Showing posts with label Anglican. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anglican. Show all posts

Thursday, 24 October 2024

St Asaph Parish Church: A Historic Gem in North Wales

St Asaph Parish Church, also known as the Church of St Kentigern and St Asa (Asaph) is a captivating place of worship located in the picturesque town of St Asaph, North Wales. With its rich history and stunning architecture, this church is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

A Brief History

The history of St Asaph Parish Church dates back to the 6th century when St Kentigern is believed to have established a church on the site, the dedication to St Asaph was added in the 12th Century. Over the centuries, the church has undergone various renovations and additions, resulting in its unique blend of architectural styles.

Community Hub

St Asaph Parish Church is not only a place of religious worship but also a vibrant community hub. The church hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and social gatherings. It's a place where people can come together to connect, learn, and celebrate.

Whether you're a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, St Asaph Parish Church is well worth a visit. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and welcoming atmosphere make it a truly special place.

I visited on a July morning, venturing to the charming city of St Asaph, North Wales to explore amongst many things, the Parish Church of St Asaph. Though the interior was closed, the church's exterior was a sight to behold, nestled on a small plot of land to the east of the River Elwy, commanding attention from the High Street. The photo's below, taken with a Nikon d3300, offer a glimpse of its grandeur. For a closer look, be sure to check them out in higher resolution on Clickasnap.





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Sunday, 15 October 2023

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

 Mytholmroyd Parish Church, better known as St Michael's Church was consecrated on the 8th September 1848. Built as part of the Million Pound Church act, a scheme officially known as the 1820 Church Building Act, that was intended to start a program of building churches in growing areas. The act was created after research had shown that few new churches had been built since the era of Queen Anne who had died in 1714. The act saw the government contribute over £1.1 million and public subscription raise an additional £1.9 million. Churches built to minimum budgets and became known as Commissioners Churches, Million Pound Churches or Waterloo Churches, a large amount of the money raised being taken from the war indemnity after the Napoleonic Wars.

St Michael's was extended in 1888, with a 2 storey Sunday School following soon after, this was reduced to 1 storeyand converted to the church hall in the 1970's. The church was badly flooded in the 2015 Boxing Day Floods, levels reaching a height of over 4 feet and forcing a closure that lasted for almost 2 years. This was the first significant flooding at St Michaels since the 1940's and has led to more flood prevention work taking place along the banks of the River Calder.

I took theses pictures with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 26th October 2013, I have replaced the sky as the original picture showed a washed out lifeless one.



The River Calder flowing past St Michael's, a little over 2 years later the river burst its banks and rose to approx 4ft above the floor of the church. The buildings to the left were so severely damaged they were demolished shortly after and now it is an open space between Burnley Road and the River.


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Sunday, 1 October 2023

St James the Great Church, Hebden Bridge

 About to celebrate it's 190th Anniversary in October, St James the Great, or Hebden Bridge Parish Church or Mytholm Church is a Grade II listed Anglican place of worship in the Mytholm area of Hebden Bridge. Built under the Million Pound Act, a government scheme to develop churches in growing areas the church cost £2700 and was consecrated on the 5th October 1833.

The church was originally a chapelry in the Parish of Heptonstall until the Parish of Hebden Bridge was created in 1844, the church was enlarged in the 1876 with a chancel added, and various additional alterations before the 20th century commenced. The last alterations were to the tower in the early 1980's. The stained glass windows all date from the 1870's.

The stone cross war memorial found in the grounds is dedicated to the local men killed in the First World War, there is an additional memorial inside the church.

I took these pictures with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 16th November 2013.




Built using Yorkshire Stone and rising 14ft high, this memorial is dedicated to the men killed from the local area in World War 1.



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Saturday, 29 October 2022

Saint John in the Wilderness, January 2015

The Church of Saint John in the Wilderness has served the community of Cragg Vale since 1817. The church is also known as Cragg Church and Marshaw Bridge Church and sits across Cragg Brook from the Hinchcliffe Arms.

The current church that occupies the site was opened in 1839 funded by the million pound act at a cost of £2130. It was built to replace the earlier church on the site which had opened in 1817, a few years after the foundation stone had been laid in March 1813. This earlier church had accommodated 250 worshipers but is larger replacement could now house 800. This was useful when the church was responsible for control of the area as the vicar had the power to force people to attend services and often demanded people leave the nearby pubs to do so.

In 1844 the church was given independence from the Parish of Halifax and the prominent local Hinchcliffe family became more involved with the church, donating and supporting the church in funds and activities. A number of the families graves can be seen within the grounds. It is said the church was visited by the Bronte Family often, this could be due to Branwell Bronte's time spent working as a clerk at the nearby Luddenden Foot Railway Station. Another famous although now notorious celebrity with links to the church is Jimmy Saville who was made an honorary church warden in 1967.

The pictures were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera on the 10th January 2015. They can be seen here and on Clickasnap.




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Sunday, 21 August 2022

All Saints Church, Salterhebble

 All Saints Church is an Anglican place of worship in the Salterhebble area of Halifax, West Yorkshire and has the Parish of All Saints named after it. The foundation stone was laid on the 26th August 1857 and the church was designed by James Mallinson and Thomas Healey who designed several churches in the nearby area. Samuel Rhodes was a major benefactor in the construction of the church providing over 400 cart loads of stone from his own quarry for the building. The church opened in 1858 and has been in continuous use since.

These pictures were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera on the 24th October 2014, they can be seen below or on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.










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Sunday, 19 June 2022

Christ Church, Barkisland - 29 December 2014

This set of pictures were taken in the grounds of Christ Church, Barkisland, Nr Halifax, West Yorkshire. The church is Anglican and was opened in 1852 on land donated by William Baxter who lived at the nearby Barkisland Lower Hall, there is a memorial dedicated to him within the church.

The Church was built by Mallinson and Healey who were responsible for the construction of around another dozen churches within the modern Calderdale area, Calderdale only coming in to existence as a borough on the 1st April 1974.  Christ Church was granted Grade II listed status on the 16th July 1984.

I took the pictures on the 29th December 2014 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.







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Monday, 4 October 2021

Dunkeswell, Devon: A Church's Challenge

 Oh, the serendipity of an unexpected layover! For an HGV driver like me, a delay often means a good book or a cuppa, but back on September 10th, 2015, in the quiet corner of Dunkeswell, it meant something far more enriching. Stranded until morning after an early arrival at the local airfield, I traded the rumble of my truck for the gentle thud of my boots on country lanes, embarking on an impromptu exploration that unveiled two fascinating pieces of local history: the unassuming Dunkeswell Methodist Church and the remarkably resilient St. Nicholas Church.

Dunkeswell: A Pilot's Paradise and a Church's Challenge

Dunkeswell, for many, is synonymous with its airfield. During World War II, this seemingly tranquil spot buzzed with the vital energy of the US Air Force and later the US Navy. Little did I know, as I set out, just how deeply this wartime legacy had etched itself into the very fabric of the local architecture.

The Quiet Watcher: Dunkeswell Methodist Church

My first encounter was with the Dunkeswell Methodist Church, a humble edifice perched at the top of Abbey Road, gazing down over the village. With its understated charm, it spoke of quiet contemplation and community spirit. Using my trusty Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, I captured its serene presence. Online, historical details are sparse, which only adds to its mystique. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the local community, a steadfast beacon through generations, silently observing the ebb and flow of village life below. One can almost imagine the hushed sermons and hymns that have echoed within its walls for decades, providing solace and fellowship to its congregants.

St. Nicholas Church: A Tale of Resilience and Remembrance

A short walk further brought me to the more prominent St. Nicholas Church. This was where the history truly began to unfold, revealing a captivating narrative of destruction, rebirth, and poignant remembrance. Rebuilt between 1865 and 1868 on the foundations of an earlier structure, its very existence speaks to the enduring spirit of the community.

However, it was the story of its tower that truly grabbed my attention. Imagine this: the mighty roar of bombers taking off from the nearby airfield, the ground trembling with their power. It turns out, this very vibration, a symbol of wartime might, proved to be a silent assailant to the church's ancient stone. By 1953, the tower, seriously weakened and on the brink of collapse, had to be urgently demolished. This wasn't the work of bombs, but of the relentless, powerful pulse of progress and protection.

The current tower, rebuilt in 1953, stands as a testament to this remarkable story. But St. Nicholas isn't just a survivor; it's a keeper of memories. Inside, you'll find a moving tribute to the US forces who called Dunkeswell home during the war. A plaque and a book of remembrance stand as a permanent marker of their presence and sacrifice, a tangible link between a Devon village and the global conflict that shaped the 20th century. Even today, the church continues to hold regular services, its walls echoing with both contemporary prayers and the whispers of history.

A Journey Beyond the Load

My unexpected detour in Dunkeswell was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most enriching experiences are found when you step away from the planned route. What started as a logistical delay transformed into a journey through local history, a chance to connect with the quiet resilience of a community and the surprising impact of global events on a seemingly small corner of England. These two churches, each with its own story, offered a glimpse into the heart of Dunkeswell, proving that even a quick walk can uncover a wealth of hidden narratives. And all thanks to a postponed load!

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Light Hazzles Reservoir: A Tranquil Escape on Blackstone Edge

 Light Hazzles Reservoir: A Tranquil Escape on Blackstone Edge On May 27, 2025, I ventured out to Blackstone Edge, a magnificent gritstone e...