St Mary of the Angels, Worthing facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary of the Angels, Worthing
The church from the northeast
50°48′48″N 0°22′38″W / 50.8132°N 0.3773°W / 50.8132; -0.3773
Denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Status	Parish church
Dedication	Saint Mary
Consecrated	1864
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II
Designated	21 May 1976
Architect(s)	Henry Clutton Frederick Walters
Architectural type	Church
Style	French Gothic Revival
Completed	1864
Specifications
Spire height	76 feet (23 m)
Administration
Deanery	Worthing
Diocese	Arundel & Brighton
Province	Southwark

The Church of St Mary of the Angels is a special building in Worthing, West Sussex, England. It's a very old and important building, officially called a Grade II listed building. It was the first Roman Catholic church built in Worthing. Today, it's still an active Roman Catholic parish church, part of the Arundel & Brighton diocese.

History of the Church

The Church of St Mary of the Angels was officially opened in 1864. It was opened by Bishop Thomas Grant. He was the first local Roman Catholic bishop since a big change in England's history called the English Reformation. This was a very important moment for local Catholic people.

Building the Church

The land for the church was bought by Thomas Gaisford. He owned a large house nearby called Offington Hall. Before this church was built, Mr. Gaisford let people use a small chapel at his home starting in 1859. Mr. Gaisford's wife, Lady Emily St Lawrence, was Catholic. Her family was also very important. This church became the very first place for Catholic people to worship in Worthing.

Location and Neighbors

The church was built right next to the Our Lady of Sion convent. Nuns from the Sisters of Sion group live and work at the convent. They also started the Our Lady of Sion School nearby. You can find the church at the corner of Richmond Road and Crescent Road. It's near the beautiful archway of Park Crescent.

Architecture and Design

The church was first designed by Henry Clutton. He used a style called French Gothic Revival. This means it looks like old French churches. The outside of the church is made of red brick and Portland stone.

Later Additions

Later, between 1897 and 1907, Frederick Walters extended the church. He added a baptistery, which is a place for baptisms. He also made the porch and sacristy (a room where priests prepare for services) bigger. The church has a bell tower that is 76 feet (23 meters) tall. It also has a small spire on top.