Wonder what secrets lie behind these walls? Our Lady and St Vincent’s stands here a testament to faith and community. Let’s explore its story.
Our Lady and St Vincent’s began as a mission to serve. In 1859, St Vincent’s Home for orphaned boys opened. It was part of the Crusade of Rescue. This later became the Catholic Children’s Society.
In 1876, Reverend Lord Archibald Douglas took charge. He moved the home to Harrow Road. Douglas was the son of the Marquess of Queensberry.
In 1879, they laid the foundation stone for a chapel. The chapel opened in 1882. Initially, it honored Our Lady. Later, they included St Vincent. He was the patron saint of the Home. John George Hall of Hammersmith designed it.
Rottmann described the chapel around 1926. It had stained glass by Lavers, Westlake and Barraud. Murals adorned the sanctuary. The chapel became too small. Rebuilding had to wait until 1970. The old buildings were then demolished.
Services moved to a temporary church. Construction on the new complex began in 1973. Cardinal Heenan laid the foundation stone. The first Mass took place in 1975. Clive Broad was the architect. Truett & Steel were the builders.
The parish sold land to finance the rebuilding. This resulted in a compact design. Church, presbytery and social center were integrated.
Around 2003, A. Conell oversaw a refurbishment. This included a light shaft. The former hall became a narthex. A new glazed entrance screen faced the courtyard. It created a main entrance.
The church is built from white concrete blocks. Concrete and steel beams support it. The original plan was oblong. The altar was in the center of the east wall. Spaces to the west allowed expansion. They could extend the church into the hall.
Blocks of varying heights distinguish the functions. The church is the tallest element. A two-story presbytery frames it. A single-story block sits to the east. The former hall is to the west.
Clerestory windows light the church. A rooflight illuminates the sanctuary. The narthex leads into the nave. Ceiling heights differentiate the interior. The high nave is flanked by lower aisles. Clerestory windows connect to the nave ceiling. The ceiling light above the sanctuary has a triangular opening. The aisles receive no natural light.
The font is at the west end. The tabernacle stands in the northeast chapel. The altar and lectern are pale polished stone. The abstract reredos has been replaced. Now, an icon-style painting of the crucifixion is there. Stephen Foster created it. A statue of the Virgin and Child stands at the west end of the north aisle. Michael Clarke made it from Clipsham stone. A marble war memorial plaque honors boy scouts. It is set into the north wall.
Behind the tabernacle is a gilded relief panel. It depicts the Agnus Dei. Sheaves of wheat are also shown. Stephen Foster designed this too. The Lady Chapel is at the east end of the south aisle. Statues of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette reside there. A reconciliation room is at the west end of the south aisle. An etched glass door depicts the Holy Spirit. Stephen Foster also designed this. The carved timber Stations may be from the old church.
Our Lady and St Vincent’s stands as more than a building. It is a symbol of community. It embodies faith and service. Its history reflects dedication to those in need. It continues to serve as a beacon of hope.