Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Rhyl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Our Lady of the Assumption Church |
|
|---|---|
| St Mary's Church | |
View from the road
|
|
| 53°19′00″N 3°29′41″W / 53.316705°N 3.494595°W | |
| Location | Rhyl, Denbighshire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | CatholicChurchRhyl.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1851 |
| Founder(s) | Society of Jesus |
| Dedication | Assumption of Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Groundbreaking | 1973 |
| Construction cost | £230,000 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Rhyl Deanery |
| Diocese | Wrexham |
| Province | Cardiff |
Our Lady of the Assumption Church, also called St Mary's Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Rhyl, Denbighshire. It was started in 1851 by a group called the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. The church was rebuilt in 1973. This first church was special because it was the very first one the Jesuits built in Wales after they set up St Beuno's College in 1848.
How the Church Started
The Jesuits from St Beuno's College began helping Catholic people in Rhyl in 1851. At first, church services were held in a local building. Later, the Assembly Rooms in the town centre were rented. This building was used as both a church and a school. Today, a Jobcentre Plus is in that spot.
In 1854, the Jesuits bought some land on Ffynnongroew Road. This new place could hold about 150 people. By 1861, it was clear that a bigger church was needed. So, in 1862, they decided to build a new church. It would be on the corner of Ffynnongroew Road and Wellington Road. The old chapel then became a primary school.
On March 3, 1863, the first stone for the new church was laid. This was done by James Brown, who was the Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury. The church officially opened on December 8 of that year. Inside the church, there was a special window. It was designed by John Hungerford Pollen. He was the father of another Jesuit, also named John Hungerford Pollen.
Building a New Church
At some point in the 1900s, the Jesuits passed the church's care to the Diocese of Wrexham. This diocese still looks after the church today.
In 1955, the old school building, which was the original chapel, had to be moved. It was in bad condition and needed repairs. A brand new school, called Ysgol Mair, was built. The old school building then became the church hall.
By 1973, the church building itself was not safe to use. A completely new church had to be built. The old church hall was taken down to make space for the new building. Construction started in 1973 and was finished on December 21 of that year. The new church cost £230,000 to build.
Church Services
The church holds one Sunday Mass at 10:00 AM. There are also weekday Masses. These are held at 9:30 AM from Tuesday to Friday.
See also
- St Beuno's Jesuit Spirituality Centre
- List of churches in Denbighshire
