St Laurence’s

Is it a beacon of faith or a testament to community spirit? St Laurence’s Church, a modern marvel of brick and open design, stands here on Milton Road. It’s more than just a building. It’s a story etched in faith, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of Cambridge’s Catholic community. St Laurence’s wasn’t always this striking structure. The first permanent Catholic church after the Reformation was Our Lady and the English Martyrs, consecrated in 1890. But the growing Catholic population needed another spiritual home. The Carmelites briefly filled this void with their convent on Chesterton Road, but their relocation in 1937 sparked the need for a dedicated parish in the north of the city. Initially, Mass was celebrated in private homes and then a humble corrugated iron church on Chesterton High Street, affectionately known as St Laurence’s. The iron church was a testament to their resourcefulness. It was originally part of the First Eastern General Hospital, then moved to the garden of Our Lady and the English Martyrs church, where it was called Houghton Hall. Finally, in 1939, it found its purpose as St Laurence’s. But the dream of a permanent structure persisted. With the arrival of Rev. Patrick Oates in 1951, fundraising efforts intensified. The foundation stone for the present St Laurence’s was laid in 1958 by Bishop Parker. Just months later, the church we stand before was blessed and dedicated, a symbol of their enduring faith. The church embraces a modern, open layout. Every corner offers an unobstructed view of the altar area. While the church has remained largely unchanged, the altar rails were removed, and the altar redesigned after the Second Vatican Council. A glass roofed porch was added around the millennium. A balcony followed in the early 2000s, accommodating the ever-growing congregation. St Laurence’s journey reflects the vibrant spirit of its parishioners. From humble beginnings in private homes and a repurposed hospital building to this beautiful brick structure, their story is one of faith, perseverance, and community. The church stands as a symbol of their dedication, a testament to the power of collective dreams realized.