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Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes |
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Plympton was once a small corner of Holy Cross Parish. The Holy Cross Church was erected close to the ancient Carmelite Friary in 1881. One of the pastors to serve at Holy Cross was Father John Keily who left the Parish when he was consecrated Bishop of Plymouth in 1911. Upon his death in 1928 Bishop John Barrett was transferred to Plymouth from Birmingham. |
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Bishop John Barrett realised how deeply the faithful of the Diocese cherished the memory of his predecessor, so immediately set about organising a memorial scheme. It was decided that a memorial church be erected, and because of the late Bishop’s devotion to our Lady of Lourdes, the new Church dedicated to Her. |
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An initial collection in 1930 raised £1,450. The purchase of land cost £605, leaving £800 in hand. However, a further £1500 was needed to complete the task. Despite this shortfall, the foundation stone of the new Church was laid on 25th October 1931 and dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. |
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On 18th May 1932 the Church was blessed and opened and the first Mass celebrated on the following Sunday. Because of the small outstanding debt the Church could not be consecrated. |
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The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes was consecrated on the 25th September 1935. To commemorate this event a marble plaque hangs in the Reconciliation Room, inscribed are the following words:- |
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Pray for the souls of Mary Teresa O’Reilly who died 19th September 1932 |
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and Mary Josephine O’Reilly who died 15th February 1934. By their generosity |
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this church was consecrated on 25th September 1935 by the Right Reverend |
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John P. Barrett DD. |
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Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for them. |
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Saint Bernadette, pray for them |
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The Church is comparatively small originally capable of holding 150 people. To break up the straight walls, the architect used light walnut woodwork and red floor tiles. There was once a blue curtain behind the altar. |
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There have been many changes since the early days. The replacement of the old central heating boiler once housed in what is now the front entrance, was replaced with confessionals. The Main entrance now facilitates disabled access. The harmonium has been replaced with a small but impressive organ. A stained glass window depicting Lourdes and designed by Father Charles Norris of Buckfast Abbey adorns the Choir loft. |
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The altar position has been changed twice. The second occasion it was changed to a granite altar, a gift from Tremough in Cornwall. |
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