Christchurch, Ilkley Explained

Christchurch, Ilkley
Pushpin Map:West Yorkshire
Map Caption:Location within West Yorkshire
Coordinates:53.9244°N -1.8244°W
Location:Ilkley, North Yorkshire
Country:England
Denomination:United Reformed and Methodist Local Ecumenical Partnership
Previous Denomination:Congregational
Website:www.christchurchilkley.org.uk
Heritage Designation:Grade II listed
Architect:James Pigott Pritchett Jr
Groundbreaking:30 May 1868
Completed Date:16 June 1869

Christchurch, Ilkley is a Grade II listed United Reformed and Methodist ecumenical partnership church in Ilkley, North Yorkshire, England.

History

The foundation stone of the church was laid by James Law, Mayor of Bradford, on 30 May 1868.[1] The architect was James Pigott Pritchett Jr of Darlington and the cost estimated at £5,000 .

The design comprised a church, school and a church-keeper's house in the early decorated style of Gothic architecture. The main doorway was on Riddings Road. The tower was complete by 1869 but the 130feet spire was to be finished later The church building opened for worship on 16 June 1869.[2]

In 1972 the union between the Presbyterian Church of England and the Congregational Church in England and Wales formed the United Reformed Church and from then it was known as Ilkley United Reformed Church.

Later it formed an ecumenical partnership with Ilkley Methodist Church.

Organ

The church obtained a new organ at a cost of £464 in 1873 by the builder Forster and Andrews of Hull.[3] This was replaced in 1911 by a new instrument by Harrison and Harrison of Durham. This organ is no longer present in the church.

Clock

The clock by Potts of Leeds was installed in the tower in 1891 at a cost of £110 . It was the give of Mr. T.P. Muff of Woodbank.[4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: . Ilkley Congregational Church . Leeds Mercury . England . 1 June 1868 . 20 August 2023 . British Newspaper Archive .
  2. News: . New Congregational Church at Ilkley. Opening Services . Leeds Mercury . England . 17 June 1869 . 20 August 2023 . British Newspaper Archive .
  3. News: . Ilkley Congregational Church . Bradford Observer . England . 29 July 1873 . 20 August 2023 . British Newspaper Archive .
  4. News: . Wharfdale News . Shipley Times and Express . England . 4 April 1891 . 20 August 2023 . British Newspaper Archive .