St Paul's Church, Broadoak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Paul's Church
Religion
Affiliation	Church of England
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Active
Year consecrated	1866
Location
Location	Broadoak, Dorset, England
Architecture
Architect(s)	Thomas Talbot Bury
Architectural type	Church

St Paul's Church is a beautiful Church of England church located in Broadoak, a village in Dorset, England. A famous architect named Thomas Talbot Bury designed it, and it was built between 1865 and 1866. Since 1984, St Paul's Church has been recognized as a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected.

Why Was St Paul's Church Built?

St Paul's was originally built as a chapel of ease. This is a smaller church built for people who live far away from their main parish church. Imagine having to walk miles to go to church! St Paul's helped people in Broadoak and nearby areas attend services more easily.

A New Church for the Community

The main church for the area was St John the Baptist in Symondsbury. However, many families lived quite a distance from it. The local church leader, Reverend Henry Rawlinson, wanted to make sure everyone could go to church. Broadoak was about three miles from St John's, and the closest other church was in Salwayash.

St Paul's was the second chapel of ease built in the area. The first was St Peter's at Eype, which opened in 1865.

How the Church Was Funded

Reverend Rawlinson bought the land for the church from a local charity. The church was meant to serve Broadoak and other small communities like Henwood, Mowerbury, Dinhay, Atram, and Hogboar.

People gave money through donations and subscriptions to help build the church. The Salisbury Diocesan Church Building Society also gave a grant of £20 towards the building costs.

Laying the Foundation Stone

The first stone of the church, called the foundation stone, was laid on March 23, 1865. Mrs. Sarah Anne Rawlinson, the rector's wife, had the honor of laying it. Many local church leaders and residents came to watch this special event.

Local builders and contractors worked on the church. Mr. William Gibbs from Bradpole was the builder, and Mr. Richard Cornick from Bridport was the contractor. Mr. W. K. Brown, also from Bridport, handled the plumbing, glass, and wood parts.

The church was finished and officially opened on April 25, 1866. The Bishop of Salisbury, Right Reverend Walter Kerr Hamilton, led the special ceremony.

What Does St Paul's Church Look Like?

St Paul's Church has a special design that makes it unique.

Building Materials and Style

The church is built from local red sandstone, which came from Stoke Knapp, near Beaminster. For the corners and decorative parts, a different type of stone called Hamstone was used. The roof is made of slate.

The church was designed in the Early English style, which is a type of medieval architecture. It was built to hold about 120 people. The church has two main parts: the nave (where people sit) and the chancel (the area near the altar).

Special Features of the Church

At the west end of the church, you'll find the main entrance. It has a strong oak door with fancy ironwork. Above the entrance, there's a bell turret with a decorative cross on top.

Inside, the roof has arched wooden supports that rest on Hamstone brackets. The arch that separates the nave from the chancel is also made of Hamstone. The pulpit (where sermons are given), the lectern (where readings are done), and the reading desk are all made of oak. The seats are made of stained wood.

Windows and Light

The north and south sides of the church each have four tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. These windows have tinted glass that lets in a soft light.

The east end of the church has a large window with three lancet windows and three small round windows above them. There's also a single lancet window on each side of the chancel. The west end has two lancet windows with round and trefoil (clover-shaped) windows above.

Mrs. Rawlinson, the rector's wife, gave the beautiful east and west windows, as well as the windows on either side of the chancel. She also painted them.