St Edward's Church, Roath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Edward the Confessor |
|
|---|---|
St Edwards in 2017
|
|
| 51°29′46″N 3°09′36″W / 51.4960°N 3.1599°W | |
| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | Edward the Confessor |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Daughter church |
| Architect(s) | Willmott & Smith |
| Completed | 1915 |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | none |
| Materials | brick |
| Bells | 1 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Roath |
| Diocese | Diocese of Llandaff |
St Edward's Church is a special church in Penylan, Cardiff, South Wales. It belongs to the Church in Wales. Think of it as a smaller, "daughter" church that is connected to a bigger one, St Margaret's Church, Roath. St Edward's is the only daughter church still open from its parish.
Contents
History of St Edward's Church
The First Church Building (1915)
St Edward's Church was first built in 1915. It was a "tin tabernacle," which means it was made from sheets of corrugated iron. These types of churches were quite common in Cardiff back then.
This first church was a bit unusual because its main entrance faced west. Most churches are built to face east. It opened its doors in March 1915.
Sadly, in September 1919, a fire almost completely destroyed the church. People think it was caused by an electrical problem. Even though the building was ruined, many important items inside, like the communion cups and chairs, were saved. The damaged building was then taken down.
The Second Church Building (1919)
After the fire, the local church community decided to rebuild St Edward's. They wanted it to be a special way to remember the people who had died in the First World War.
The new church was designed by Willmott and Smith. They built the front part, called the chancel, with brick and fancy sandstone. But they ran out of money! So, the main part of the church, the nave, had to be made from galvanised iron again. This new church faced east, which is the usual direction.
Over time, new things were added. A new organ, a stand for reading (called a lectern), and special clothes for the priests were brought in. A big window was added at the east end later. In 1953, the pulpit (a raised stand for preaching) was moved here from another church that had closed.
Updates and Changes in 1968
By the late 1960s, the iron part of the church was getting old and worn out. So, in 1968, the iron nave was removed. The same architects from 1919 replaced it with a new brick section. This new brick nave was a little shorter than the old iron one.
Adding More Space in 1992
In 1992, the church got a new brick extension. This addition created a small entrance area, a washroom, and a schoolroom. Before this, the Sunday school classes were held in a smaller room called the vestry.
The Church Bell
After the church was rebuilt in 1919, a bell was put in place in 1922. This bell was very old, made in 1815. Some people believe it was even made from a cannon used in the famous Battle of Waterloo!
In 2015, the bell was taken down for repairs. But it was in very bad shape, and fixing it would have cost too much money. So, the old bell was put away for storage. In 2016, a different, smaller bell was put in its place. This new bell was also old, made in 1816.
Church Activities
St Edward's Church is known for its love of music. It has its own orchestra, led by Alison Dite. Every October, the church holds a music festival. Besides music, the church also hosts art shows and drama performances for the community.
Images for kids
-
Church from Roath Brook Gardens
-
Inside the church, looking towards the chancel in 2018
-
Stone laid after the 1919 rebuild, dated 4 June 1921
-
Wall panels made from the dismantled St Anne's pulpit
-
The 1992 extension
