St Joseph's Church, Southampton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Joseph's Church |
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![]() 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 |
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.
Contents
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
More to Explore
- Diocese of Portsmouth
- St. Edmund Church, Southampton