St Andrew's Church, Minehead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1880 |
| Location | |
| Location | Minehead, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | George Edmund Street |
| Architectural type | Church |
St Andrew's Church is a special old church in Minehead, Somerset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. A famous architect named George Edmund Street designed it. It was built between 1877 and 1880. This church is so important that it's been a 'Grade II* listed building' since 1976. This means it's a very important historical building. Even its walls and gates are protected!
Contents
Why Was St Andrew's Church Built?
St Andrew's was built to help the main church in Minehead, St Michael's. St Michael's Church was located high up on a hill. It was hard for older or sick people to walk all the way up there.
Minehead was also growing bigger. More people were moving to the town. It was also becoming a popular place for holidays by the sea. This meant more church space was needed for everyone.
Who Helped Build the Church?
A kind lady named Mrs. Charlotte Ann F. Luttrell saw the need for a new church. She was the wife of Minehead's vicar, Rev. A. H. F. Luttrell. Mrs. Luttrell paid for the entire church herself. She built it to remember her cousin, George Jeremy.
She spent a lot of money, about £4,000 to £5,000. She also set aside money to help pay for the church's future needs and repairs. George Fownes Luttrell, from Dunster Castle, gave the land for the church. He also provided the bricks and stones needed for building.
The famous architect George Edmund Street from London drew up all the plans.
When Was the Church Built?
The first stone of the church was laid on August 22, 1877. A young boy named Alexander Collingwood Fownes Luttrell placed it. He was the oldest son of Captain John F. Luttrell.
The building work was done by a company called John Pearse and Son from Minehead. Mr. C. H. Samson from Dunster was in charge of making sure the work was done right. The church was finished and officially opened on August 26, 1880. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Arthur Hervey, led the opening ceremony.
What Does St Andrew's Church Look Like?
St Andrew's Church is built from red sandstone. This stone came from quarries in Alcombe. Special Doulting stone was used for the decorations. The church was designed in a style called 'Decorated'. It could fit 324 people inside.
The church has a main area called a nave. It also has aisles on the north and south sides. There's a special area for the altar called the chancel. It has a room for the priest (vestry) and a place for the organ. There's also a porch at the front and a small bell-turret. A tall tower was planned but never built.
Inside the Church
The roofs of the nave and chancel are made of wood. They were carved from a type of wood called pitch pine. The benches where people sit are also made of pitch pine. The screen and ceilings in the vestry and organ loft are made of oak wood.
The floor in the chancel has special patterned tiles. These tiles were made by William Godwin from Hereford. The church has a large window with five sections at the east end. On the west side, there's a round window and two windows with two sections each. All the windows have clear, white glass.
The pulpit (where the priest speaks), the lectern (where readings are done), and the font cover (for the baptism font) are all made of oak. The font itself is made of Doulting stone and has eight sides.
Special Details and Additions
Many parts of the church were carved by skilled artists. Harry Hems from Exeter carved the decorative brackets and ends. The seating was made by Baker and Son from Bristol. The metalwork was done by Mr. Leaver from Maidenhead. The church has two bells, which were made by John Taylor & Co in Loughborough.
At first, the church used a harmonium (a type of organ). In 1881, it received a proper organ. This organ was given by H. A. Bosanquet and built by J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd from London. In 1888, a special memorial window was added. It was put in an eastern window to remember Mrs. Luttrell, who had passed away. This beautiful window was designed by Charles Eamer Kempe from London.
In 1903, a new lectern made of iron and brass was added. More recently, in 2004, the church added meeting rooms, a kitchen, and toilets.
