St Luke's Church, Heage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Luke’s Church, Heage |
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St Luke’s Church, Heage
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 St Luke’s Church, Heage
Location in Derbyshire
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| 53°03′06″N 1°27′0″W / 53.05167°N 1.45000°W | |
| Location | Heage, Derbyshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | stlukesheage.webs.com |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Luke the Evangelist |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Heage |
| Deanery | Dove and Derwent |
| Archdeaconry | Derby |
| Diocese | Derby |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Luke's Church in Heage, Derbyshire, is a very old and important church. It is part of the Church of England and is listed as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a special historical place that needs to be protected.
Contents
History of St Luke's Church
Early Beginnings and Rebuilding
A church stood here as early as 1343. We know this because Nicholas of Heage was recorded as its first priest. A big storm almost completely destroyed the old church on June 20, 1545. But people worked hard to rebuild it between 1646 and 1661, even keeping the original east window.
Improvements and Restorations
The church got bigger in 1826. In 1847, the church floor was relaid, and a new heating system was put in. At the same time, the churchyard was officially set aside for burials by the Bishop of Lichfield on June 9, 1847.
More repairs and updates happened in 1856. A beautiful stained-glass window was added to the east side. The old heating system wasn't working well, so a new hot water system was installed. A new inner porch was built at the door, and the vestry (a room for clergy) was made larger.
Later Renovations and Features
By 1897, the church needed more restoration work. It was closed for almost two years because people couldn't agree on where the altar and communion rails should be. The disagreement even went to court! In the end, they stayed in their original spots.
In 1891, a special gate called a lych-gate was added. It was designed by Maurice Hunter of Belper. Later, in 1906, a new east window was installed. This window was a memorial to Margaret Alton. It shows three scenes: the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Crucifixion, and St John the Evangelist. It was created by Jones and Willis of Birmingham.
Between 1933 and 1934, a new vestry was added to the west side of the church. It cost £450 and was designed by S.F. Walker of Ripley. At the same time, another stained-glass window was put in to remember Frederick Alton.
Church Status
St Luke's Church is part of a joint parish. This means it shares a priest and resources with St Anne's Church, Ambergate.
The Church Organ
The first organ at St Luke's was bought second-hand in 1853 from St Peter's Church, Belper. This organ was later replaced by a new one built by W.M. Hedgeland. The new organ was first played by Frederick Bentley, who was the organist at St Andrew's Church, Derby, on July 22, 1877. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Amber Valley
- Listed buildings in Ripley, Derbyshire
