St Mary's Church, Great Yarmouth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary Church |
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| Location | Great Yarmouth |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | StMarysGY.org.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founder(s) | Society of Jesus |
| Dedication | St Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Architect(s) | Joseph John Scoles |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1848 |
| Completed | September 1850 |
| Construction cost | £10,000 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Coastal |
| Diocese | East Anglia |
| Province | Westminster |
St Mary's Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. You can find it on Regent Road, right in the middle of town. This beautiful church was built in the late 1840s by a group called the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Today, it is managed by the Diocese of East Anglia. The person who designed the church was Joseph John Scoles. He also designed another St Mary's church in Great Yarmouth, but that one is for the Anglican faith. St Mary's Church is considered a very important building and has a special heritage status called Grade II*.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
Starting the Church Mission
In 1824, a group of priests called the Jesuits started a special mission in Great Yarmouth. Their goal was to create a place for Catholic people in the area to worship. This mission began with a priest named Fr Tate.
Fr Tate first bought a house and a warehouse in the town. These buildings were used as a place for the Catholic community to gather and pray.
Building a New Church
By 1841, the number of people attending the church had grown a lot. The old house and warehouse were no longer big enough. So, a new, larger place was needed.
Fr Lopez, who took over from Fr Tate, bought the land for what would become St Mary's Church. Construction on the new church began in 1848.
Completing the Construction
The church was finished just two years later, in September 1850. The Bishop of Northampton, William Wareing, officially opened the church on September 24, 1850.
The architect, Joseph John Scoles, designed many churches for the Jesuits. Some of his other designs include churches in London, Liverpool, Preston, and St Helens.
In Great Yarmouth, Joseph Scoles also designed the Bure Bridge in 1829. He also designed the Anglican St Mary's church in Southtown in 1831.
Changes Over the Years
In 1962, the Jesuits left Great Yarmouth. They handed over the church to the Diocese of East Anglia.
Later, from 1972 to 1995, another group of priests called the Augustinians served the parish. After that, the church was given back to the Diocese of East Anglia, who have managed it ever since.
Church Interior Details
St Mary's Church has beautiful stained glass windows. Some of these were made by Franz Mayer & Co. and put in place in 1860 and 1890. Other windows were created by Hardman & Co. from Birmingham in the 1850s.
The church also has a large organ. This organ was installed in the 19th century and has 1032 pipes, which help create its amazing sound.
Recent Events
In March 2018, the church experienced some damage from small fires. The church was able to stay open for Easter weekend services. The altar, which is a very important part of the church, was repaired and rededicated on May 31, 2018.
The Parish Community
The St Mary's parish includes another church called St Ignatius of Loyola Church. This church is located in Caister-on-Sea. It was built in the 1960s.
In 1965, the diocese bought the land for St Ignatius Church. Architects Wearing & Hastings designed it, and the church was built two years later. It was named after the founder of the Jesuits, to remember their work in the area.
St Mary's Primary School
The parish of St Mary's Church has a strong connection with the nearby St Mary's Primary School. This school was originally started for children from local Catholic families.
Today, St Mary's Primary School welcomes children from all different faiths and backgrounds.
Mass Times
St Mary's Church is the main Catholic church for Great Yarmouth. It holds Masses on Saturday at 10:00 AM and on Sunday at 11:00 AM.
See also
- Diocese of East Anglia
