St James the Less and St Helen Church, Colchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St James' Church |
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| St James the Less and St Helen Church | |
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| OS grid reference | TM0024125198 |
| Location | Colchester, Essex |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | StJamestheLessandStHelen.org |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St James the Great Church St James the Less Church |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | James the Less and Helena |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Joseph John Scoles |
| Style | Romanesque Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 3 March 1837 |
| Construction cost | £2,750 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Colchester |
| Diocese | Brentwood |
| Province | Westminster |
St James the Less and St Helen Church is a Roman Catholic church in Colchester, England. It is a Parish church, which means it serves a local community. The church was built in 1837. It was designed by an architect named Joseph John Scoles. You can find it on Priory Street in the city centre. Right next to it is the church hall, which was built later in 1911.
Contents
History of St James the Less and St Helen Church
How Did the Church Start?
In the late 1700s, many Roman Catholics came to Colchester. They were often people who had left France because of the French Revolution. Later, in the early 1800s, Irish Catholic soldiers were stationed in the town.
In 1814, a French priest, Father Amand Benard, began to serve this community. He also helped the soldiers. By 1831, a building was given to the local Catholic community. This building was near North Hill. A priest would travel from Witham to hold Mass there.
Building the Church
The land for the church you see today was given by a farmer named James Hoy. He was from Stoke-by-Nayland. The money to build the church came from Alfred Stourton, 23rd Baron Mowbray.
On March 3, 1837, the first stone of the church was laid. This important event was done by Thomas Griffiths. He was a leader in the Catholic Church in London. Building the church cost about £2,750.
The architect, Joseph John Scoles, designed the church in a style called Romanesque Revival. This style looked similar to the old ruins of St Botolph's Priory nearby. When the church was first built, it was dedicated to Saint James the Greater. It also had no statues outside. This was to help avoid problems with people who were not Catholic in the area.
How the Church's Name Changed
In 1900, the church's name was changed to St James the Less. This was to prevent people from confusing it with the nearby Anglican St James the Great Church. Just two years later, in 1902, the name changed again. It became St James the Less and St Helen. Saint Helen was believed to have been born in Colchester, according to local stories.
Changes Over the Years
In the 1850s, during the Crimean War, many Catholic soldiers were in Colchester. They often outnumbered the local people at church services. In 1865, a special military chaplain was appointed for the soldiers. By 1904, St James' Church became the main church for the soldiers again. Later, in 1954, a new church was built for the soldiers at the Colchester Garrison.
In 1891, a group of nuns called the Sisters of Mercy moved to the parish. In 1896, they built a school right next to the church.
Church Expansions
In 1861, the church needed more space for the growing number of people. The church organ was moved from the gallery. From 1902 to 1932, the parish priest was Canon Bloomfield. He helped make the church bigger.
In 1904, a north aisle and a sacristy (a room for priests' robes and sacred items) were added. In 1907, a south aisle was built. The architect for these additions was Charles Edward Butcher. These changes cost £2,000.
In 1911, the church hall was built next door. The architect was Canon Alexander Scoles, who was the son of the original architect. The hall was opened by Cardinal Francis Bourne. It was later named the Cardinal Bourne Institute.
In 1975, the inside of the church was reorganized. In 1987, beautiful stained-glass windows were added to the Blessed Sacrament chapel. These windows were designed by Augustus Pugin. They came from another church that was no longer in use.
Churches Served by St James'
St James' Church helps to serve several other churches in and around Colchester. These include St Cedd and St Gregory's Church in West Mersea. It also serves St Joseph's Church in Mile End and St Theodore of Canterbury Church in Monkwick. Each of these churches has one Sunday Mass.
St James' Church itself has five Sunday Masses. These include a Saturday evening Mass and Masses on Sunday morning, afternoon, and evening. One of the Sunday Masses is even held in Polish!
See also
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Brentwood
