St Richard's Church, Ham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Richard's Church, Ham |
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| 51°26′2.6772″N 0°18′48.7722″W / 51.434077000°N 0.313547833°W | |
| Location | Ashburnham Road, Ham, Richmond TW10 7LN |
| Country | England, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 19 August 1964 |
| Consecrated | 20 May 1966 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Ralph Covell |
| Specifications | |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Bells | 1 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Southwark |
St Richard's Church, Ham is an Anglican church located on Ashburnham Road in Ham. Ham is a part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The church was started in 1964 and is named after St Richard of Chichester.
Contents
The Church's Story
How St Richard's Church Began
St Richard's Church was built as part of a new housing area. The land for the church was given by a building company called Wates. The first stone was laid on September 19, 1964, by Norman Wates.
While the church was being built, Wates let the growing church group use a small hut. This allowed them to have their worship services right from the start.
Unique Design and Art
The church was designed by an architect named Ralph Covell. He based the building's shape on the six-pointed Star of David. This created a special hexagonal (six-sided) space inside. The idea was to bring the people and the clergy (church leaders) closer together during services.
The roof of the church is also star-shaped. It has six sections that mix different kinds of curved and pointed shapes.
An artist named Henry Haig created the fourteen stained glass windows for the church. He was teaching at Kingston School of Art at the time. Henry Haig also painted the doors to the sacristy (a room where church items are kept). He also made the original cross used in church processions.
The designs in the windows and paintings are abstract. This means they don't show clear pictures of things. Instead, they use shapes and colors. These designs are inspired by the life and work of St Richard.
Stories in Stained Glass
The windows behind the altar in the lady chapel show St Richard's chalice (a special cup). Moving around the church, other windows tell stories from his life. One window shows the miracle of the fishes. Another pair of windows shows St Richard's kind and funny nature.
A panel features the bishop's mitre (a special hat). Three panels near the altar show St Richard's strength. The middle one shows a time when King Henry III tried to limit his power. Other windows show a miracle at Candlemas and St Richard as a gardener. The last windows near the entrance show St Richard's death. One shows hands pressing on the chalice, and another shows gifts left at his tomb.
The Church Organ
The church has a special organ. It was first made around 1900 by Bevington and Sons of London. In 1965, a company called N. P. Mander Ltd rebuilt it for St Richard's Church. It has a single keyboard and a small pedal keyboard.
Becoming a Listed Building
On May 20, 1966, the church was officially dedicated. This ceremony was led by Bishop Mervyn Stockwood, who was the Bishop of Southwark at the time.
Over the years, the church has been updated. In 1998, the kitchen and facilities for people with disabilities were improved. In 2003, a children's area was added with folding screens and a colorful mural. A large wooden cross was built by local young people in 2006. This cross stands on a small hill outside the church.
In February 2024, the church was given a Grade II listing. This means it is a historically important building that needs to be protected.
What Happens at St Richard's?
Church Services
A main church service called Parish Communion happens every Sunday at 10 am. After the service, people can stay for tea and coffee. There is also a Said Communion service on Tuesdays at 10 am.
Community Activities
St Richard's Church works closely with the St Richard's CE Primary School next door. The school uses the church for assemblies and other events.
Many different community groups also use the church space. These include a playgroup for young children, a choir, and a martial arts group.
Images for kids
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The church's interior, showing the wood-lined ceiling, suspended lights, organ to the left, altar centre with Henry Haig's processional cross behind, flanked by some of his stained glass windows and paintings on the vestry doors
