Wednesday 9 July 2008

Church Carving

This is one picture that you must click on to enlarge, the detailed carving is amazing. It adorns the doorway of St Gregory's Catholic Church, in St James' Square. Up until 1810 the Roman Catholics in Cheltenham used hired rooms for their services, until a small purpose built chapel was erected on the Churches present site. St Gregory's was then built in stages between 1854 and 1876, following the design of architect Charles Hansom. The Grade 2 listed building now has a weekend congregation of around 1000, with about 70 people attending the daily Mass. Its good to see that this church is used regularly, unlike some of the towns others. It really is a lovely looking building, so I'll show some more of it another time.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is certainly a beautiful doorway. Look forward to seeing inside. Oops so sorry about the mix up with the fish and the other half. Best you dont say a word.

brian stout said...

it really is quite detailed and exquisite... my house is right near downtown Terrell, and there are 4 churches all within one block of me... weekend/Sunday traffic is horrible around here! i'd rather have some nice quiet churches where nobody attends =)

Petrea Burchard said...

Beautiful indeed, Marley. Nice shot, too. I guess it's our day to post churches.

D said...

Truly amazing carving. Are there even artisans/craftsmen who could replicate that anymore?

Neva said...

It is stunning when you enlarge it! My oldest is named Gregory....I love the way the you captured the gate!

Isadora said...

Such a beautiful and elegant doorway. Can't wait to see the inside :)

Dina said...

A lovely church it is. Good that it is actually prayed in.
Shalom from Jerusalem.

magiceye said...

very pretty indeed!

Janet Kincaid said...

Amazing is right! When I think of the craftsmanship and sacrifice that went into buildings like these, I am in awe. Gorgeous detail, Marley.

Knoxville Girl said...

You know, even before I enlarged the photo to get a better look at the detail, I was struck by the composition of the photo - the gate as a veil or a mantilla, so delicate and graceful.

Hilda said...

So of course I enlarged it, and I'm so glad I did. You're right about the details—absolutely awesome!

Harry Makertia said...

You're right, I was amazed when I saw the carving. I was speechless.

Janet said...

Exquisite!

Gerald (SK14) said...

great carving and very well preserved.

Lori said...

The carving really is quite intricate and amazing! Wow, 1000 people, that is a large congregation.

Anonymous said...

That is a really impressive carving. I was reading recently that there is a massive shortage of stonemasons in the UK, not enough people are training so there aren't enough people skilled in carving (and also in restoration work).

Jane Hards Photography said...

It is quite exquisite. The detailing is marvellous. Lovely post. My old neighbour as a child was one of the only 2 stonemason left in the west midlands at the time. A dying art.

Rose said...

You are definitely right about enlarging it...it is amazing.

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