St.Paul's
Church was built in 1848 with local quarry stone by P.Wood of Derby
for the princely sum of £1,740. It was consecrated on
22 May 1850 by Rt Revd John Lonsdale, Bishop of Lichfield (Derby
was in the Lichfield Diocese in those days).
The
architects Barry and Brown of Liverpool used a medieval theme in
designing an open timber roof, the central nave being flanked by
pointed arches and decorated style windows. It is designed in the
cruciform style, with the tower offset in the North East corner.
The
organ is reputed to be the oldest 'great' organ in Derby. It was
installed in 1865 having been purchased from a Methodist Church
in Buxton.
In
its earlier life it was customary for people to pay 'pew rents'
- that is they paid an amount to the church and in return they could
choose a pew that would be reserved for them and their family. This
custom was abolished in the 1920's when the Incorporated Church
Building Society gave a grant to the church on condition that all
the seats should be free. You can see a plaque commemorating this
above the inner doorway in the north porch. You can now sit in any
pew free of charge!
Many
have worked hard to maintain the church over the years and last
year a new heating system was installed which was much appreciated
during the winter! Other work needs to be done, and hopefully
as the church grows, we can do further repair and restoration work.
Sadly
the risk of vandalism means we have to keep the church locked
much of the time, but it is quite often open during the week,
and if you are passing please drop in. There is a quiet chapel
available for private prayer.
The
church has a hearing loop and a ramp for the main church entrance.
Church
Hall
