“Did you know that this very building started life as a dog kennel?” I ask. The St Joseph the Worker & Dovetail Centre stands before us unassuming yet steeped in history. This lively multicultural Anglican church began its journey not in grand halls but in a humble corrugated iron hut. It was the 1950s and Father Phillips a parish priest at St Mary’s Church in Northolt felt a calling. He sensed God wanted a new church in South Northolt where new homes were springing up.
A small group from St Mary’s answered that call. They left their familiar church to establish St Joseph the Worker. Their first services were held in that former dog kennel along the Old Ruislip Road. Their possessions were minimal a suitcase holding vestments chalice plates and candles. Think of it a church in a suitcase. A testament to faith’s simplicity.
The congregation grew quickly outgrowing the humble hut. They moved to a community centre then to Arundell Primary School. Each move represented progress a growing community finding new spaces for worship. But the dream of a permanent church building persisted. The people of St Joseph the Worker worked tirelessly raising money brick by brick through bake sales and toy making.
Finally their dream took shape. A dual-purpose church and community hall rose near the White Hart roundabout. This first permanent structure served the community for years. However even that proved too small. The congregation continued to grow. Once again they rallied saving and seeking support. They built the church we see before us.
Architects Murray and Maguire designed this church. Its construction caused a stir some even compared the bell tower to a factory chimney. The then Vicar Reverend M A Turner defended the design emphasizing its strength and permanence. The cornerstone was laid on September 16 1967. You can still see it in the car park. The consecration followed on March 15 1969 a grand event attended by over 600 people. The Bishop of London himself officiated.
The church continued to evolve. In 2001 using funds from the sale of the old church hall and donations they improved the facilities. The sanctuary was expanded and modernized. The old baptismal font was removed creating space for what is now the Dovetail Centre. This addition includes a lounge a kitchen and better toilets. It’s more than a place of worship. It’s a community hub. A testament to the enduring spirit of St Joseph the Worker.