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History
The History of our Parish
On 11 October 1997 Bishop Leo, Bishop of Northampton,
consecrated the re-ordered church of St.Columba's Church
and its Principal Altar.
The Catholic Church has the twelve apostles for its foundations,
and Jesus himself as its cornerstone. Hence the Bishop,
assisted by Fr.Chris, anointed the walls in twelve different places
with the Oil of Chrism.
Each place anointed in this way is marked with a cross and
a candle holder.
The relics of St. Edmund of Abingdon, Berkshire (1180 - 1240)
Archbishop of Canterbury (1233-1240) are deposited in the Altar
along with a stone from the Island of Iona.
Prior to this, our Parish had a varied history, from its early days
in private houses, the generosity of the British Legion and the day
in 1956 when land was acquired for the construction of the building
we now use.
1697
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Fr.Christopher served Buckinghamshire.
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1870
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Canon Dwane celebrated Mass, baptisms etc in private homes.
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1909
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Mass was offered in the new chapel of St.Helen's,
Khartoum Avenue (now Eskdale) on 9th May by
Fr.Joseph Dominic, Vicar Provincial of the English Carmelite Province.
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1911
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Bishop administers Confirmation at the new mission.
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1912
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Another house acquired in Khartoum Avenue to allow for study.
Site bought in Great Missenden.
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1914
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Permission refused by the Council for a larger site in Chesham.
The friars leave for Gerrards Cross. Chesham Bois site bought.
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1947
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Mass celebrated in the British Legion Hut.
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1956
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Site bought for new church in Chesham.
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1959
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On 30th August, Foundation Stone laid.
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1960
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New Church opened.
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1985
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Bishop Thomas celebrates the Parish's Silver Jubilee.
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1997
2000
2000
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Church and principal Altar consecrated.
Mass of the new Millennium offered.
Two new stained glass windows blessed
9th June, Feast of St Columba, Bishop Leo celebrated the 40th anniversary of the church.
Provost Norman Smith preached.
Parish Priests of St. Columba's
Fr. Anthony Chadwick
Fr. Michael Foley
Fr. Derek Morgan
Fr. Bernard Hindle
Fr. James Marks
Fr. Chris Whitehouse
Fr. Patrick Bailey
Saint Columba
St Columba, also known as Columcille, was ordained Priest in 550.
He founded a number of monasteries in Ireland, the most famous being Derry. In 563, at the age of 42, he left his native country with twelve disciples to begin the mission to the Northern Picts of Scotland.
He lived on Iona and for 34 years evangelised the Western and Northern Mainland as well as the Hebrides and as far a field as Iceland.
He was only ordained as a Priest, yet exercised authority over that whole district. He converted Brude, the powerful King of the Northern Picts.
He died in 597. Feast Day, 9th June.
1997 marked the 1400th anniversary of the death of St Columba. To commemorate this anniversary, and that of St Augustine, events were held nationwide.
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