Mary Immaculate & St Gregory the Great

Gazing up at Mary Immaculate & St Gregory the Great, one might wonder about its history. This unassuming church, located on Union Street in Barnet, has a fascinating story to tell. The original Mary Immaculate and St Gregory the Great church was built in 1860. It served the community for over a century. This initial structure was tragically destroyed by fire. A new church arose in its place in 1975. This modern structure was designed by Steel Bretman & Partners and built by Lanner Construction, a firm known for similar church projects. Interestingly, this new church was a pre-designed “template” church, built due to financial constraints. It could initially hold around 240 adults. By 1999, the congregation had outgrown the building, with around 1,000 people attending weekend Mass. An ambitious project began in 2006 to address the need for more space. Initially, plans for a completely new church were considered. However, due to the high costs, the decision was made in 2016 to extend the existing building. The church underwent significant renovations. After a year of closure, Mary Immaculate & St Gregory the Great reopened its doors on September 3, 2017. The reopening ceremony, led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, featured the consecration of a new altar, the inauguration of a new font, and the first use of the new sanctuary. The sanctuary includes a new ambo and tabernacle. The church also benefited from modern upgrades such as underfloor heating, updated sound systems, and new lighting. A striking new window, designed by Sally Scott, depicts the risen Jesus with Mary Immaculate and St Gregory the Great, the church’s patrons.