St Francis of Assisi's Church, Bournville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Francis of Assisi's Church |
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| 52°25′44″N 1°56′07″W / 52.4289°N 1.9354°W | |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Broad Church |
| Website | www.bournvilleparishchurch.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | St. Francis of Assisi |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Bournville |
| Diocese | Birmingham |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Francis of Assisi's Church is a beautiful church located in Bournville, Birmingham, England. It is part of the Church of England, which is the main Christian church in England. The church is named after St. Francis of Assisi, a famous saint known for his love of nature and animals.
This church is a special place for the community in Bournville. It is not just a place for worship, but also a historic building with interesting features.
Contents
History of St Francis Church
The story of St Francis of Assisi's Church began a long time ago. In 1905, the Bournville Village Trust set aside land for a new church and a church hall. This was part of the plan to create a well-designed village for workers.
Building the Church and Hall
The first building to be completed was the church hall in 1913. This hall is now part of the local community centre. The main church building was finished later and was officially opened in 1925. When a church is "consecrated," it means it has been specially dedicated for religious use.
The church was designed by a talented architect named William Alexander Harvey. He created a building that fits well with the Bournville area.
Special Features and Memorials
Inside the church, you can find a special stone basin called a "font." This font is used for baptisms, which are ceremonies where people become members of the church. The font at St Francis' Church was given in 1984 as a memorial. It is made from Portland stone, a famous type of limestone. The sculptor John Poole designed and created this beautiful piece.
There is also a chapel within the church. A chapel is a smaller place for worship. This chapel was designed by Selby Clewer and built in 1966. It was a gift from Laurence and Joyce Cadbury, who were members of the famous Cadbury family. They gave the chapel in memory of three of their children.
The Church Organ
St Francis of Assisi's Church has a wonderful organ. This musical instrument was built by a company called Nicholson & Co. in Worcester. Organs are very complex and can make many different sounds.
A Gift from Cadbury Brothers
The organ was a special gift to the church from the Cadbury Brothers. You might know the Cadbury family for their delicious chocolate! Before it came to the church, this organ was actually located in The Girls' Dining Room at the Bournville Works. This was a place where the female employees of the Cadbury factory would eat their meals. It's cool to think that the organ has such an interesting history!
St Francis Church Today
The church is still a very active and important part of the Bournville community. Recently, it has had some big improvements.
Restoration and Recognition
The church has gone through a lot of restoration work. This included getting a new roof to keep it safe and dry. New lighting has also been installed, making the inside brighter and more welcoming. The church also improved its ramped access, making it easier for everyone to enter. Finally, the inside was redecorated, giving it a fresh look.
St Francis of Assisi's Church is also a "Grade II listed building." This means it is a building of special historical or architectural interest. Being listed helps protect the church and ensures it is kept in good condition for future generations.
Images for kids
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The beautiful St Francis of Assisi's Church in Bournville.
