St Michael the Archangel Church, Chatham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael's Church |
|
|---|---|
| St Michael the Archangel Church | |
 |
|
| 51°22′46″N 0°31′15″E / 51.379494°N 0.520917°E | |
| OS grid reference | TQ 75534 67509 |
| Location | Chatham, Kent |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Michael (archangel) |
| Consecrated | 6 June 1951 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Henry Clutton |
| Style | Romanesque Revival |
| Years built | 1862 to 1863 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Chatham |
| Archdiocese | Southwark |
| Province | Southwark |
St Michael the Archangel Church is a Roman Catholic church in Chatham, Kent, England. It is a parish church, which means it serves a local community. The church was built between 1862 and 1863. It was designed by Henry Clutton in the Romanesque Revival style.
In 1935, the church was made bigger with an extension. This part was designed by the firm of Frederick Walters and Son. St Michael's Church is located on Hill's Terrace, close to Chatham railway station. When it was first built, it was the only Catholic church in the Medway area.
Contents
History of St Michael's Church
This section explores how St Michael's Church came to be.
How the Church Started
The first Catholic group in Medway began in Brompton in 1795. A French priest started this group. At first, their chapel was in different places, like Westcourt Street and Manor Street. This mission stayed in those locations until St Michael's Church was built.
Building the Church
The main church building was constructed from 1862 to 1863. Henry Clutton designed it, and it cost about £1,695. Once built, St Michael's Church became the main Catholic center in Medway. Priests from this church would travel to other areas to hold Mass for Catholic people, including those in Gillingham. In 1881, Catholic soldiers stationed nearby gave the church its pulpit.
Adding to the Church
In 1929, a new school was built, designed by Frederick Walters and Son. Later, in 1935, the church's sanctuary (the area around the altar) was made larger. They also added side chapels. These new parts were also designed by Frederick Walters and Son. The church was officially dedicated, or consecrated, on June 6, 1951.
Parish and Services
Priests from St Michael's Church also serve two other churches nearby. They help out at St Paulinus Church in Brompton and Sacred Heart Church in Luton.
- St Paulinus Church was built in 1788 as a different type of chapel. The local Catholic Church bought it in 1892.
- Sacred Heart Church was built in 1949. The parish priest from St Michael's Church laid its foundation stone on June 26, 1949.
St Paulinus Church has one Sunday Mass at 9:00 AM. Sacred Heart Church also has one Sunday Mass, which is at 10:30 AM.
St Michael's Church itself has four Sunday Masses:
- Saturday at 6:30 PM
- Sunday at 9:30 AM
- Sunday at 11:00 AM
- Sunday at 6:00 PM
See also
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark
