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Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Cuthbert facts for kids

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St Cuthbert's Church
Polish Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus & St Cuthbert
PolishChurchBedford.JPG
Country England
Denomination Roman Catholic
Churchmanship Polish
History
Status Parish church
Dedication Sacred Heart
Cuthbert of Lindisfarne
Architecture
Functional status Active
Groundbreaking 1846
Administration
Deanery St. Francis (Bedford)
Diocese Northampton
Province Westminster

The Polish Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus & St Cuthbert is a Roman Catholic Church. It serves the Polish community in Bedford, England. This church is also a Grade II listed building. This means it is a special historical building.

History of the Church Building

There have been religious buildings on this spot for a very long time. Some records show buildings here since the 700s! The church building you see today was first built in 1846 and 1847. It was originally an Anglican church, which is part of the Church of England. At that time, it was simply called St Cuthbert.

Building Changes Over Time

The church was designed in a style called neo-Norman. This style looks a bit like old Norman castles. In 1865, more parts were added to the church. These were the north and south aisles. An architect named Francis Penrose designed these additions. Later, in 1907, a new entrance porch was built on the north side.

A New Purpose for the Church

In 1974, the Church of England decided they no longer needed this building. It was then bought by a group called the Harpur Trust. This trust gave the church building to the Polish community in Bedford. After this, the church's name was changed to what it is today. It became a special place for Polish people to worship.

Serving the Community

This church is very important to the Polish community in Bedford. It helps them keep their traditions and faith alive. For a few years, the church also hosted a special type of Mass. This Mass later moved to other churches in the area. However, it eventually returned to another church in Bedford.

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