St Michael's Church, Colyford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael's Church |
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St Michael's Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1903 |
| Location | |
| Location | Colyford, Devon, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | R. M. Fulford |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Completed | 1889 |
St Michael's Church is a special church in Colyford, a village in Devon, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This beautiful building was built between 1888 and 1889. Since 1984, it has been a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected. Today, St Michael's is one of five churches that are part of the Colyton Parish and Holyford Mission Community.
Contents
The Story of St Michael's Church
How the Church Began
St Michael's Church was built between 1888 and 1889. A kind lady named Mrs. J. L. Scarborough and her son, Mr. Elijah Impey Scarborough, paid for it. They wanted to honor God and remember Mrs. Scarborough's father, Admiral Impey.
The church was designed by Mr. R. M. Fulford. It was built by a company called Messrs Luscombe and Son from Exeter. Even though it was a private chapel at first, people in Colyford could use it. The Bishop of Exeter, Edward Bickersteth, officially opened the church on January 17, 1889.
Becoming a Village Church
Later, Mr. Scarborough gave the church to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. This made sure the church would always be there for the village. On March 17, 1903, the church was officially made sacred, or "consecrated." This ceremony was led by the Bishop of Crediton, Robert Trefusis. The Bishop of Exeter couldn't come because he was not feeling well.
St Michael's Church still holds Sunday services every week. It's also used for fun social events in the community. In January 2015, the church celebrated its 125th birthday with a special "Songs of Praise" service.
Looking at the Church's Design
Building Style and Materials
St Michael's Church was built in a style called Arts and Crafts. This style focuses on handmade quality and natural materials. The outside walls are made of local flint stone. Special Beer limestone was used for the corners, decorative bands, windows, and roof edges. Inside, you can see buff and red bricks.
The roof is made of tiles from Staffordshire, and the inside roof has beautiful pitch pine wood. A small bell tower, called a bellcote, was added to the west end of the roof. It has decorative supports and a tiny spire.
Inside the Church
The church has a main area called a nave, a special area for the altar called a chancel, a south transept, a porch at the southwest, and a room for the clergy called a north vestry. It was built to hold 200 people on simple pine benches.
The three stained glass windows at the east end of the church are very pretty. They were designed by Mr. F. Drake from Exeter. The font, which is a basin used for baptisms, is made from carved Beer stone with a base of Hamstone.
Special Memorials
After Mrs. Scarborough passed away, her son added beautiful oak carvings behind the altar in 1892 to remember her. In 1895, friends of the Scarborough family asked Mr. F. Drake to create another stained glass window. This window celebrates Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Scarborough and their family coming home after living in California for three years.
