Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Luton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Our Lady Help of Christians Church |
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| 51°52′33″N 0°24′58″W / 51.875823°N 0.416205°W | |
| OS grid reference | TL0912620880 |
| Location | Luton, Bedfordshire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | OurLadyHelpofChristians.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1845 |
| Dedication | Mary Help of Christians |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1910 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Luton |
| Diocese | Northampton |
| Province | Westminster |
Our Lady Help of Christians Church is a Roman Catholic Parish church located in Luton, Bedfordshire. A parish church serves a local community of worshippers. This church was first started in 1845, and the building you see today was completed in 1910. It stands in the center of Luton, at the corner of Castle Street and Victoria Street, right next to the A505 road. The church was designed in the Gothic Revival style. It holds a special place in history as the first Roman Catholic church built in Luton after the Reformation.
Contents
History of the Church
Starting the Church (Foundation)
In 1845, a Christian "mission" was set up in Luton. A mission is like a new church community starting in an area. This mission was founded by a priest named Fr S. Ward. By the 1880s, this community was supported by St Joseph's Church in Bedford. Around 180 people were part of this growing congregation.
On January 20, 1884, the mission was officially dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. The very first Mass (a special church service) was held by Fr Joseph A. O'Connor. People worked hard to collect money to build a permanent church building. Later in the 1880s, a temporary church made of iron was constructed.
Building the Current Church (Construction)
In 1910, the current church building was constructed. It was built on the same spot where the iron church used to be. This new church was made large enough to welcome about 350 people for services.
Church Services
Our Lady Help of Christians Church holds several services each week. On Sundays, there are three Masses: at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 5:00 PM. There is also a Mass every weekday at 12:45 PM.
See also
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton
