A parish under the pastoral
and sacramental care of the
Bishop of Ebbsfleet

Saint Luke was a companion and traveller with Paul. He appears to have joined Paul on his second mission, gone with him to Philippi and on to Jerusalem. He was known as the 'beloved physician' (Col. 4, 14; 2Tim.4,11; Philem.24). He remained in Palestine whilst Paul was in prison in Caesarea and went with him to Rome. Saint Luke was not Jewish but may have been a citizen of Antioch (Col.4,14; Acts6, 5; 11,19-27). Saint Luke is regarded as the Author of the Gospel in his name and the Acts of the Apostles. In his Gospel Saint Luke relates some of the most loved portions of the story of our Lord and he seems to have gone to great lengths to ensure that all is told in the proper order of events, his work being that of a factual account rather than an embellished story. This accuracy is attested by details recorded in the Acts of the Apostles where events can be checked and verified against other historical accounts created at the same time.

THE CHURCH BUILDING

At Saint Luke's we are priviledged to have a very beautiful church building to worship in, we also have a great responsibility to pass it on in good condition to future generations. The building is grade II* listed being of historic and archetectural importance. The church was founded in 1868 by Frances Alice MOSS of Litchurch, Derby. The temporary church building was opened on the Feast of the Annunciation 1868. The preacher was Rev. C. J. Vaughan DD. The cornerstone of the permanent church, a memorial to John LONSDALE D.D. 90th Bishop of Lichfield, was placed by his daughter Lucy on the Feast of the Annunciation 1870. The church was consecrated by George Augustus SELWYN D.D. 91st Bishop of Lichfield on the Feast of Saint John the Baptist 1871 (24th June). Frederick James LYALL M.A. was the curate, Cederick VAUGHAN and John JOBSON were honorary Church Wardens and Sidesmen and Charles HASLAM the Verger. The Architects were Isaac Henry STEVENS and Frederick Joseph ROBINSON, the Builder was Joseph FRYER. All of this information is recorded on tiles inlaid into the wall of the church along with this statement 'Bishop Lonsdale's Memorial Church erected partly by subscription and partly by private munificence on express condition that every sitting be free and unappropriate for ever'. The church tower is the second highest in the city, only surpassed by Derby Cathedral, and contains a full peal of eight bells which are the heaviest in the county.

The church organ was the last large organ built by Isaac ABBOTT of Leeds.

It is the only large ABBOTT organ still in use on the country, is virtually untouched since it was built in 1881 and features thirty-six stops. Isaac ABBOTT was a pupil of William HILL of London who was one of the greatest of Victorian organ builders. It is a fine example of Victorian organ building at its best with the influences of SCHULZE of SCHULZE and HILL clearly discernable in the voicing and design. The instrument is constructed in the most ingenious manner around a large stone pier within an elegant case which was probably designed by ROBINSON the Architect of the church. In spite of dust and water in the pipework the sound is still magnificent but more and more of the action is failing. The building is currently in the process of an extensive three phase renovation costing in the region of £180,000. Stage I which will see the roof made watertight is now underway with planned stages II & III seeing renovation for the organ, structural work for the building and cosmetic renovation. Partial funding for this has been secured by a National Lottery Grant administered by English Heritage and the Council for the Care of Churches. However there is still a lot of work and fundraising to do to supplement the money already raised through years of hard work by the congregation to meet this target which will hopefully see St. Luke's as a landmark in Derby well into this new millenium.

Should you wish to contribute toward the repair of this historic building and its magnificent organ please send your donation to :-

The Treasurer, Saint Luke's Church Vicarage, 48 Peet Street, Derby, DE3 3RF, United Kingdom.

THE PARISH OF SAINT LUKE'S

Saint Luke's is a Forward in Faith church under the Episocal care of the Bishop of Ebbsfleet and is situated in the Diocese of Derby . Saint Luke's Parish is an inner-city parish located just on the edge of the commercial area. It is quite large both geographically and in terms of population housing around 10,000 people. It is a very mixed parish consiting of terraced, semi-detached and detached housing in addition to which there are two large student accomodation blocks providing rooms for around 1,000 students from the University of Derby. There are also a substantial number of homes for the elderly. There is an industrial estate close to the church containing many small businesses and factories and a nearby retail park features several major retail outlets. Within the parish boundaries there are two state primary schools covering 4-11 year olds and Bishop Lonsdale Church of England (Aided) Primary School which is affiliated to Saint Luke's. There is also a state secondary school covering 11-16 year olds. The worshipping community reflects the mix of the parish with a good balance represented at each mass.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Saint Luke's is a Forward in Faith church and part of the one holy Catholic and Apostolic church. We affirm the faith of the church as revealed in scripture and tradition. We proclaim our faith through the creeds, the sacraments and the apostolic ministry of Bishops and Priests of the Universal Church. We seek a guranteed ecclesial structure in which we can pass the faith onto our children and grandchildren. We are here to celebrate, proclaim and extend the kingdom of God. Celebrate - because the kingdom has arrived in Jesus Christ. We believe that celebration should be a major characteristic of the New Testament people of God. Proclaim - because the Kingdom is not yet fully known or accepted. So many people still need to hear and believe all that God has done in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus His Son. Extend - because we believe it is not just hearing and believing that matters but being enabled to live in the joy and freedom of the Kingdom of God. That Kingdom calls for righteousness and justice and peace for all mankind. All of this is the work of the Church. But we are clear that our prupose is not only to celebrate th Church. It is to celebrate, proclaim and extend THE KINGDOM - the Coming of Christ and its consequences and implications, personal, social and universal for our immediate community and for the whole world.