Christ Church in Print
The Trust has supported the Discover Christ Church project since its inception. Now the completion of the work is celebrated in two handsome books. Roger Jones enjoyed reading both of them.
Most Trust members will be aware of the major refurbishment and updating of facilities at Christ Church, that impressive Victorian place of worship which overlooks the town from a high point at the top of Masons Lane.
To coincide with the church’s transformation, some of us may not know of the publication of two excellent books. The first, Exploring Christ Church, is a full colour 24-pager in A5 format and in full colour, which serves as a useful introduction to the church’s fixtures and fittings and its general history.
More ambitious is a fuller account – 152 pages in landscape A4 format with a profusion of illustrations. Author Ann Chapman describes the church from its initial opening in 1841 as a Chapel of Ease to the parish church, Holy Trinity. The tall and slender spire that we all know was added in 1843 and the clock some time later. George Gilbert Scott designed the chancel and his son the intricately worked screen. Indeed, Christ Church exhibits many finely crafted items, including stained glass windows, wood and stone carving and many beautiful wall paintings.
By 2016 the church building needed substantial repairs and the Future for Christ Church project was begun. In 2023, Discover Christ Church! was set up as a National Lottery Heritage funded community project to explore, restore and celebrate the church’s rich Victorian heritage. Fundraising efforts and grants raised the sum necessary for work to get under way in 2025, together with the provision of toilets, kitchen, office and storage space and progressed steadily.
All has been completed with a grand reopening earlier this year plus the publication of the two books.
The larger book is available in the church for a suggested donation of just £5 – and it’s a sumptuous volume that would cost four or five times that if published commercially. Not surprisingly, this more elaborate book includes historic views and a full account of the evolution of Christ Church from its foundation in the 19th century to the present day.
