St Mary and St John Church, Wolverhampton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary and St John Church |
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| Ss. Mary & John Parish Church | |
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| 52°34′54″N 2°07′31″W / 52.5816°N 2.1253°W | |
| OS grid reference | SO9160698206 |
| Location | Wolverhampton, West Midlands |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | SsMaryandJohn.co.uk |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | Our Lady and St John |
| Consecrated | 1905 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Designated | 16 July 1949 |
| Architect(s) | Charles Hansom |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1851 |
| Completed | 1880 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Wolverhampton |
| Archdiocese | Birmingham |
| Province | Birmingham |
The St Mary and St John Church is a Roman Catholic church in Wolverhampton, England. It is a Parish church, meaning it serves a local community. The church first opened in 1855. It was designed by an architect named Charles Hansom. You can find it at the corner of Snow Hill and Ring Road St Georges. This church is a very important building. It is listed as a Grade II* building, which means it has special historical or architectural interest. Since 2002, a group of priests called the Pauline Fathers have looked after the church.
Contents
History of the Church Building
Building the Church
Construction of the church began in 1851. It was built in the Gothic Revival style. This style copies the look of old medieval churches. The church officially opened its doors in 1855. The main architect for the project was Charles Hansom. He was a busy architect who designed many churches. For example, he also designed St Osburg's Church, Coventry in 1845. He also worked on Erdington Abbey in 1848. After St Mary and St John Church, he designed St Gregory's Church, Cheltenham in 1854. He also worked on Plymouth Cathedral in 1856. Another church he designed was Our Lady of the Angels and St Peter in Chains Church, Stoke-on-Trent in 1857.
Changes and Updates
The church was made bigger between 1879 and 1880. Charles Hansom, the original architect, also designed this extension. About 25 years later, in 1905, the church was officially consecrated. This means it was formally dedicated for religious use. The beautiful stained glass windows at the east end of the church were made by Hardman & Co.. In 2002, the Pauline Fathers took over running the church. They have been serving the local community, known as the parish, ever since.
The Church Community
The Pauline Fathers who serve St Mary and St John Church also help out at two other churches nearby. They look after St Teresa of the Infant Jesus Church in Wednesfield. They also serve St Patrick's Church in the east part of Wolverhampton.
St Teresa's Church was first built in 1933. Over time, more and more people joined the congregation. Because of this, a new, larger church building was needed. The first stone for the new church was laid on March 26, 1967. The new church then opened on December 7, 1969. It is located at the corner of Birmingham New Road and Dimmock Street. The old church building was then used as a church hall.
St Patrick's Parish started in 1865. The first stone for its original church was laid in 1866. The architect for this church was E. W. Pugin. In the 1960s, a new ring road was being built. Because of this, the original St Patrick's church had to be taken down. The local council provided a new place for the church. This new site is on the corner of Wolverhampton Road and Coronation Road, next to New Cross Hospital. The new St Patrick's Church opened in 1972.
St Mary and St John Church has three Sunday Masses. These are church services. They happen on Saturday at 6:30 PM and on Sunday at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. St Teresa's Church and St Patrick's Church each have two Sunday Masses. St Teresa's Church has Mass on Saturday at 5:00 PM and on Sunday at 9:00 AM. St Patrick's Church has its Sunday Masses at 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
Exterior Views
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East side of the church building
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The main entrance of the church
See also
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham
