholic Church in the 1960s. These ideas suggested having the altar closer to the people and a more central layout. This church is not just a simple hall; every part of it was carefully planned. It shows how architecture, engineering, and stained glass art can work together perfectly.
This building was even featured in a book called 100 Buildings, 100 Years. This book was published by the Twentieth Century Society in 2014.
The Church Organ
The church has a special musical instrument called an organ. It's a Rowntree & Brennan II Box Organ, and it was made in 1975. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
