St Joseph's Church, Wetherby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Joseph's Church |
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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 busy Catholic church located in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, England. It's a place where people gather for religious services and community events.
Contents
Discovering St Joseph's Church
St Joseph's Church has an interesting history, showing how the local community grew over time. It started small and expanded to become the important building it is today. Let's explore its journey from a small chapel to a modern church.
How the Church Began
Before St Joseph's Church was built, Catholic services in Wetherby were held in different places. People would go to a chapel at Stockeld Park or the Church of Mary Immaculate in Sicklinghall.
In 1872, a small chapel was opened in a building called Pelham House. It was located above the coach house. As more people joined the Catholic community, there was a need for a bigger place to worship.
Building the First Church
A decision was made to build a new church on Westgate. The land for the new church was kindly given by Mr. Joseph Hirst. The first stone for the new building was laid in 1881.
The church was finished in 1882 and cost about £1,200 to build, which was a lot of money back then! This original church building is now used as the church hall, a space for meetings and activities.
The Church Grows Bigger
In 1986, the church needed even more space. A new, larger part was added next to the original building. This new section became the main church, and the older part became the church hall.
For a while, the church was managed by a group called the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. They left in 1990, and since then, the church has been part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds.
Exploring the Church's Design
The church has two main parts, each with its own unique design. Let's take a look at how the old and new sections were built.
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The Original 1882 Church
The first church building, finished in 1882, was designed by Edward Simpson from Bradford. It's 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 in this old church, there is now a stage. This shows how the building has changed its purpose over the years.
The Modern 1986 Extension
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The newer part of the church, added in 1986, was designed by Vincente Stienlet. It was officially opened on October 11, 1986. This extension was so well designed that it won the Leeds Award for Architecture in 1987!
Inside, you can see special artwork by Fenwick Lawson. There's also a cool diamond-shaped stained glass window above a balcony on the first floor. A concrete spiral staircase connects the balcony to the entrance area. This modern extension connects the original church building to the house where the priest lives.
