Church Architecture and History

The church was built in 1972. The architect proposed that his design should have an elliptical shape suitable for contemporary liturgical, educational and social activities. As you enter the main door you arrive in a spacious foyer that lies across the back area of the church proper. An office, vestry, sacristy, kitchen and toilets lead off the foyer.

To the left at a slightly lower level is the lounge - see the separate section on this. To the left of the foyer are glass doors leading into the church itself. This is a light, airy and spacious building dominated by a striking catenary timber shell roof that was recently described, rather untechnically, as "Pringle-shaped". As the lowest point on the central axis is behind the altar, the roofline appears to sweep down to the altar from both sides and the back.

The altar space, two steps up from the main floor level, is defined partly by a low brick wall surmounted by a teak altar rail. Communicants can receive the Eucharist around the four sides of the altar. The aluminium altar, also the reading and preaching rostrum, are free-standing to allow the priest to face the congregation and are moveable to fit any style of service or allow for drama.

Rather than locate the font at the rear as in traditional churches, it was felt appropriate to place it at the front near the altar. The whole baptistry sanctuary is distinguished by being one step down from the main floor level. It is defined on two sides by a low L-shaped wall and seat. The base of the font is made of concrete and the top of pink Jersey granite.

Two blocks of five rows of Columbian pine pews for the congregation are ramped as the floor slopes downward from back to front. The curved walls are designed for acoustical qualities.

The church's circular space allows seating accommodation to be varied from 140 to 280 people, whilst allowing the congregation to feel they are an intimate part of the service.

The choir stalls and the organ are on the extreme right of the curve so that the choir are linked to the congregation, able to see well so as to take part in the services but not intervene between the congregation and the altar.

During 2005 new automatic main and inner doors to the church were installed, creating a heated air curtain. Also the toilets were renovated and extended to provide facilities for the disabled.

In January 2009 a new two-manual electronic organ was installed. It replaced the single-manual instrument that had been in use since the church building was dedicated in 1972. The new organ is an Allegiant 678 made by Roland in the USA and installed by Rodgers of Swansea, a division of Roland UK Ltd. As well as the standard organ stops, the midi system will produce piano, harpsichord and strings sounds. A data recorder could pre-record music enabling a service to be held with no instrumentalist. Sound comes from four speakers, two of which are visible on the wall beside the pipes, which have been retained for decoration, and two behind the pipes. Also two so-called "sub-woofers" are located in the recess next to the choir stalls to provide the necessary depth of sound.

The Millennium Cross was designed by Kate Richards, a design student at West Nottinghamshire College, and was dedicated in November 2000. As well as incorporating three internally lit cut-out images of the original Cross itself, the three-sided triangular design also represents the Holy Trinity. The structure, which is sited at a high point on the Church land, is made of painted mild steel plate.

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