A functional portal-framed structure, built in 1961 to serve post-war estates to the east of Rotherham.   

The local authority planned a number of municipal estates in Rotherham in the post-war years, including North Field in 1948 and Tree Estate, built mostly in the 1960s. To serve a growing Catholic population in the area a Mass centre was established from Thrybergh in a British Legion hut, then at the Joker Inn. In 1960 a parish was erected, and Mass was said in the Mason’s Arms. In 1961 a plot of land was purchased along Northfield Lane for a permanent church. This opened in the same year, and was dedicated on 26 September 1990. The identity of the builder/architect has not been confirmed but the design and construction bears the hallmarks of Lanner Ltd of Wakefield (compare with St Mary, Penistone, qv).

Description

Built in 1961 to serve the municipal estates in Wickersley. The church has a laminated timber portal frame, faced externally with golden brown brick laid in stretcher bond, and with a pitched roof covered in concrete tiles. On plan it comprises nave, sanctuary, Lady Chapel and a flat-roofed projecting extension to the north for the sacristy. To the south is an attached parish hall. The building is simple in design, with the entrance via the link block between the church and parish hall. The west gable is plain, with a crucifix attached. The side elevations have eighteen clerestory windows to the nave and two large four-light windows to the sanctuary. The east gable end is windowless.

Inside, the bay divisions of the nave are marked by the timber frame, with a series of purlins aligned east-west. The walls are plastered and the flooring is pine, carpeted in the central alley. The sanctuary is narrower and lower, with an arch with canted head. It is raised by two steps, with a stone forward altar and pine furnishings. The north wall of the sanctuary includes decorative metalwork which covers the windows to the Lady Chapel. The fabric Stations of the Cross add a touch of colour to the plain walls. A timber font is located at the west end and the seating consists of pine pews.

Heritage Details