Hidden amidst the bustling streets of Bermondsey lies Our Lady of La Salette & St Joseph Church. A humble brick sanctuary, it whispers tales of a bygone era. Our Lady of La Salette & St Joseph Church first opened its doors in 1861. It served a predominantly Irish community struggling amidst poverty. The church’s very existence is a testament to their resilience. It was designed by Edmund J. Kelly and built by John Cowland. Its dedication to Our Lady of Salette marks a unique chapter in English religious history. It became the first church in England dedicated to this apparition. This was a mere fifteen years after the weeping Madonna appeared in La Salette, France. Father McDaniel, the driving force behind the church’s construction, had visited the shrine in France. He brought back with him a vision. A vision of a place of solace and worship for his impoverished parishioners.
Our Lady of La Salette & St Joseph Church stands as a symbol of hope amidst adversity. In the 1920s and 30s, the church underwent significant renovations. F.A. Walters & Son, renowned architects, graced the interior with elegant furnishings. A new marble altar, pulpit, and a stunning Gothic reredos were added. They also crafted a dedicated altar to Our Lady of Salette, completed by Stanley Kerr Bate after Walter’s death. The original, asymmetrically placed entrance was replaced with a centrally positioned one. This entrance boasts a carved stone tympanum, a striking depiction of Our Lady of La Salette.
The church’s modest exterior of London stock brick belies the treasures within. Polychromatic brick details adorn the openings. A circular window with bar tracery, flanked by tall lancets, illuminates the space. The adjacent presbytery, a four-story brick house, mirrors the church’s understated elegance. Its polychromatic Venetian Gothic detailing and slate roof create a harmonious visual unity. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a wide, aisleless nave leading to an apsidal sanctuary. An open rafter timber roof spans the space, adding a touch of rustic charm. Blind arcading on the north side hints at a previous intention to expand. Clerestory windows bathe the south side and sanctuary in soft light.
The interior of Our Lady of La Salette & St Joseph Church resonates with the echoes of its past. The marble altar, pulpit, and Gothic reredos, crafted by F.A. Walters & Son, stand as enduring symbols of devotion. The sanctuary’s nine high-level windows depict biblical scenes, culminating in the central depiction of the Crucifixion. A western round window, adorned with stained glass representing the Seven Sacraments (circa 1950), casts a kaleidoscope of colors. Below this window, a brass panel commemorates Father McDaniel. Near the entrance, an ornate brass votive candle stand stands as a beacon of hope.
Our Lady of La Salette & St Joseph Church has witnessed the changing fortunes of Bermondsey. From its humble beginnings as a mission in a rented room in Webb Street, it has grown into a cherished landmark. It survived the bombing raids of World War II, standing defiant amidst the rubble. It remains a testament to the enduring power of faith. As you stand before Our Lady of La Salette & St Joseph Church, imagine the countless prayers whispered within its walls. Reflect on the sacrifices made by the Irish community to build this sanctuary. Their legacy lives on in the heart of Bermondsey, a beacon of hope and resilience for generations to come.