St Mary Magdalen's Church, Brighton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Mary Magdalen's Church
The church from the northeast, with the parish hall in the distance
50°49′32″N 0°08′59″W / 50.8256°N 0.1496°W / 50.8256; -0.1496
Location	Upper North Street, Montpelier, Brighton and Hove BN1 3FH
Country	England
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	https://stmarymagdalenbrighton.blogspot.com/
History
Status	Parish church
Founded	1861
Dedication	Mary Magdalene
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II listed
Designated	10 June 1988
Architect(s)	Gilbert Blount
Style	Early English/Decorated Gothic Revival
Groundbreaking	1861
Completed	16 August 1864
Administration
Parish	Brighton, St Mary Magdalen
Deanery	Brighton and Hove
Diocese	Arundel and Brighton

St Mary Magdalen's Church is a Roman Catholic church located in the Montpelier area of Brighton. Brighton is a city in England, part of Brighton and Hove. This church is named after Mary Magdalene, a companion of Jesus. It is one of several Roman Catholic churches in the city.

The church was designed by an architect named Gilbert Blount. He built it in a style similar to 13th-century Gothic architecture. This style was chosen to serve the growing number of people living in the area between Brighton and Hove. The church is considered important for its design and is a Grade II listed building. This means it is a special building protected by law. A building next to it, called the presbytery (where the priest lives), and the parish hall are also listed separately.

Building the Church

Early Days of Catholic Churches in Brighton

Before 1861, Brighton had only one Roman Catholic church, St John the Baptist's Church. This church was built in 1835. As more Catholic families moved to West Brighton, a new church was needed. Father George Oldham was in charge of planning this new church.

The Architect and His Design

Gilbert Blount was chosen to design St Mary Magdalen's Church. He was an architect who specialized in Roman Catholic churches. Before becoming an architect, he worked as an engineer with the famous Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Construction and Opening

The first part of the church to be built was the sanctuary and its small chapels. These were finished in 1861. The main part of the church, called the nave, was added in 1862. It was made longer in 1864, which is also when the tall spire was built. The church officially opened on August 16, 1864.

Changes Over Time

For many years, no major changes were made to the church. In 1962, the old organ was replaced. Also, two statues were added above the entrance. These statues were carved by Joseph Cribb, who was a student of the artist Eric Gill. The statues show Saint Joseph and Saint George. More work was done inside the church between 1973 and 1974.

The Church's Surroundings

Upper North Street Area

St Mary Magdalen's Church is located on Upper North Street. This street was developed with nice houses starting in the 1830s. It connects Brighton with Hove. The church stands on the south side of the street.

Nearby Buildings

Next to the church on the east side is the presbytery. This is a later building, built around 1890. It has red brick walls, stone details, and a slate roof. It is also a Grade II listed building.

To the west of the church is the former primary school, which was also named after St Mary Magdalen. This school was built around 1865. It is made of red brick with stone and some black brick details. The old school building has now been changed into a church hall. It became a Grade II listed building in 1997.

Church Design and Style

Architectural Features

The church is built in a style that mixes 13th-century Early English and Decorated Gothic designs. This was a favorite style for Gilbert Blount's churches. The outside walls are made of red brick, laid in a pattern called English bond. There are also decorative parts made of blue and black brick, and larger areas of stone.

Tower and Windows

The church has a tower made of brick and stone. It gets narrower as it goes up in three sections. On top of the tower is a stone spire. The church's layout includes a chancel, a five-bay nave, aisles, a vestry, and the tower. The tower also has a porch and the main entrance door. The church has tall, narrow lancet windows with fancy stone patterns called tracery. These windows are on all sides of the church and on the middle and upper parts of the tower. The stone decorations on the outside of the church have detailed carvings.

St Mary Magdalen's Church Today

Listed Building Status

St Mary Magdalen's Church was officially recognized as a Grade II listed building by English Heritage on June 10, 1988. This means it is a building of special historical or architectural interest. It is one of many listed buildings in the city of Brighton and Hove.

Recent Renovations

Between 2008 and 2010, some parts of the sanctuary were rebuilt. New decorative lighting was also added. These changes helped to bring the church's appearance closer to how it looked before some earlier changes were made after the Second Vatican Council.

Catholic Churches in the Area

St Mary Magdalen's Church is one of eleven Roman Catholic churches in the wider Brighton and Hove area. There are five other Catholic churches in Brighton, three in Hove, and one each in Rottingdean and Woodingdean.

Community Recognition

Hugh Gerard McGrellis, known as Gerry, has been an altar server at the church for over 70 years. For his long service, he was given the Benemerenti medal by Pope Benedict XVI. He also served as the Chair of Governors for St Mary Magdalen's School for some time.

See also

• Grade II listed buildings in Brighton and Hove: S
• List of places of worship in Brighton and Hove