St Andrew's Church, Steart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church |
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St Andrew's Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Steart, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Messrs Foster and Wood of Bristol |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Completed | 1882 |
St Andrew's Church is a special church in Steart, a village in Somerset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church was built a long time ago, in 1882. Today, it's still used for church services a few times a year.
Contents
History of St Andrew's Church
Why St Andrew's Was Built
St Andrew's Church was built as a "chapel of ease." This means it was a smaller church built to help people who lived far from the main parish church. The main church was St Mary Magdalene in Stockland Bristol.
A kind vicar named Rev. Henry A. Daniel paid for the church to be built. He was the vicar of the parish from 1857 to 1883. Building the church cost £700. Rev. Daniel also gave over £1,000 to the church. This money made sure that at least one Sunday service would happen there every week.
Rev. Daniel started this project because the people of Steart lived far away. Steart was an isolated village, and many residents were fishermen and their families. They had to travel a long way to reach the churches in Stockland Bristol, Otterhampton, or Combwich.
Building the Church
The church was designed by architects named Messrs Foster and Wood from Bristol. It was built by Messrs Joseph Willis and Son from Bridgwater. St Andrew's Church officially opened its doors on November 30, 1882.
New Pathway and Bishop's Visit
On July 6, 1962, something new was added to the church. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Rev. Edward Henderson, dedicated a new pathway and gate. This path was built on land given by Stanley Stone from Church Farm. Before this, people had to walk through a field to get to St Andrew's.
A descendant of Rev. Daniel, named Patrick Daniel, asked for this dedication. It was a very special day because it was the first time a Bishop from the Diocese had ever visited Steart.
Lightning Strike and Repairs
On the night of June 21, 1986, St Andrew's Church was badly damaged. A big storm hit southwest England, and lightning struck the church's bell turret. The turret collapsed, causing serious damage to the roof.
Because of the damage, the Sunday service planned for the next day had to be moved. It was held at the main parish church instead. The church was later repaired, but the bell turret was not replaced.
St Andrew's Today
St Andrew's Church is one of seven churches in the Quantock Gate Parishes. These parishes work together. The main church for Stockland Bristol is still St Mary's. However, services are still held at St Andrew's about three to four times a year. The church is also open every day for visitors and for people who want to pray.
Architecture and Design
St Andrew's Church is built from red bricks. It is designed in the "Early English style," which is a type of church architecture. The roof is covered with Staffordshire tiles.
The church was built with double walls. It has a special ceiling and used to have a bell turret. Inside, the church has a main area called a nave, a south porch, and a vestry. The original seats inside the church were made from a type of wood called pitch pine. The windows were made with "cathedral glass," which is a special kind of colored glass.
