St Joan of Arc's Church, Farnham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Joan of Arc Church, Farnham |
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The church from the northwest
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 St Joan of Arc Church, Farnham
Location in Surrey
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| 51°12′40″N 0°47′21″W / 51.2111°N 0.7892°W | |
| OS grid reference | SU8467046460 |
| Location | Farnham, Surrey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | StJoanofArcFarnham.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 26 January 1890 |
| Founder(s) | Fr Mathieu Gerin Fr Etienne Robo |
| Dedication | Saint Joan of Arc |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 3 June 2010 |
| Architect(s) | John Edward Dixon-Spain |
| Style | Romanesque Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 23 May 1929 |
| Completed | 30 May 1930 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Guildford |
| Diocese | Arundel and Brighton |
| Province | Southwark |
The St Joan of Arc Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Farnham, Surrey. It was started in 1890 and built at its current spot in 1929. The church was named after Saint Joan of Arc because Farnham Castle, a nearby building, was once home to Cardinal Henry Beaufort. He was involved in her famous trial. This church is built in the Romanesque Revival style and is a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historic building. You can find it between Tilford Road and Waverley Lane, just south of Farnham Railway Station.
Contents
The Church's Story
The story of St Joan of Arc Church began in the late 1800s. It started small and grew over time, moving to different places before finding its permanent home.
Early Beginnings at Frensham Place
In 1888, a priest named Fr Mathieu Gerin came from France. He started holding Mass for Catholic people in Farnham. At first, he used a temporary chapel inside Frensham Place. This was a large country house that later became Edgeborough School.
Moving to Bear Lane
By 1890, more space was needed because the number of people attending Mass was growing. So, Fr Gerin bought an old police station on Bear Lane, which was downhill from Farnham Castle. The top floor of this building was turned into a church, named after Saint Polycarp. The ground floor became a school. Soon, the school also grew too big for its space and had to move to the building next door.
Building the New Church on Tilford Road
In 1913, after Fr Gerin retired, a new priest named Fr Etienne Robo came to lead the local church. After World War I, he returned from France in 1919. By 1922, he realized that the church needed a much bigger place to fit everyone.
Joan of Arc had been made a saint in 1920. Fr Robo wanted to dedicate the new church to her. He chose this because Farnham was a main home for Cardinal Beaufort, who was involved in her trial in 1431.
In 1923, a piece of land was bought on Tilford Road. It used to be an old pit filled with gravel and rubbish. In 1928, after the ground was leveled and made safe, work began on the new church building.
Waverley Lane, which is near the church, leads to Waverley Abbey. This abbey is the ruins of a very old Cistercian monastery. In 1928, a big celebration was held for the abbey's 800th anniversary. Cardinal Francis Bourne attended this event. This celebration helped gain support from local people for the new church.
In 1929, the first stone of the church was laid by Bishop Peter Amigo of Southwark. The church was designed by John Edward Dixon-Spain. It was built in the Romanesque Revival style and includes statues made by the sculptor Vernon Hill.
On May 30, 1930, which is the feast day of St Joan of Arc, the church officially opened. Two years later, it became a parish church, serving the local community.
Community and Activities
The church shares its land with St Polycarp's Catholic Primary School. The school kept its original name from when it was located with the church on Bear Lane. The church and school work closely together. Mass and other services with the children are held regularly during the school term, and parents often attend too. The school says that it focuses a lot on religious education, worship, and respect. It also helps prepare students for All Hallows Catholic School in Weybourne, Surrey.
The church holds Mass every day. On Sundays, there are four Masses: one on Saturday evening (called a Vigil Mass), and three on Sunday (in the morning and one in the evening for young people).
In 2008, the St Joan's Centre opened next to the church. This building acts as a hall for church events and groups. Other organizations can also use it. Some of the groups that meet there include youth groups, adult learning groups, and prayer groups. There are also groups working to end poverty, a badminton club, and Arcaid, a small charity that helps people in other countries.
Also in the area is More House School, which is a private school for boys who have learning difficulties. The school's information says it has strong connections with the local church. A Catholic service is held in the school chapel every week.
Further down Waverley Lane from the church is the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. This place offers special care to sick adults. The parish priest also serves as a chaplain, providing spiritual support to the hospice.
See also
