St James' Church, Smisby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St James’ Church, Smisby |
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St James’ Church, Smisby
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| 52°46′8.12″N 1°29′9.42″W / 52.7689222°N 1.4859500°W | |
| Location | Smisby |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St James |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Smisby |
| Deanery | Melbourne |
| Archdeaconry | Derby |
| Diocese | Diocese of Derby |
St James’ Church in Smisby is a very old and important church. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it is protected because of its special history and architecture. This church is part of the Church of England and serves the village of Smisby in Derbyshire, England.
The Church's Story
How Old Is St James' Church?
This church is very old, dating back to the Middle Ages. Parts of it were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Imagine, some parts are over 800 years old!
Restoring the Church
The church was carefully repaired and updated between August 1895 and May 1896. It officially reopened on May 22, 1896. During this restoration, many old parts were removed or fixed.
Workers took out old wooden box pews and rotten floors. They also cleaned plaster from the walls. The stone parts of the church, like the tops and bottoms of pillars, were cleaned and made new.
What Was Changed Inside?
The stone walls inside the church were repaired. New windows and stonework were put in. A new heating system was added to keep everyone warm.
The floor was replaced with wooden blocks over concrete. The main area (nave), side aisle, tower, and entrance porch were repaired with special Hopton stone. The area around the altar, called the sacrarium, was fixed with marble.
New furniture was also added. This included a new altar table, a pulpit for sermons, a lectern for reading, and seats for the choir.
A Special Piece of Wood
There is a unique wooden paneling behind the altar. This wood came from the famous Ashby-de-la-Zouch castle. It adds a touch of history to the church.
Important Memorials
What Are Monuments?
Monuments in a church are special memorials. They often remember important people who lived long ago. These can be stone carvings or plaques.
Who Is Remembered Here?
At St James' Church, you can find monuments for:
- Joan Comyn, from the 14th century.
- W Kendall, who passed away in the year 1500.
- Henry Kendall, who passed away in 1627.
Church Community
What Is a Parish?
A parish is like a local area that a church serves. St James' Church is part of a larger group of churches. They work together to serve their communities.
Churches in the Joint Parish
St James' Church shares its parish with these other churches:
- St Michael with St Mary's Church, Melbourne
- St Michael's Church, Stanton by Bridge
- St George's Church, Ticknall
The Church Organ
What Is a Pipe Organ?
A pipe organ is a large musical instrument. It makes sound by pushing air through many pipes. These organs are often found in churches and can make a very powerful sound.
St James' Church Organ
St James' Church has a pipe organ made by J.H. Adkins. If you are interested in learning more about this specific organ, you can find details on the National Pipe Organ Register.
See also
- Grade I listed churches in Derbyshire
- Grade I listed buildings in Derbyshire
- Listed buildings in Smisby
