St Michael's Church, Chester Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Michael, Chester Square |
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| St. Michael with St. Philip, Chester Square | |
St Michael's in July 2009
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| 51°29′39″N 0°09′04″W / 51.49423°N 0.15105°W | |
| Location | Chester Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9EF |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Cundy |
| Years built | 1844 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St. Michael's |
| Deanery | Westminster (St Margaret) Deanery |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Charing Cross |
| Diocese | Diocese of London |
The Church of St Michael is a special church in London, England. It is a Church of England parish church, which means it serves the local community. You can find it on Chester Square in the Belgravia area. This church has been recognized as a Grade II listed building since 1958. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.
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Church Design and Style
The Church of St Michael was built in 1844. It was finished around the same time as the rest of Chester Square. The church was officially opened for worship two years later.
The building is designed in a style called late Decorated Gothic. This style is known for its detailed decorations. The outside of the church is made from a type of stone called Kentish Ragstone. The architect who designed this beautiful church was Thomas Cundy the younger.
War Memorial Chapel
Inside the church, there is a special place called the War Memorial Chapel. It is located at the north-east end of the building. This chapel was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and finished in 1920.
The chapel was officially opened on June 22, 1922. The Bishop of London attended the ceremony. Wooden panels on the chapel walls list the names of 86 people from the area. These people sadly lost their lives in World War I.
Stained Glass Windows
The church has some amazing stained glass windows. The large window at the west end was made by Hugh Easton. There are also two windows on the south side of the church. These were created by Morris & Co in 1882.
Church History and Events
The Church of St Michael has a rich history with many interesting people and events.
Famous Organist and Preacher
In the early 1860s, a famous musician named Arthur Sullivan worked here. He was the church's organist. Later, in 1930, W H Elliott became the Vicar of St Michael's.
Starting in 1931, Vicar Elliott began broadcasting his sermons from the church. These radio broadcasts continued for eight years. About 500 people would come to the church for the Thursday evening services. On Sundays, around 2,000 people would attend. Even King George V and Queen Mary listened to his broadcasts regularly.
Vicar Elliott also started an appeal for a fictional child called 'Sally in our Alley'. This appeal received 212,000 gifts from listeners. In 1936, a prayer appeal he organized resulted in 5.5 million signed prayer cards.
Notable Visitors and Performers
The famous composer Benjamin Britten visited the church on July 2, 1933. He heard Vicar Elliott preach during an evening service.
In the 1950s, a Nigerian singer named Christopher Oyesiku performed at St Michael's. Later, Margaret and Denis Thatcher lived nearby. They attended St Michael's for a short time.
St. Michael's House
St. Michael's House is a building located at 2 Elizabeth Street, near the church. It was built in the 1930s. Vicar W. H. Elliott helped to create this building.
St. Michael's House was designed by Nugent Cachemaille-Day. It was a place for different activities, including those for children. It also served as a club for working men.
