A modest-sized post-war church-hall, not of special interest.

An extensive programme of house building following the Second World War took place on the edges of Douglas. The Willaston estate on the northern outskirts dates from this period. In 1953 Mgr Turner purchased a site on the estate, and plans for a church, hall, club room and presbytery were entrusted to S. F. O’Hanlon. The project was phased, with the hall being built first, so that it could double as both hall and temporary church, with a folding screen placed across the sanctuary to permit dual use. The presbytery followed, completed in 1954. A church was to have been built  on land behind the presbytery,  but  the  plan  was abandoned, and the hall has continued to serve as the church, with the club room being used as the parish centre. The presbytery has been leased, and the remaining land sold for private housing.

Description

The church is built of Ruabon rustic brick with a Westmorland slate roof. It has the external appearance of a parish hall. Inside, there is a narthex with a small choir gallery above, and a rectangular worship space, with the sanctuary occupying the original raised stage at the (ritual) east end. In 1996 the sanctuary was truncated to form a children’s’ area at the rear, and the floor level of the original stage was lowered. Stairs to either side lead up to the parish rooms. The pews are from the demolished church of Sacred Heart, Pulrose, and the Stations of the Cross were designed and made by E. Carrard of Liverpool. The sanctuary furnishings are recent.

Heritage Details