The parish of St Luke the Physician has no church, and operates from a 1930s semi-detached house where it has a day chapel for weekday Masses. Sunday Mass is said by arrangement at the nearby Methodist church and school premises.

St Edmund’s orphanage, Heath Road, Bebington was opened in 1913, and placed under the care of the Sisters of the Holy Family, who were succeeded by the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in 1920. For many years the number of children in residence was around 100, but by 1959 the numbers had declined, and in 1984, it was decided to close the institution. The chapel, which was situated at the top of the building, was used by the parish, and following its closure, it was decided to purchase the present house at 76 Church Road, Bebington. Mass was said in local schools and other premises.

In 1997, the garage of 76 Church Road was converted into an oratory, and more recently this was extended into a carport structure named ‘Our Lady’s Patio’. Weekday Mass is said at the house.

Description

The building is a standard semi-detached house of the 1930s, faced in pebbledash render, with a hipped tiled roof. To the side is a driveway leading to the former garage which was converted to an oratory in 1997. The oratory seats twenty-eight people, and contains a credence table, a lectern and a tabernacle. The garage doors open into ‘Our Lady’s Patio’, which serves as an overspill area and a gathering space. Another doorway opens into the garden which is equipped with a grotto, two gazebos, sheds and a rabbit hutch for the entertainment of children.

Heritage Details