A simple multi-purpose structure of the early 1990s.

In the years immediately following World War II Wem’s small number of Catholics worshipped at various Mass centres, in pubs, restaurants and the Polish camp outside the town. The donation by the Evans family of a plot close to the town centre allowed for the building of a church in 1962. This flat-roofed building by Middlesex Prefabricated Buildings Ltd was replaced in 1991 with the building seen today. This was designed as a multi-purpose church and hall. Its architect, the Wem-based John Greenough, was a member of the congregation, as were the builders. The church is served from Ellesmere.

Description

A plain brick-built church with a pitched roof covered with machine made tiles. Red brick elevations with blue brick dressings. The plan form is rectangular, the corners chamfered. The building is entered at its north end through a ‘narthex’ bounded on either side by a kitchen and storage area. A western range houses WCs and the sacristy. Lit by almost square windows along the sides, the church is simply furnished with upholstered chairs and a red centre aisle carpet. At the liturgical east end the sanctuary has a fitted red carpet and wooden panelling and screens to east and west which can be unfolded to close off the space. The Grinshill stone altar is top-lit by a pair of rooflights. There are no other furnishings which particularly merit comment.

Amended by AHP 11.02.2021

Heritage Details