St Andrews United Reformed Church, Roath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Andrew's, Roath |
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| St. Andrew's United Reformed Church | |
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 St. Andrew's, Roath
Location in Cardiff
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| 51°29′46″N 3°09′52″W / 51.4960°N 3.1645°W | |
| Denomination | United Reformed Church |
| Previous denomination | Presbyterian |
| Weekly attendance | 50 |
| Website | Church Website |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Roath Park Presbyterian Church |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1897 |
| Dedication | St Andrew |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 19 May 1975 |
| Architect(s) | Habershon & Fawckner |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1899 |
| Completed | 1900 |
| Construction cost | £11,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 840 |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Spire height | 46 metres (150 ft) |
| Materials | Stone |
St. Andrew's United Reformed Church is an old church in Cardiff, Wales. It was built in the 1800s. You can find it on the corner of Wellfield Road and Malborough Road in the Roath area. Some people call it the 'church on the corner'. It serves the communities of Roath and Penylan.
Contents
History of St. Andrew's Church
How the Church Started (1897-1945)
In the late 1800s, the city of Cardiff was growing fast. The main Presbyterian church in the city centre was full. So, people decided to build a new church in a quieter, more suburban area.
In 1895, they found a spot on Wellfield Road. Back then, it was just a country lane with fields around it. A small chapel was built there and opened in 1897. This building is now the church hall. Many people came to the new chapel. Because of this, plans were made just two years later for a much bigger church. This larger building is what you see as the main church today.
Most of the money needed to build the church was raised easily. The new church opened on June 20, 1900. It was first called the Roath Park English Presbyterian Church. The main entrance looks like the one at Tintern Abbey. The large window at the back is similar to one at Melrose Abbey. Many of the first church members were from Scotland. The boy scout group even wore kilts!
The church was most popular before the First World War. During the war, many members and scouts were lost. After 1918, about 200 people still attended. This number stayed steady until after the Second World War. The church was lucky and suffered no damage during the Second World War. Even when a bomb fell nearby, the church was safe. The church canteen served over 100 people every day. It's even said that the church's collection plate was used to help pay for supplies.
From the 1950s to Today
After the wars, how the church worshipped changed. Weekly evening services stopped. The church no longer has a choir, but it still has a small Sunday school for children. In 1972, the Presbyterian church joined with the Congregationalists. This is when it became St. Andrew's United Reformed Church.
Since 1975, the church has been a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a very important historic building. Fewer people attend church now, which is common with changing beliefs. Most people who attend are older, but some families come for Sunday services.
The current minister, or leader, of the church is Rev'd Des Kitto.
In recent years, the church had problems with its old roof leaking. The heating system also needed to be updated. These repairs cost a lot of money. In mid-2018, the church was running out of funds. They were worried they might have to close. Local organizers Wayne Courtney and Nathan Wyburn worked with Rev'd Des Kitto. They held many fundraising events starting in November 2018 and through 2019. By August 2019, they had raised over £10,000! This helped keep the church open.
Church Buildings and Features
The building that is now the church hall was the first chapel, built in 1897. The larger main church was built in 1900. The main church has a large Harrison & Harrison Organ. This organ was put in place in 1900.
The main church can seat 500 people on the ground floor. Another 200 people can sit on the balcony above. You can reach the balcony from the narthex, which is the main entrance lobby. The church had new electrical wiring installed in 2012. In recent years, new heating systems were also put in.
The church hall is a busy place. It's used as a canteen and a space for activities and meetings. It also has a crèche (a place for young children) during Sunday services and throughout the week. The hall also has a balcony, but it can only seat about 50 people. Off the hall are many smaller rooms. One of these is the "South Room," used for quiet prayer and thinking.
Events and Community Services
The church holds services every Sunday. Holy communion services happen on the first Sunday of each month. About 50 people usually attend each service. A service includes four or five hymns, readings from the Bible, and a message or activity. There is also a sermon and a time for quiet prayer. Children often leave before the sermon to join the junior church in a side room.
Besides regular Sunday services, the church celebrates Christian holidays. These include Christmas and Easter. At Christmastime, they hold a toy service. People donate toys for a charity that gives them to families who need them. Midnight mass is also held on Christmas Eve. There is also a Christmas Day service. The church also holds Remembrance Sunday services with St. John's Ambulance.
The church also has a special shop in November and December. It sells 'Cards for Good Causes'. The money raised goes to many different charities.
St. Andrew's Church is a lively community hub. Many groups use the church every week. These groups include dance, yoga, and Zumba classes. There are also Bible study groups, a play group for toddlers, and a Women's Institute. The church is also home to a busy Scout Group, the 25th Cardiff (1st Cardiff Scottish). Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts meet there weekly.
The church has also become a popular place for concerts. Bands like Cardiff-based Hegsy and The Elements have played there. Choirs, such as the Cwmbach Male Choir, also hold concerts in the main church area.
