St Joseph's Church, Wetherby facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Joseph's Church
St Joseph's Church
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Location	Westgate, Wetherby, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Country	England
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	[1]

St Joseph's Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, England. It is a place where people go to worship and has been an important part of the community for many years.

The Story of St Joseph's Church

Before St Joseph's Church was built, people in Wetherby who were Catholic went to other places for church services. They would go to a chapel at Stockeld Park or to the Church of Mary Immaculate in Sicklinghall.

In 1872, a small chapel was opened in a building called Pelham House. It was above the coach house. More and more people moved to the area, and the number of churchgoers grew. Because of this, a decision was made to build a new, bigger church on Westgate.

The first stone for the new church was laid in 1881. The land was kindly given by Mr. Joseph Hirst. The church was finished in 1882 and cost about £1,200 to build. This original building is now used as the church hall.

In 1986, the church was made much bigger. A new, larger church building was opened right next to the old one. The older building then became the church hall, which is still used today.

For a while, the church was managed by a group called the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. However, they left the area in 1990. After that, the church became part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds.

Church Design and Buildings

Rear view of the church

The Original 1882 Church

The first church building, finished in 1882, was designed by Edward Simpson from Bradford. It is a simple building with a smooth, plastered outside and a slate roof. It has two windows on the south side. Where the altar used to be, there is now a stage. This part of the church is now the church hall.

The 1986 Extension

The newer part of the church, built in 1986, was designed by Vincente Stienlet. It was officially opened on October 11, 1986. This new design was so good that it won the Leeds Award for Architecture in 1987!

Inside the extension, you can see special artwork by Fenwick Lawson. There is also a unique diamond-shaped stained glass window in the front part of the building, above a balcony on the first floor. A concrete spiral staircase connects this balcony to the entrance area. The 1986 extension connects the original church building to the house where the priest lives, bringing all the parts together.

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  Inside the 1986 extension