St Thomas' Church, Parkgate facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Thomas' Church, Parkgate
St Thomas' Church, Parkgate
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OS grid reference	SJ 279 783
Location	School Lane, Parkgate, Cheshire
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
Website	St Thomas, Parkgate
History
Status	Chapel of ease
Dedication	Saint Thomas the Apostle
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II
Designated	5 September 1995
Architectural type	Chapel
Style	Gothic Revival
Completed	1843
Administration
Parish	Neston
Deanery	Wirral, South
Archdeaconry	Chester
Diocese	Chester
Province	York

St Thomas' Church is a historic building located in Parkgate, Cheshire, England. It is a special type of church called a chapel of ease. This means it's a smaller church that helps a main parish church, in this case, St Mary and St Helen in Neston. St Thomas' Church belongs to the Anglican faith.

The church is an important part of England's history. It is officially listed as a Grade II building. This means it is a "listed building" that has special historical or architectural importance. Because of its past connections to the local fishing community, many people call it the "Fisherman's Church."

History of St Thomas' Church

How the Church Started

St Thomas' Church was first built in 1843. It began as a chapel for a group called the Congregationalists. Later, in 1858, it was sold to the Presbyterian church. However, the Presbyterian group soon moved to a different building. This left St Thomas' empty for a while.

Joining the Church of England

In 1910, the Church of England started to use the building. They first leased it, which means they rented it. Then, in 1917, they bought it. After that, it officially became a chapel of ease for the main church in Neston.

Saving the Church Building

By 1994, there were worries that the church building was not safe. It was closed in July of that year. It looked like the church might even be torn down. But in 1995, it was given its Grade II listed status. This helped protect it.

In 2001, a special group was formed to help save the church. It was called the Bishop's Trust for the Restoration of St Thomas' Parkgate. A group called English Heritage gave a large grant of £40,000. Local groups also worked hard to raise money. Together, they collected £250,000. This money was used to make the church safe and fix it up. The church was officially opened again on July 4, 2010. The Bishop of Chester, Revd Peter Forster, led the special ceremony.

Architecture of St Thomas' Church

What the Church Looks Like

St Thomas' Church is built from red sandstone. It has a roof made of slate tiles. The sides of the roof have stone caps, called copings. People who study buildings have described it as "a small sandstone box."

The church has a simple design. It has a long main area that combines the nave (where people sit) and the chancel (the area near the altar). Along the sides of the church, there are five tall, narrow windows. These are called lancet windows. Some of these windows are now blocked up.

Special Features of the Building

At the front, or west end, of the church, there are also some blocked-up lancet windows. Above them, there's a blocked round window. At the back, or east end, there is a small porch and the main entrance door. Above this door, there is another lancet window. Small, flat-headed windows are on each side of the porch.

On the north side of the church, there is a door for the chancel. You reach it by climbing four steps. On the east gable (the triangular part of the wall under the roof), there is a decorative top piece. It looks like a small turret.

Inside the Church

Inside St Thomas' Church, there is a gallery at the back. This is a raised area, like a balcony. The church also has beautiful oak furniture. This includes the altar, where religious ceremonies take place. There is also a pulpit, where sermons are given, and a reader's desk. The communion rail is also made of oak. In one corner of the gallery, there is a small organ. It has only one manual, which means one keyboard.

See also

• Listed buildings in Neston