Although the present building of Christ Church, Bedford was
only consecrated on 29 September 1958, there has been an Anglican
congregation called Christ Church in Bedford since 1884. In
November 1883 plans were submitted to Bedford Borough Council
to erect an iron church in Castle Road, Bedford. The plan was
approved and Christ Church, Bedford held its first service on
March 18th 1884.
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The original plans for the
first Christ Church building have been preserved in the
local archives office and include this pen and ink drawing
of the iron structure.
Prefabricated iron churches were common at this time
in the growing towns and cities of England. They were
able to cater for the rapidly increasing urban population
and were much cheaper than a permanent building. Another
advantage was that they could be relocated if required.
As Bedford grew eastwards, it was decided to move Christ
Church to what was, at the time, the edge of the built
up area. At a total cost of £557 4s 4d the building
was relocated on to the site of what is now the vicarage
garden, and it was reopened for worship on 18 December
1902. |
| This is what the tin Christ Church looked
like following its removal from Castle Road to Denmark Street
in 1902. |
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From its inception until 1942, Christ Church was a chapel of
ease to St Cuthbert’s Church (this building is now used
by the Polish Catholic Christians in Bedford) and it was staffed
by curates, many of whom only stayed for a few years before
moving on. On a number of occasions suggestions were made that
a permanent church should be built and plans were even drawn
up, but nothing came of these, although in 1939 builders’
huts were erected on the present site of the church and a few
preliminary trenches were dug, just as World War 2 was declared;
the work was postponed.
In 1942 the Rev. Leslie McKay
was appointed to the parish of St Cuthbert’s with
the specific role of being in charge of Christ Church,
as it became an independent parish. Once the Second World
War ended the PCC soon resumed discussions about the possibility
of building a permanent church. During 1952 the Parsonage
(now Vicarage) was built and occupied, and on the afternoon
of Saturday 22nd September 1956, Lord Luke of Odell Castle,
laid the foundation stone of the new church building.
Its Consecration took place on Monday 29th September 1958
and the tin church was then converted for use as a church
hall.
For fifteen years after the building of the permanent
church, there was a degree of continuity and stability.
Then in early 1973 the church was informed that, after
over 30 years of service to the congregation, Mr McKay
(right) had resigned on medical advice.
In December 1973 the Rev. John Tiller and his family
were welcomed to the parish, and in 1974 the temporary
church, which had in fact served the congregation of Christ
Church for 90 years, was demolished, as it was no longer
serviceable. |
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A key focus at this time was fund raising for a new hall. Phase
one of the project was completed with the dedication on 17 October
1976 of the small hall. Christ Church Playgroup began on January
17th 1977, taking advantage of the new facilities, and it was
on April 26th that the first lunch club was held. Don Humphries
replaced John Tiller and he too, brought some new ideas with
him. Morning Out began on Friday 11th April 1979, and from September
a church secretary was employed. The need to build a large hall
was increasingly apparent; once again Christ Church began fund
raising, and on 10th October 1982 the opening and dedication
of the large hall was celebrated.
In March 1985 Don Humphries moved to a job in Cambridge, and
in October, David Harris took over as Vicar. There were various
innovations as to the timing and format of services and a focus
on youth work. In 1999 David Harris left the parish to work
in Exeter and Richard Hibbert was inducted as Vicar of Christ
Church in July 2000.
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Vicars of Christ Church
From left to right:
Rev David Harris, Vicar 1985-1999
Rev Don Humphries, Vicar 1979 - 1985
Rev Richard Hibbert, Vicar 2000 to present
Rev John Tiller, Priest in Charge 1973-1978
(Taken at the 100th
Anniversary celebrations of Christ Church in Denmark
Street in 2002).
There is also a gallery of photos available by clicking
here.
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The PCC of Christ Church are aware of the danger of becoming
complacent and of the need to keep moving forward. As a church
we are currently considering how to put into practice the phrase
‘Christ Church Bedford, Living to love God.’ so
that the Christian presence at the north end of Denmark Street,
continues to be a positive one in the years to come.
To read some more detailed accounts of the church history
please visit the articles within the parish
magazine pages:
the Move to Goldington Road
Christ Church History 1902 - 1922
Christ Church becomes a Conventional District: 1942-1952
The Permanent Church is finally opened
The Incumbency of the Rev. Leslie McKay
The Tillers, and the toppling of the Tin Tabernacle
Don Humphries and the construction of the large hall
