FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How old is this Church?
The present building was build in 1891.

What are the most important things to see ?
The Font (for Baptism - not just babies !); Lady Chapel; High Altar; Pulpit, Nave Altar and Lectern.

What is the oldest part of the of the Church ?
The Lady Chapel was part of the first Church, and dates from 1839. You can see that the carving there is more detailed. See also the fine shafts of Purbeck marble at the entrance arch.

Who was the architect ?
Charles Lynham, who came from Stoke-on-Trent. The Pevsner county guide considers it to be his finest work. He also built churches at Hilderstone and Hanford.

How many people can it hold ?
It was built to seat 1050, but was probably hardly ever full! There are currently seats for 350 in the Nave.

Do you still hold services here ?
Yes, every day of the year. Regular worship is very important to us.

How many people come here on Sunday ?
We usually see about 50 on a Sunday morning. There is an early service at 08:00 and a service with music at 10:00. A small congregation sings Evensong at 18:30.

What sort of services do you do ?
Our main service is the Eucharist, which means thanksgiving’. It give thanks to God for the life, death and Resurrection (rising again) of Jesus.

Is it a Catholic Church ?
Not if you mean Roman Catholic. Yes if you are talking about that part of the Church which is not Protestant, but retains the seven Sacraments and the three-fold ministry of Bishop, Priest and Deacon.

Do you have bells ?
Yes, the original set of eight hangs in the tower, and they are rung from time to time.

Do you have a Sunday School ?
Not at present. Our young people take a full part in the life of our Church. We have a regular Confirmation Class.

Is there a school attached ?
Christ Church School was built in the 1850’s by a generous Vicar who had private means. It moved temporarily out of the adjacent buildings in 1967 and never returned! We enjoy very close working relationships with the present School.

Is that your Church Hall across the Churchyard ?
Yes. We have just sold it and intend to use the money to improve the facilities at the back of the Church, so we can serve the local community better.

Why do you have curtains round the High Altar ?
Originally the curtains would have been on all four sides to hide the Altar and stop draughts. This arrangement was installed in 1921 as a war memorial after WWI.

What are the two curtained things in the Lady Chapel ?
One is the Tabernacle, where we keep some of the Bread and Wine from the Eucharist to take to people who can’t come to Church (think of wedding cake!). The white light is a reminder for us. The other one (the Aumbry) contains the Holy Oils used at Baptism and Confirmation, and to anoint the sick and the dying.

Why do you have a statue of the Virgin Mary ?
We can ask friends on earth to pray for us: our friends in heaven are just as willing! The candle that we leave carries on burning, even after we have left as a sign.

Are you High Church ?
A bit. We enjoy our bells and smells. But we are not stiff or stuffy! Coming to Church should put a smile on your face.

Do you have an organ ?
Yes, a very fine digital instrument, formerly in Lichfield Cathedral. The speakers are up in the Organ Loft (where you can still see the original pipe organ), and the console is down below.

Do you have a choir ?
No, but we encourage musical talent of all sorts.

Who looks after the Churchyard ?
The Council cuts the grass, as the Churchyard is ‘closed’ (no further burials possible). We do the rest.

Who pays for the upkeep of the building ?
The regular congregation. We have to raise all our funds and also pay a monthly sum to the wider Church.

Has English Heritage given you a grant ?
Yes, to help with repairs to the roofs, which you can’t see, but which are fairly important!

Can I make a donation ?
Of course. Please use one of the Gift Aid envelopes. Give it to the person at the door. Thank you for your kindness.

Can I take a Magazine ? What does it cost ?
Help yourself. You can have it as a present from us.

Fr David, Vicar.

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