St Joseph's Church, Weymouth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Joseph's Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Weymouth, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | George Drysdale |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Completed | 1934 |
St Joseph's Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Weymouth, Dorset, England. It was designed by an architect named George Drysdale and built between 1933 and 1934.
Since 2009, it has been recognized as a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected. Experts at Historic England think it's a great example of a church from its time. They especially like its unique design and the amazing craftsmanship used to build it. The church combines ideas from the Arts and Crafts movement with the Romanesque style.
Contents
Building a New Church: St Joseph's Story
The first Roman Catholic church in Weymouth was St Augustine's Church. It opened in 1835, after a law called the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 made it easier for Catholics to practice their faith. By the 1920s, St Augustine's was too small. Many people, especially tourists visiting Weymouth, made the services very crowded.
The priest at the time, Father Jules Ketele, believed Weymouth needed a new, bigger church in a more central spot. So, in 1925, a group was formed to raise money.
From Plans to Opening Day
In early 1932, a piece of land on Stavordale Road was bought for the new church. Mr. George Drysdale from London drew up the plans. The company chosen to build the church was Mr. William Lacey of Hounslow.
The first stone, called the foundation stone, was laid on May 3, 1933. This important event was led by the Bishop of Plymouth, Rev. Dr. John Barrett. The church officially opened its doors on April 18, 1934, also with Bishop Barrett. Building both the church and the house for the priest cost over £9,000. After St Joseph's opened, St Augustine's became a smaller, supporting church.
Adding to the Church Grounds
In 1949, a special shrine was built in the church grounds. It looks like the Lourdes grotto in France. Father Ketele had promised to build it if the church was not damaged by air raids during World War II. This shrine also serves as a war memorial. It has a tablet listing the local Catholic men who died during the war.
A parish hall, a building for community events, was opened behind the church in 1951. It was designed by Mr. G. C. Wilkins and built by Messrs A. E. Whettham and Son.
Inside St Joseph's Church
St Joseph's Church is built with painted brick. It has details made from concrete and limestone, and its roof is covered with Cornish slate. The church was designed to hold 300 people.
Inside, you'll find several parts:
- A narthex (an entrance area)
- A nave (the main part where people sit)
- North and south aisles (passageways on the sides)
- A clerestory (an upper part with windows)
- A chancel (the area around the altar)
- An organ and choir gallery
- A baptistery (where baptisms happen)
- A sacristy (where sacred items are kept)
- An attached presbytery (the priest's house)
A large bell tower sits above the main entrance. The inside walls are plastered, the floors have wooden blocks, and the pews (church benches) are made of pine. The church's first altar was temporary. A beautiful marble altar replaced it in 1937. The original organ was also replaced in 1948.
