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St John the Evangelist's Catholic Church, Nottingham facts for kids

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St John the Evangelist's Church, George Street, Nottingham
Nottingham - NG1 - geograph.org.uk - 2909182.jpg
Former Catholic Church of St John the Evangelist, Nottingham
52°57′14″N 1°08′42″W / 52.953851°N 1.145132°W / 52.953851; -1.145132
Location Nottingham
Country England
Denomination Roman Catholic
History
Dedication St John the Evangelist
Architecture
Architect(s) Edward James Willson
Style Venetian Gothic
Completed 1827
Specifications
Capacity 84ft long, 41ft wide and 31ft high
Length 84 feet (26 m)
Width 41 feet (12 m)
Height 31 feet (9.4 m)

St John the Evangelist's Church in Nottingham was a very important building. It was the first church built specifically for Roman Catholic worship in the city. This happened after the English Reformation, a time when big changes happened in England's religious practices. Today, the building is used as offices. It is also a Grade II listed building, which means it's protected because of its special history and architecture.

The Story of St John's Church

Before this church was built, Roman Catholics in Nottingham met in a smaller chapel. This was around the year 1790. The number of people attending grew quite a lot. When a new priest, Father Robert William Willson, arrived, the group had about 150 members.

Designing the New Church

Father Willson decided it was time for a bigger church. His brother, Edward James Willson, was an architect. Edward designed the new church building. It was built on George Street in Nottingham.

The church was quite large for its time. It measured 84 feet (about 25.6 meters) long. It was 41 feet (about 12.5 meters) wide and 31 feet (about 9.4 meters) high. The church was built using red bricks. It had a stone front and a slate roof. The style of the building was called Venetian Gothic. This style uses elements from old Italian buildings.

The Presbytery Building

Right next to the church, there is another building. This is called the Presbytery. A presbytery is a house where priests live. Edward James Willson also designed this building. It was built in the same year, 1827. The Presbytery is also a Grade II listed building, just like the church.

A New Cathedral

St John the Evangelist's Church served the community for many years. However, in 1850, a much larger church was built. This new church was Nottingham Cathedral. Once the Cathedral was finished, it became the main Roman Catholic church in Nottingham.

The Church Organ

The church had a special musical instrument inside. This was a pipe organ. It was made by a company called George Parsons, from London. Organs are large instruments that make music using air through pipes.

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