St Michael's Church, Paignton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael's Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Main Church closed, chapel still used |
| Year consecrated | 1939 |
| Location | |
| Location | Paignton, Devon, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Messrs. Tonar and Drury |
| Architectural type | Church |
St Michael's Church, also called St Michael's and All Angels, used to be a Church of England church. You can find it in Paignton, Devon, England. It was built in 1939. The church closed its main doors in 1979. Today, it is part of a group of homes called St Michael's Court. But a small part, the chapel, is still used for church services.
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History of St Michael's Church
St Michael's Church was built to replace an older, temporary church. That first church was set up in 1909. It was located on Elmbank Road and could seat 200 people. The old building was falling apart. Also, the area needed a bigger and better church.
Building the New Church
In February 1937, the vicar of Paignton, Rev. B. Montague Dale, started a fundraising effort. He wanted to collect £10,000. This money would help build two new, permanent churches. The first church, St George's in Goodrington, started being built after £5,000 was raised. This happened in just six months!
Mr. Herbert Whitley of Primley gave a piece of land for the new St Michael's Church. The church's design was created by architects Messrs. Tonar and Drury from Exeter. They specialized in church buildings. Once most of the second £5,000 was raised, construction of St Michael's began. This was in early 1939.
The foundation stone for the church was laid on June 23, 1939. The Bishop of Crediton, Rev. William Surtees, placed it. The church was built by Messrs. Willcocks and Barnes of Paignton. It cost £6,000 to build. The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Rev. Charles Curzon, officially opened the church. This special event, called a consecration, happened on December 2, 1939.
From Church to Homes
St Michael's Church was declared "redundant" on April 1, 1979. This means it was no longer needed as a main church. The next year, it was sold to a group called Devon Community Housing Society Ltd. They got permission to change the building. The plan was to add to it and turn it into 35 flats.
Now, the old church building is part of St Michael's Court. This is a place that offers special housing for older people or those who need support.
The Chapel Today
A small part of the original church was saved. This part is the lady chapel. It was not turned into homes. Starting in 2007, this chapel began to be used for church services again. An independent Christian church group from Exeter started using it. They named it St. Michael's Fellowship.
Services have been held monthly for the residents living there. There was only a short break during the COVID-19 pandemic.
