St Matthias' Church, Nottingham

St Matthias’ Church stands in Sneinton, a district of Nottingham in the East Midlands. The building was designed by Thomas Chambers Hine and Robert Evans and opened as an Anglican chapel in 1868. It served the parish of St Stephen’s until 2003, when it closed and was sold. In 2009 it reopened as St Mary & St George’s Coptic Orthodox Church after repairs to war damage. The chancel had been rebuilt in 1950 following enemy action during the Second World War. The church is recognised as a Grade II listed building. The church’s three-manual organ dates from 1912 and was built by E. Wragg & Son. Several clergy served the parish during its Anglican years, including Frederick Armine Wodehouse who led the church from 1869 to 1882. The building cost £3,000 to construct, a substantial sum in the 19th century. The Diocese of the Midlands purchased the property in 2006 and converted it for Coptic worship. The interior now reflects the traditions of the Coptic Orthodox community. Inside, visitors find the rebuilt chancel and the historic organ installed by E. Wragg & Son. The nave and aisles retain the original Gothic lines designed by Hine and Evans. The stained glass and fittings were adapted for Coptic services while preserving the Grade II listed fabric. The surrounding area of Sneinton offers quiet streets and local shops nearby. The church sits close to St Stephen’s Church, its former parish church.