St Nicholas' Church, Radford, Coventry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Nicholas’ Church, Radford |
|
|---|---|
St Nicholas’ Church, Radford
|
|
| 52°25′22.35″N 1°31′22.52″W / 52.4228750°N 1.5229222°W | |
| Location | Radford, Coventry |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Nicholas |
| Consecrated | 1957 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Richard Twentyman |
| Groundbreaking | 1955 |
| Completed | 1957 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Nicholas Radford |
| Deanery | Coventry North |
| Archdeaconry | Coventry |
| Diocese | Coventry |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Nicholas’ Church, Radford is a parish church in the Church of England. It is located in Radford, Coventry, England.
Contents
History of St Nicholas’ Church
The First Church Building
The first St Nicholas’ Church was built a long time ago. It was designed by an architect named George Taylor from Coventry. This church was a "chapel of ease." This means it was a smaller church built to help people who lived far from the main church, which was Holy Trinity Church, Coventry.
The church was officially dedicated on 29 September 1874. The Bishop of Worcester, Henry Philpott, led the special ceremony. The church had a main area called a nave and a smaller area called a chancel. There was also a vestry, which is a room for clergy. The church could hold about 300 people. It also had a special stone font, which is a basin used for baptisms.
Destruction During World War II
Sadly, this first church was destroyed during World War II. On 14 November 1940, Coventry was heavily bombed in an event known as the Coventry Blitz. The church was hit and almost completely ruined. Only the very bottom layer of stones was left standing. Some people who were sheltering in the church's underground area were also hurt or died.
Building the New Church
After the war, a new church was needed. Construction for the new St Nicholas’ Church began in 1955. It was designed by an architect named Richard Twentyman. The new church was officially dedicated in 1957 by the Bishop of Coventry.
The new building is made of strong, reinforced concrete. It is covered with yellow bricks. The side walls of the church are built at a slight angle, leaning inwards. Inside, the main worship area (nave) and the chancel are open and connected. There is also a tall brick tower called a campanile, which holds two bells.
The north side of the church has a special area called the Lady Chapel. This area also includes a baptistery, where baptisms take place. A cool fact is that the stone font from the old church, built in 1874, was saved and is still used in the new church today!
Church Traditions and Future
St Nicholas’ Church follows the Anglo-Catholic tradition within the Church of England. This means it has a style of worship that includes some older, more traditional practices. The City of Coventry has recognized the church as a "Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest." This means it is an important building because of its design or history.
Recently, church services have moved to the church hall. The main church building is planned to be taken down.
Church Organ
The church has a pipe organ built by Nicholson in 1955. An organ is a large musical instrument that makes sound using air through pipes. You can find more details about this specific organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
