St Gwinear's Church, Gwinear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Gwinear’s Church, Gwinear |
|
|---|---|
St Gwinear’s Church, Gwinear
|
|
| Location | Gwinear, Cornwall |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Gwinear |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Gwinear |
| Deanery | Penwith |
| Archdeaconry | Cornwall |
| Diocese | Diocese of Truro |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Gwinear's Church is a historic church located in Gwinear, Cornwall, England. It is part of the Church of England and is considered a very important building. This means it has a special "Grade I listed" status because of its history and architecture.
Contents
Church History
The Story of Saint Gwinear
The church is named after Saint Gwinear, also known as Winierus or Fingar. Legend says he was the leader of Irish missionaries. These missionaries came to this area in the 6th century to share their faith.
Near the church, at a place called Roseworthy, there used to be a holy well and a small chapel dedicated to Saint Gwinear. This spot was also home to a beautiful Celtic cross. This cross was one of the most amazing in Cornwall. Today, you can find it at Lanherne.
Building the Church
The main parts of St Gwinear's Church were built in the 13th and 14th centuries. The tall tower, made of strong granite, was added in the mid-15th century. It has three main sections.
The church has three aisles, which are long passages running parallel to the main part of the church:
- The south aisle is a bit shorter than the nave (the main central area).
- There's an inner north aisle.
- Even further north, you'll find the Arundell Aisle.
Important People and Changes
Malachy Hitchins, a famous astronomer, became the Vicar (a type of priest) of nearby St Hilary in 1775. In 1785, he also became the Vicar of Gwinear. He served both churches until he passed away in 1809.
The chancel, which is the area around the altar, was updated in 1870. This work was done by an architect named John Dando Sedding. The roof was repaired with oak wood and made taller, just like it used to be. New stone decorations and a cross were added to the roof's peak. The large five-light window was rebuilt to look exactly like the original. New oak seats were also put in the chancel.
More big changes happened between 1878 and 1879. The aisles and roofs were fixed up, with the four roofs costing about £689. A new three-light window was placed at the west end of the south aisle. The chancel screen, which is a decorative barrier, was repaired. It was put back in its original spot, separating the chancel's front part.
New seats made of pitch pine wood were added for everyone. The floors were covered with concrete, and the aisles were laid with smooth slates from Delabole stone. The church was lit up by special Hesperus lamps. These lamps came from a company called Jones and Wallis in Birmingham. A low screen was also added to separate the Arundell chapel.
The church officially reopened on November 25, 1879. The new bells rang for the very first time on January 23, 1880.
Church Community
St Gwinear's Church is part of a larger group of churches in the area. It shares a parish with several other churches, including:
- St Elwyn's Church, Hayle
- St Erth's Church, St Erth
- St Felicitas and St Piala's Church, Phillack
- St Gothian's Church, Gwithian
Church Organ
The church has an organ, which is a large musical instrument. The first organ was made by Hele & Co. A famous organist, Hubert Stanley Middleton from Truro Cathedral, played the first concert on this organ on January 14, 1925.
Later, this organ was replaced. The current organ came from Camborne Wesleyan Chapel and was built in 1922 by Griffen and Stroud. It was moved and set up in St Gwinear's Church in 1993 by Lance Foy. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
