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Christ Church, Lofthouse was built in 1839/40 and
consecrated in October 1840 as a Chapel of Ease to the Parish Church
of Rothwell. In 1845 the church was constituted an Independent
Benefice, with the Vicar of Rothwell as patron.
The church arrived at its present appearance in three
stages. The original had a porch, nave, a small vestry and bell
turret.
In 1889 major rebuilding work was planned but
the estimated cost of £3,500 could not be met. Instead the chancel,
vestries and organ chamber were added at a cost of £1,60 still a
considerable sum at the time. New pews and a font were added in
1899. For a century Christ Church was renowned for the
eleven steps that led from nave to chancel and altar an attractive,
though perhaps divisive, feature, providing beautiful photographs
and a hazardous climb for brides, but often preventing elderly and
infirm worshippers coming to the altar for
communion.
In the early 1970's a reduction in
attendance threatened the existence of the church, but a small
number of very committed members made a case to Ripon diocese for
the church to be retained. From 1973 to 1986 the independent status
of the church was lost, as it became part of the greater Rothwell
parish. However the ongoing efforts of the congregation and priest
ensured that by 1986 Lofthouse could once again be and Independent
Benefice with its own incumbent.
By then major repair
work had become necessary and the third stage in the development of
the building involved major re ordering. Steps were removed, ramps
and new floor were installed, giving a remarkably light and modern
appearance to the interior of an early Victorian church. The
original nave was dug out and became the lower church
hall.
There is wheelchair access to the church, fully
equipped toilets with disabled facilities have now been installed,
and a T loop hearing aid system is in place in the church. At the
end of 2001, the upper hall was renovated and a new kitchen built.
Church groups make good use of the hall and we hope that many others
in the community will find a home at Christ Church. The hall now
provides pleasant and accessible facilities for private functions.
Click here
to see more photos of the church.
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