St Joan of Arc's Church, Farnham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Joan of Arc Church, Farnham |
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Front entrance of the church
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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 | SU 84670 46460 |
| Location | Farnham, Surrey |
| Country | England |
| 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 |
St Joan of Arc Church is a Catholic church located in Farnham, Surrey, England. It's a special place of worship for the local community. The church was first started in 1890, but the building you see today was built in 1929.
It was named after Joan of Arc, a famous French saint. This was because Farnham Castle, a nearby historical site, was once home to Cardinal Henry Beaufort, who was involved in Joan of Arc's trial. The church has a unique design called Romanesque Revival and is considered an important historical building. It stands between Tilford Road and Waverley Lane, just south of Farnham Railway Station.
Contents
Church History
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The story of St Joan of Arc Church began many years ago, with different locations before its current home.
Early Beginnings in Frensham
In 1888, a priest named Fr Mathieu Gerin came from France to lead Catholic services in Farnham. At first, he held Mass in a temporary chapel. This chapel was located in Frensham Place, which was a large country house. Today, that house is known as Edgeborough School.
Moving to Bear Lane
By 1890, more and more people were attending the services. A bigger space was needed for the growing group. So, Fr Gerin bought an old, unused police station in Bear Lane. This spot was downhill from Farnham Castle.
The top floor of the old police station was turned into a church. It was dedicated to Saint Polycarp. The ground floor became a school for children. Soon, the school also grew too big for its space and had to move to the building next door.
Building on Tilford Road
In 1913, Fr Etienne Robo took over serving the local church after Fr Gerin retired. After World War I, Fr Robo returned from France in 1919. By 1922, he realized that the community needed a brand new church building. The congregation had become much larger.
Joan of Arc was 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. Cardinal Beaufort was present at Joan of Arc's trial in 1431. He was also there when she was executed and ordered her ashes to be thrown into the River Seine.
In 1923, a piece of land was bought on Tilford Road. This land was originally a gravel and rubbish pit. In 1928, after the ground was made flat and safe, work began on the new church.
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 for the abbey's 800th anniversary took place. Cardinal Francis Bourne attended this event. This celebration helped gain support from the local community 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. He designed it in the Romanesque Revival style. The church also features statues created by the sculptor Vernon Hill.
On May 30, 1930, which is St Joan of Arc's feast day, the church officially opened. Two years later, it was given the important status of a parish church.
Community Life
The church shares its grounds with St Polycarp's Catholic Primary School. The school kept its original name from when it was located with the church in Bear Lane. The church and school work closely together. Mass and other services with the children are held regularly during the school year. Parents often attend these services too. The school believes strongly in religious education, worship, and respect. It is also a school that feeds into All Hallows Catholic School in Weybourne, Surrey.
The church holds Mass every day. On Sundays, there are four Masses. These are held at 5 PM on Saturday (a special evening Mass), and on Sunday at 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM, and 5 PM (a special Youth Mass).
In 2008, the St Joan's Centre opened next to the church. This center acts as a hall for church events and groups. Other organizations can also use it. The church has many groups, including youth groups, adult learning groups, and prayer groups. There are also groups working with the Make Poverty History campaign, a badminton club, and Arcaid, which is a small charity that helps people overseas.
Also within the church's area is More House School. This 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 hospice provides special care for sick adults. The parish priest also serves as a chaplain for the hospice, offering spiritual support.
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