Sacred Heart Church, St Ives facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sacred Heart |
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| Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church | |
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| Location | 19 Needingworth Road, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5JT |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | www.sacredheart-stives.org.uk |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1843/1902 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of East Anglia |
The Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic church in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. It serves as the main church for the local Catholic community. This special building was first designed by a famous architect named Augustus Pugin. It was built in Cambridge in 1843 and was originally called St Andrew's Church.
In 1902, the church was carefully taken apart. Its pieces were then moved by boat to St Ives. There, it was put back together and given its new name, Sacred Heart Church.
Contents
A Church on the Move
By the late 1800s, more Catholic families were living in St Ives. They needed a proper church building for their community. At first, they used a small wooden building. But in 1902, a local businessman named George Pauling had a great idea.
He bought St Andrew's Church in Cambridge for £1000. This church had been built by Pugin in 1843. It was no longer the main Catholic church in Cambridge. So, it was available to be moved.
How the Church Moved
Moving a whole church sounds like a huge job! Workers carefully took St Andrew's Church apart. They loaded all the pieces onto barges, which are flat-bottomed boats. These barges then traveled along the water to St Ives.
Once in St Ives, the church was rebuilt. This amazing project took less than five months. The newly rebuilt church was then named the Sacred Heart Church.
Church Design and Features
The architect, Pugin, was known for his Gothic Revival style. This means the church looks like old medieval Gothic buildings. Even though Pugin designed it, he reportedly wasn't completely happy with the finished church.
The church today looks very much like it did when it was first built. Some small changes have been made over time. For example, the entrance porch was rebuilt. Also, the font, which is used for baptisms, was moved to a new spot.
Inside the Church
More windows and a clerestory (a high section of wall with windows) were added. This helps bring more light inside the church. The rood screen, which was a screen separating parts of the church, was also removed.
One interesting thing about this church is its direction. Usually, church altars face east. But at Sacred Heart Church, the main altar faces north-west.
The main altar is made from Caen stone. It shows a picture of the Lamb, which is a symbol for Jesus. Around the Lamb are symbols of the Four Evangelists, who wrote the Gospels. This altar was cleaned and repaired in 2002.
Stained Glass Windows
The church also has beautiful stained glass windows. Some of these were designed by Pugin himself. They show images like the Madonna and Child (Mary and baby Jesus), St Andrew, and St Felix. St Felix is an important saint for the local church area. Other windows have been added over the years, including some to replace those damaged in 1906.
Past Leaders of the Church
Many priests have served the Sacred Heart Church over the years. They have helped lead the community and guide its members. Here are some of the priests who have served this church:
- Rev. John Arendzen (1900–1903)
- Rev. Constantine Ketterer (1903–1909)
- Rev. James Purcell (1909–1942)
- Rev. Stephen Doupe (1942–1950)
- Rev. Bernard Nesden (1970–1977)
- Rev. Raymond Kerby (1981–2001)
- Rev. Paul Maddison (2001–2010)
- Rev. Thomas Walton (2019–2024)
