St Matthew's Church, Duddeston and Nechells
St Matthew’s Church, Duddeston and Nechells is a Grade II listed parish church in the Church of England in Birmingham.[1]
| St Matthew’s Church, Duddeston and Nechells | |
|---|---|
| |
| 52°29′26.2″N 1°52′38.9″W | |
| Location | Duddeston |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Matthew |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Architect(s) | William Thomas |
| Groundbreaking | 1839 |
| Completed | 1840 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 1,300 people in 1866. Now 250 people. |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Aston and Nechells |
| Diocese | Anglican Diocese of Birmingham |
History
The church was designed by the architect William Thomas of Leamington Spa. The foundation stone was laid in October 1839.[2] It was consecrated by the Bishop of Worcester in October 1840.[3] It was built as a daughter church to St Peter and Paul’s Church, Aston and was the first of the five churches built by the Birmingham Church Building Society.
In 1866, J.A. Chatwin added galleries to increase the seating capacity. The church was restored in 1883.
In 1868 part of the parish was taken to form that of St Lawrence's Church, Duddeston. When St Lawrence closed in 1951, the parish was reunited.
In 1898 part of the parish was taken to form that of St Anne's Church, Duddeston. When St Anne closed in 1951, the parish was reunited.
In 1994 a rebuilding scheme converted the church in a multi-purpose building, with a worship area for 250 people at the east end, and office and community accommodation in the remaining portion.
References
- The Buildings of England. Warwickshire. Nikolaus Pevsner. Penguin Books. ISBN 0140710310 p.131
- "Birmingham, Oct 14, 1839". Aris’s Birmingham Gazette. Birmingham. 14 October 1839.
- "Birmingham". Coventry Herald. Coventry. 23 October 1840.