St Helen's Church, Etwall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Helen’s Church, Etwall |
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St Helen’s Church, Etwall
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| 52°53′4.96″N 1°36′6.71″W / 52.8847111°N 1.6018639°W | |
| Location | Etwall |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Helen |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Etwall |
| Deanery | Longford |
| Archdeaconry | Derby |
| Diocese | Diocese of Derby |
| Province | Province of Canterbury |
St Helen's Church in Etwall is a very old and important church. It's located in the village of Etwall, Derbyshire, England. This church is part of the Church of England and is a special historical building. It has a 'Grade I listed' status, which means it's considered one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Contents
A Look Back: History of St Helen's Church
How Old Is This Church?
St Helen's Church is super old! It was first built way back in the 1100s, which is the 12th century. Over the years, new parts were added and changed. You can see pieces from the 1400s (15th century), 1500s (16th century), and 1600s (17th century) in its design.
Big Changes: The 1880s Restoration
Between 1881 and 1882, the church got a big makeover. A man named Frederick Josias Robinson from Derby led this restoration project.
- The old plastered ceiling was removed.
- The stone walls and columns were cleaned up.
- A part called the chancel arch was opened up.
- The old square pews (church benches) were replaced with new, open seating made of pitch pine wood.
- Beautiful Minton tiles were laid on the floors.
- They even installed central heating to keep everyone warm!
A new pulpit, which is where the priest gives sermons, was also added. It was made from special alabaster stone found right in the church's floor. It also had columns and medallions of red royal marble. The company that did most of the building work was Robert Young from Lincoln. The church officially reopened on February 2, 1882, looking much brighter and newer.
Music at St Helen's: The Organs
Past Organs
For many years, churches have used organs to make music during services. In 1976, an organ made by W Hawkins of Walsall Wood was installed here. You can find details about it on the National Pipe Organ Register. However, this organ was later replaced in 1990 by an electronic organ.
The New Organ
In January 2018, St Helen's Church got a brand new organ! This one is a large, three-manual organ made by a company called Viscount. It helps fill the church with wonderful music for everyone.
Inside the Church
Working Together: Parish Status
St Helen's Church is part of a joint parish. This means it works closely with another church in the area.
More to Explore
- Grade I listed churches in Derbyshire
- Grade I listed buildings in Derbyshire
- Listed buildings in Etwall
