The Interior
The Church was constructed in 1904, to a design by P H Currey (1864-1942), the brother of the first Vicar and C C Thompson (1873-1932), of Derby. It was built by R Weston and Son of Derby and cost £5098.
The Nave and Baptistry
It is worth crossing to the centre of the Nave to take in the full length of the church (110 feet), and its height (65 feet). The very tall clerestory windows give plenty of light and are supported by solid circular piers. The tracery is worked in Matlock stone. The walls of the church were built of cement concrete, faced with 21/2 inch Leicestershire sandstone bricks.
Now turn round and face the Baptistry immediately behind you. The striking Font is an interesting example of late Victorian Gothic work. Already the outlines betray the influence of art deco. Except in Eastertide, the large Paschal Candle on its impressive wooden pedestal, stands by the Font, a reminder of ‘Christ our Light’ rising from the dead to shine in the world.
The notice-boards to either side of the Font will give the visitor some idea of the breadth of activities supported directly or indirectly by the Church Family here.
Now face up the Nave, and take in the roof - with its hint of a wooden ark - traditionally the church is the ‘Ark of Salvation’ to the world. The dark-stained pine pews were originally in St Andrew’s Church.
To the left, above the hymn book storage shelves, is a carved wood reproduction of the Last Supper, made in Thailand. To the right, on the opposite pier, is an 18th century Italian School painting of a Biblical scene.
The Pulpit and Chancel
At the head of the Nave notice the pulpit. The symbols of the Four Evangelists were carved by Fr. Currey. It is believed he also carved the figures and the calligraphy on the Rood Beam, immediately above.
Go up into the Chancel, through the wrought iron gates - mind the steps! Above you to the left is the Organ, fully restored in 1995. Ahead are two Processional Crosses, one with The Crucified, original to this Church, the other, in plain brass, from St Andrew’s.
The Sanctuary and High Altar
Beyond the Chancel is the Sanctuary with a very fine High Altar table, and Reredos. The stone surrounding the Christus Rex is locally quarried Chellaston Alabaster, although the seam is now exhausted. The Christus Rex was designed and painted by a former Vicar, Fr. Thomas. The sanctuary is paved with squares of Hopton stone and blue, the rest of the paving being done with 6 inch Staffordshire quarries.
The free-standing Candle stands are from St Andrew’s Church. Note the Sedilia, with seats for President, Deacon and Sub-Deacon at the High Mass. The furnishings were embroidered by Maisie Currey. Strangely, for a Church of this period, there is no piscina in the Sanctuary.
The beautifully embroidered Mothers Union banner, in its showcase to the right of the Reredos, rather puts to shame the much older banner of St Osmund, which is very worn.
When you have absorbed the proportions of the Sanctuary, go through the door into the Lady Chapel, conveniently enclosed to provide a warm place for weekday services. Mind the steps down!