St Grada and Holy Cross Church, Grade facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Grada & Holy Cross Church, Grade
St Grada & Holy Cross Church, Grade
Location	Grade
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
History
Dedication	St Grada & Holy Cross
Administration
Parish	St Ruan with St Grade
Deanery	Kerrier
Archdeaconry	Cornwall
Diocese	Diocese of Truro
Province	Province of Canterbury

St Grada & Holy Cross Church is a very old and important church in a place called Grade, Cornwall. It's part of the Church of England. This church is so special that it's officially protected as a "Grade I listed building." This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England! It got this special protection on July 10, 1957.

A Look at the Church's Past

The area where the church stands was first known as St Cross in 1261. But by 1310, people started calling it St Grada, after a virgin saint. The church has a special baptismal font (a basin used for baptisms) that is super old, from the 13th century! You can also find a brass plaque inside that remembers James Eryssy and his wife from 1522.

Building the Church Through the Years

Some parts of the church are from the 13th century, which is over 700 years ago! The church tower was built around 1400. The main parts of the church, like the nave (where people sit) and the chancel (near the altar), were rebuilt between 1862 and 1863. They used some of the original old stones and followed designs by an architect named Edward William Godwin.

The church is mostly made of rough stone, but you can also see big blocks of granite and a unique stone called serpentine in the tower. The roofs are steep and covered with slate. The tower is at the west end of the church and has two main sections. The old font from the earlier church was kept and is still used today.

Special Gifts and Features

Inside, the pulpit (where the priest gives sermons) is made of serpentine and a light-colored stone called Caen stone. This beautiful pulpit was a gift from a company called the Lizard Serpentine Company. The lectern, where readings are given, was a gift from Mr. Cox, who worked for the company. The church was officially opened again for services on July 24, 1863, after its big rebuild.

Adding the Organ

After the main rebuilding in 1862-63, they ran out of money. So, it wasn't until 1882 that they could build a special room for the organ and a vestry (a room for the clergy). These were built following the original plans by Edward William Godwin. The organ itself was built by Brewer and Co from Truro. The new organ was first played on March 12, 1885, by Mr. George Robertson Sinclair, who was the organist at Truro Cathedral. You can find all the details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Church Community and Area

The villages of Grade, Ruan Major, and Ruan Minor joined together in 1934 to form one civil parish called Grade-Ruan. The old church of Ruan Major is now in ruins. St Grada & Holy Cross Church is part of a group of churches in the area.

• St Grada & Holy Cross Church, Grade
• St Wynwallow's Church, Landewednack
• St Rumon's Church, Ruan Minor
• St Mary's Church, Cadgwith

Gallery

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  Interior looking east

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  Sanctuary

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  The organ