St. Ninian's Church, Douglas, Isle of Man

St Ninian's Church is an Anglican church in the Parkfield area of Douglas, Isle of Man, and falls within the Diocese of Sodor and Man.

St Ninian's Church
St Ninian's Church
54.1649°N 4.4832°W / 54.1649; -4.4832
LocationSaint Ninians Road, Douglas IM2 5BT.
CountryIsle of Man
DenominationChurch of England
TraditionConservative evangelical
WebsiteChurch website
History
Founded1913
DedicationSaint Ninian
Consecrated1914
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Architect(s)W.D. Caroe
StyleGothic Revival
Administration
DioceseDiocese of Sodor and Man
Clergy
Vicar(s)Reverend John Coldwell

History

St Ninian's Church was built on land which was owned by the renowned philanthropist Henry Noble; the construction cost was also met from Noble's estate.[1][2] Built in the Gothic Revival style, the architect was W.D. Caroe.

It is thought that the dedication to St Ninian reflects Noble's Cumbrian heritage (he was born at Clifton, Cumbria) and the county's association with St Ninian.[1][2]

On 6 July 1913 the Bishop of Sodor and Man conducted the ordination of the Reverend Gleave of St John's College, Cambridge, who was admitted a deacon and became the first curate of the church.[3]

The first wedding in the newly-opened church was on 17 September 1913, when Peter Kissack married Vera Handley.[4]

The imposing bell tower of St Ninian's Church.

St Ninian's Church was consecrated on 25 March 1914[5] by the Bishop of Sodor and Man, Dr Denton Thompson.[5] The large congregation included the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, Lord Raglan and members of his family; the Clerk of the Rolls, Thomas Kneen; the Attorney General, George Ring; Deemster George Callow; High Bailiff James Gell; and the Mayor of Douglas accompanied by several members of the borough council.[5]

The Vicar General read the deed of consecration, which was signed by the Bishop.[5]

Windows

St Ninian's Church features prominent stained glass windows in its eastern end in memory of Henry Noble and his wife Rebecca, as well as several Celtic saints.[6] The unveiling ceremony took place on 14 September 1913 and was performed by Rev. Canon Kermode, Vicar of St George's.[6][7]

The window consists of four lights, two showing the Ascension of Jesus and two showing the Resurrection.[6] Above is a small window decorated with the arms of the Diocese of Sodor and Man.[6] On the north and south sides of the chancel are four lights, two on each side, with figures representing St German, St Columba, St Maughold and St Patrick.[6] In the side chapel there are two lights at the east end, with figures of St Ninian and St Martin; and two lights on the north side representing St Bridget and St Kentigern.[6]

The windows were designed and installed by Horace Wilkinson Ltd of London.[6]

Modern use

Today St Ninian's Church continues to play an active part in the life of the local community.

It is one of Registered Buildings of the Isle of Man.[8]

St Ninian's Church Hall

Built by Messrs Callow and Son's of Douglas in 1930, St Ninian's Church Hall was constructed from artificial stone. This method of construction had several advantages:[9]

  • The stones could be cast to various shapes and sizes.
  • All joints could be interlocking joints.
  • Enabled more precise polishing and finishing.

[10] The hall was used for various recreational activities until it was demolished in the early 2000s. Today the area where the church hall was situated has been developed into residential accommodation.

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See also

References
  1. "About Us - The Parish Church of Saint Ninian - Living God's Love". www.stninians.im.
  2. "St Ninian's Church - Culture Vannin - Isle of Man". www.culturevannin.im.
  3. Ramsey Courier, Friday, July 11, 1913; Page: 2
  4. Ramsey Courier, Friday, September 19, 1913; Page: 5
  5. Isle of Man Examiner, Saturday, March 28, 1914; Page: 2
  6. Mona's Herald, Wednesday, September 17, 1913; Page: 7
  7. Peel City Guardian, Saturday, September 20, 1913; Page: 6
  8. "Registered Building No. 28: St Ninian's Church, Ballaquayle Road, Douglas" (PDF).
  9. Isle of Man Examiner, Friday, April 24, 1931; Page: 8
  10. Isle of Man Examiner, Friday, April 24, 1931; Page: 8
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