Church Construction
It is due to the tireless
efforts of Father Cannon Francis Gilbert that the 'new' church building and presbytery
were constructed. In February 1918 Father Gilbert called a meeting to elect a parish
council, so that afterwards they could print and publish their aims and objectives for the
new church and presbytery. After several years of planning and fund raising, construction
work began.
This
photograph was taken on 19th January 1925 during construction of Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Father Gilbert designed the church tower himself. He designed
it so the tall tower could hold a peal of eight bells, and the tower clock. The church
bells are one of the greatest church features, and they hold a lot of the church's pride.
They ring out the Ave Maria every hour, (which initially upset people living nearby the
church), and are thought to be unique in England.
The
Stone from Gallipoli is being incorporated into the walls, by Bishop Doubleday: on
his left is Father Gilbert
When the Church building was finally completed,
it was said to be 'superb' and "a dream to look at". On 8th December 1925 (birth
of Our Lady) the first Mass in the new church was celebrated. In 1925 there was only one
singing Mass a month, but today there is one every week.
The new church was given its name, 'Our Lady of
Lourdes Church', most probably because of Father Gilbert's many pilgrimages to the grotto
of Our Lady at Lourdes in France.
