St George's Church, Oakdale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St George's Church |
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St George's Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Year consecrated | 1960 |
| Location | |
| Location | Oakdale, Poole, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Robert Potter Richard Hare |
| Architectural type | Church |
St George's Church is a special church in Oakdale, a part of Poole, Dorset, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church was built between 1959 and 1960. It is so important that it was given a special status called 'Grade II Listed' in 1998. This means it's a building of historical or architectural interest that needs to be protected.
A Look Back: The Church's Story
The first church built just for the people of Oakdale was put up in 1932. Today, that building is used as the Oakdale Library! As more and more people moved to Oakdale, the area became its own parish in 1938. This meant a bigger church was needed.
People started planning for a new church as early as 1939. A kind person named Miss Gaskell left £2,000 in her will for the church. Also, Mr. R. Aireton gave a piece of land for the new building.
By 1947, a local newspaper, the Western Gazette, said that Oakdale really needed a new church. The old St George's was always too full. Enough money was collected during the 1950s. The plans for the new St George's Church were drawn by two architects, Robert Potter and Richard Hare.
The first stone of the new church, called the foundation stone, was laid on April 25, 1959. This was done by Maurice Key, who was the Bishop of Sherborne at the time. The church was finished in 1960 and officially opened in July of that year.
How the Church Looks
St George's Church is built with red bricks. Its roof is covered with copper sheeting. The church has a special shape called a cruciform plan. This means it looks like a cross from above. It has short parts sticking out on the sides, called transepts, and a tower at the back (west side).
This church looks a bit like another church called the Church of the Ascension in Crownhill, Plymouth. That's because both churches were designed by the same architects, Potter and Hare. The Crownhill church opened in 1958.
Historic England, an organization that protects historic places, describes St George's as a "beautifully detailed and crafted church." They also say it shows influences from architects like Ninian Comper and ideas from the Liturgical Movement. This movement focused on making church buildings better for worship.
