St Andrew's Church, Edgarley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Private |
| Location | |
| Location | Edgarley, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Completed | 1897 |
St Andrew's Church is an old church building in Edgarley, Somerset, England. It used to be a special church called a 'mission church' for the Church of England. Built in 1897, it is now a private chapel for Millfield Preparatory School.
Contents
History of St Andrew's Church
Why the Church Was Built
St Andrew's Church was built in 1897. It was a 'mission church' linked to St John's Church in Glastonbury. A mission church is a smaller church built to serve people who live far from the main church. This church was for people in Edgarley and Havyatt. They lived more than a mile and a half from St John's.
The idea for this church started around 1892. Edward Bath offered a piece of land in Havyatt for the church. The local vicar, Rev. Charles Sydenham Ross, accepted the offer. However, the plan did not move forward because Rev. Ross was unwell.
Planning and Fundraising
After Rev. Ross passed away in 1893, a new vicar, Rev. Henry Lowry Barnwell, took over in 1894. Rev. Barnwell thought the Havyatt site was too far away. He accepted a different piece of land in Edgarley from Mr. J. A. Porch.
To see if people wanted a new church, Mr. Porch let them hold weekly services. These services took place in a nearby room, then in a new coach house. Many people attended these services. So, plans for building the church began in 1895. Mr. G. Alves, the town's surveyor, drew the plans. The church was designed to hold 100 people. Mr. R. T. Fisher was chosen as the builder.
Raising money for the church was important. By September 1895, about £75 was collected. The church was expected to cost £150. By December 1895, over £84 had been raised. Fundraising continued through 1896. They held a rummage sale in April and a play in May. In June 1896, the Bath and Wells Diocesan Church Building Society gave £20.
Building and Opening the Church
The church was built in 1897. It opened for services on November 30, 1897. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Right Rev. George Kennion, dedicated it to St Andrew. The church cost £260 to build. At the time of opening, £50 still needed to be raised.
The church was designed to be used for both services and other events. It had folding doors between the nave and the chancel. The nave is the main part of the church where people sit. The chancel is the area near the altar.
Modern Use
On December 5, 1954, a new altar was blessed at the church. This altar was a gift from the leaders of Millfield School. Millfield School started in 1945 at Edgarley Hall. The school began using St Andrew's Church very early on. Today, the church is used for services and special events connected to the school.
Architecture of St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's Church is built from a type of stone called Blue Lias stone. It also has special cut stones called freestone dressings. The building is 36 feet long and 18 feet wide. It has a small bell-cot on its roof, which holds the bell.
The church has four windows on the north side and three on the south side. There is one window on the west side and one on the east side. You enter the church through a porch on the south side. The roof beams and all the original wooden furniture are made from pitch pine wood.
