Parish of St Joseph, Blaydon
History
Our church takes up a prominent position in the centre of the famous town of Blaydon. From, 1831. Catholics in Blaydon were served by Canon Wrennell from the Stella Mission, which was the only church in the Tyne Valley between Newcastle and Hexham; however, the Catholic population grew quickly, with the rapid development of the railways and the arrival of many Irish families.
As in most towns and villages, the building of a school came first, in 1870, which also served as the church from 1898. It provided education for 250 children and Father Wrennell was a member of the 1875 school board. As the population of Blaydon expanded, a larger school with the original school building eventually becoming the church hall. The second school closed some 30 years ago and was partially rebuilt and converted to apartments. The current St. Joseph’s Primary School, which also serves the parish of St Anne's, Winlaton, is situated next to St. Thomas More School further up the hill on Croftdale Road.
The church was built following a generous legacy from Mrs Blanche Leadbitter from Ryton, who left enough money for the building of a church and the maintenance of a priest. The foundation stone was laid on 30th September 1903 by Bishop Richard Preston and was completed in 1905. The architect was Charles Walker, who also designed St Patrick's in Felling. It was designed to accommodate over 800 and cost around £9000. It was built from locally quarried sandstone. It is thought that the original plans included a spire, but this was never added, probably due to the cost.
The church was inaugurated on Thursday 8 June 1905 with a High Mass celebrated at 11.00 am. In 1920, Father Pippet installed the present High Altar as a War Memorial to the fallen of the 1914-18 war and the reredos was installed and painted at the same time by the artist Gabrielle Pippett, the brother of Fr. Pippet.
The church was dedicated by Bishop Joseph Thorman in May 1930.
More to follow...
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Shibdon Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE21 5AE