St Wilfrid's Church, Brighton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Wilfrid's Church
The former church seen from the southwest in 2013
50°49′54″N 0°07′16″W / 50.8317°N 0.1210°W / 50.8317; -0.1210
Location	Whippingham Road, Brighton, Brighton and Hove BN2 3PZ
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Anglican
History
Status	Church
Founded	25 August 1901
Dedication	Saint Wilfrid
Events	1932–1934: Rebuilt 1980: Closed
Architecture
Functional status	Redundant
Heritage designation	Grade II listed
Designated	14 January 1981
Architect(s)	Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel
Style	Eclectic
Closed	1980

St Wilfrid's Church was once an Anglican church in the Elm Grove area of Brighton, England. It was built in the 1930s to replace an older, temporary church. Its design was very unusual for its time and was highly praised. The church closed after less than 50 years. It was then turned into sheltered housing for elderly people. The outside of the building was changed very little. Soon after it closed, it was given a special status as a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building.

Why Was St Wilfrid's Church Built?

A Growing Neighborhood Needs a Church

The Elm Grove area of Brighton grew a lot in the late 1800s. Many houses were built between the 1860s and 1900. This made the area very crowded. People needed places to live, but also places to worship.

At first, church services were held in rented rooms. But soon, more space was needed for the growing number of people. So, a temporary church was built. It was made of tin and was sometimes called a "tin tabernacle." This temporary church opened on August 25, 1901.

Building a Permanent Church

In 1922, the church area became its own parish. This meant it had its own local church community. About 2,000 more people joined the parish. This made it clear that a bigger, permanent church was needed.

The community worked hard to raise money. They collected £15,000 for the new building. While the new church was being built, services were held in a nearby hall.

Who Designed the Church?

The famous architect Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel was chosen to design the new church. The building work was done by George Lynn and Sons Ltd. The new St Wilfrid's Church was officially opened on November 25, 1933.

Art Inside the Church

A German artist named Hans Feibusch created a large painting inside the church. This was one of his first works in the United Kingdom. He painted a big mural in the Lady Chapel between 1940 and 1941. He later created many other paintings for churches in the area.

Why the Church Closed

In 1980, the church had to close. This was because a dangerous material called blue asbestos was found inside. The building then started to fall apart because it was not being used.

Church leaders thought about tearing the building down. But because it was so special, it was given "listed status." This protected it from being demolished. Instead, the inside was changed, and it became flats for elderly people.

What Makes the Church Building Special?

A Unique Architectural Style

Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel, the architect, was very important in his field. He was even a past president of the Royal Institute of British Architects. For St Wilfrid's Church, he mixed old church building ideas with new materials and ways of building.

The church's style is very unusual. It doesn't look like old churches, but it also doesn't look like other modern buildings from the 1930s. People have called it "remarkable" and "highly original." A famous writer, John Betjeman, even said it was "about the best 1930s church there is."

Building Materials and Design

The outside walls of the church are made of two colors of brick: red and brown. These bricks were made locally. The roof is made of strong reinforced concrete and was made fireproof. The tower at the front of the church has a special "saddleback roof" shape.

Inside, the church was designed to make sure everyone could see the altar clearly. The main part of the church, called the nave, was made very wide. The side areas, called aisles, were kept narrow and low. There was also a special area for baptisms and a porch.

St Wilfrid's Church Today

St Wilfrid's Church was officially listed as a Grade II building on January 14, 1981. This means it is a building of special historical or architectural interest. It is one of many important buildings in Brighton and Hove.

Today, the inside of the old church building is called "St Wilfrid's Flats." It provides homes for elderly people.

See also

• Grade II listed buildings in Brighton and Hove: S
• List of places of worship in Brighton and Hove