St Joseph's Church, Southampton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Joseph's Church
Main entrance
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OS grid reference	SU4188611250
Location	Southampton
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	Southampton-City-Catholics.org.uk
History
Status	Active
Founded	1830 (1830)
Dedication	Saint Joseph
Architecture
Functional status	Parish church
Heritage designation	Grade II listed
Designated	14 February 1969
Architect(s)	Augustus Pugin, J. G. Poole and Leonard Stokes
Style	Gothic Revival
Groundbreaking	March 1843
Completed	1845
Administration
Parish	St Joseph and St Edmund
Deanery	Southampton
Diocese	Portsmouth
Province	Southwark

St Joseph's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Southampton, Hampshire. It is on Bugle Street, right in the city centre. This church was the first Catholic church built in Southampton after the Reformation. The Reformation was a time when the Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church.

The church's chancel, which is the area around the altar, was designed by a famous architect named Augustus Pugin. It was built in 1843. St Joseph's Church is also a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.

The Church's Story

How St Joseph's Church Started

In 1789, many French Catholics came to Southampton. They were fleeing the French Revolution in their home country. At first, they worshipped in secret in a room in St. Michael's Square.

In 1792, they opened a small chapel on High Street. Later, in 1828, a house for priests was built. Just two years after that, in 1830, the first St Joseph's Church was built in the garden of this house.

Building the New Church

By the early 1840s, more and more people were attending the church. The old building was too small. So, a new St Joseph's Church needed to be built.

In 1842, the famous architect Augustus Pugin was asked to design the new church. The first stone for the new building was laid in March 1843. However, the church community could not afford all of Pugin's grand designs.

After the chancel was built, another architect named J. G. Poole was asked to finish the church. He designed the main part of the church, called the nave. The new church officially opened in 1845.

A Temporary Main Church

On May 19, 1882, a new area for the Catholic Church was created. It was called the Diocese of Portsmouth. A "diocese" is like a large church district.

The main church for a diocese is called a "cathedral." The new cathedral in Portsmouth was still being built. So, St Joseph's Church in Southampton became the "pro-cathedral." This means it was the temporary main church for the diocese. It served in this role until the new cathedral in Portsmouth opened on August 10, 1882.

Making the Church Bigger

In 1888, another architect, Leonard Stokes, was asked to update and expand the church. He rebuilt the north and south walls. He also added a seventh window to the north side of the church.

The church building was made taller, and the ceiling in the nave was replaced. In 1911, the main altar, which Pugin had designed, was moved. It was later moved back to its original spot in 1971. The church was also restored in 1981.

The Church Community

In 2006, the local church areas, called "parishes," were reorganized. St Joseph's parish joined with the nearby St Edmund's parish. Now they are known as the Parish of St Joseph and St Edmund. Sometimes people call it the Southampton City Centre Parish.

Next to St Joseph's Church is the Stella Maris Pastoral Centre. This centre is used for church events and meetings for local groups.

St Joseph's Church holds two Sunday Masses. One is on Saturday evening at 6:15 pm, and the other is on Sunday morning at 10:00 am.

Outside the Church

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  West side of the church

• 

  View along Bugle Street

• 

  Stella Maris Pastoral Centre, attached to the church

More to Explore

• Diocese of Portsmouth
• St. Edmund Church, Southampton