St Michael's Church, Paignton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael's Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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. It is located in Paignton, Devon, England. The church was built in 1939. It closed its main doors in 1979. Today, the building is part of a housing area called St Michael's Court. However, a special part of the church, called the chapel, is still used for services.
Contents
Building St Michael's Church
St Michael's Church was built to replace an older, temporary church. That older church was built in 1909. It was located on Elmbank Road and could seat 200 people. The old building was falling apart. People in the area needed a better church.
Raising Money for New Churches
In February 1937, the vicar of Paignton, Reverend B. Montague Dale, started a fundraising effort. He wanted to raise £10,000. This money would be used to build two new, permanent churches. The first church was St George's in Goodrington. Its construction began after £5,000 was raised in just six months.
Construction Begins
Mr. Herbert Whitley of Primley donated land for the new St Michael's Church. The church's plans were drawn up by architects Messrs. Tonar and Drury from Exeter. Once most of the second £5,000 was raised, construction of St Michael's began in early 1939.
The foundation stone was laid on June 23, 1939. This important event was done by the Bishop of Crediton, Reverend William Surtees. The church was built by Messrs. Willcocks and Barnes of Paignton. It cost £6,000 to build. The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Charles Curzon, officially opened the church on December 2, 1939.
From Church to Homes
St Michael's Church stopped being a main church on April 1, 1979. It was sold the next year to Devon Community Housing Society Ltd. They received permission to change the building. The plan was to add to it and turn it into 35 flats.
The church building is now part of St Michael's Court. This is a place that offers housing for older people or those needing extra support.
The Chapel Today
Starting in 2007, the preserved lady chapel of the original church began to be used again. This chapel was the only part of the church not turned into homes. 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.
