Our Lady of Gillingham Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Our Lady of Gillingham Church |
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Corner of Ingram Road and Railway Street
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| Location | Gillingham, Kent |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1888 |
| Dedication | Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1896 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Chatham |
| Archdiocese | Southwark |
| Province | Southwark |
Our Lady of Gillingham Church is a Roman Catholic Parish church in Gillingham, Kent, England. It was founded in 1888 and built in 1896. It is situated on the corner of Ingram Road and Railway Street, north of Gillingham Rail Depot in the centre of the town. It is a Gothic Revival church.
Contents
History
Foundation
Before a Catholic mission was started in the city, local Catholics had to travel to St Michael the Archangel Church in Chatham. In 1888, a mission was started when Fr Thomas McMahon arrived in the town. The mission was supported by the local Arathoon family. In 1890, construction started on a small building that housed a school and church. It was funded by the Fauld family. It opened in 1893 and later became known as McMahon Hall.
Construction
On 12 May 1896, the present church was opened by the Archbishop of Southwark, Francis Bourne. In 1903, he became Archbishop of Westminster and cardinal in 1911. The architect is unknown. The high altar and reredos were crafted by a Belgian craftsperson and donated by Louis Brennan.
Parish
The church has three Sunday Masses, they are at 6:30 pm on Saturday and 9:30 am and 11:30 am on Sunday. There are also Daily masses at 10 am, other than Wednesdays, with two masses on Holy Days of obligation.
