Archdiocese of Southwark

In a moving and impressive ceremony, the new Roman Catholic Church of St. Mark's, West Wickham, was formally opened on May 8 1963 by the Catholic Bishop of Southwark, the Right Rev. Cyril Cowderoy.

More than 500 people, both clergy and laity, attended the Pontifical High Mass in the beautiful new church, which has been nicknamed the "threepenny-bit church" because of it's startling shape.

After celebrating Mass, the Bishop congratulated the congregation on their outstanding achievement in the building of a new church.

"This is a great day of joy, jubilation and triumph for the priests and people of West Wickham. For a long time you have been waiting for this day.

"What sacrifices you have made; what set-backs there have been, but at last all has gone well, and you have built this beautiful church, this beautiful  basilica," he told them. "It must be a great day of rejoicing for you all."

Bishop Cowderoy thanked them for asking him to celebrate Mass, and commented that during the service he was very much aware of the people all round the sanctuary because of the circular shape of the church's interior. He reminded parishioners of the work of Fr. P. Byrne, priest at St. Edmund's,  Beckenham, who started the new parish in West Wickham; Fr. E. West, priest at St. Mark's from 1948 to 1952; Fr R. Madden, who was priest until 1956; Fr. P. Kehoe, priest until 1958; and Fr. L. Callan, their present priest, who had worked with great zeal and great imagination.

Modern and Beautiful

"This is certainly a very modern church and a very beautiful one," the Bishop remarked, congratulating the architect, Mr Ian Holmes - Siedle on his design.

"We are very greatful to others, not of our faith, who have taken an interest in this work," he said. Much credit was due to Mr. A. S. French, who, as a  member of Beckenham Council in 1960, fought for planning permission for the new church.

He reminded them that thanks should first be given to God, without whom nothing could be accomplished.

Deacon of the Mass was Fr. Michael Chapman, a former parishioner of St. Mark's, who was ordained two years ago; sub-deacon was Fr. Timothy Daly, a former assistant priest at West Wickham. Attendants at the Bishop's throne were Canon Grady, priest at St. Joseph's, Bromley, and dean of the area, and Canon  Callahan, financial secretary of the Diocese of Southwark. Directing the  ceremonies were Monsignor Farrell, diocesan master of ceremonies, and Monsignor Strand, the Bishop's secretary.

Fr. L. Callan, the parish priest, was assistant priest, and servers at Mass were men and boys of the parish.

Students from Coloma College, West Wickham, led the singing, and Fr. Matthers, assistant priest at St. Jacob's, Bromley, played the organ.

Among the guests were Fr. Patrick Byrne, parish priest of St. Edmund's, who, in 1936 at Justin Hall, said the first Mass in West Wickham for 400 years. Fr. West, the first Rector of St. Mark's, and now chaplain of Coloma College, and Fr. Madden, a former-Rector, were also present at the service.

Open invitation

After the service a large number of parishioners and their friends enjoyed a celebration supper at the Shirley Poppy Hotel, which was attended by Bishop Cowderoy.

Fr. Callan told the Press after the ceremony that he was anxious that as many people as possible should have the opportunity of visiting the new church, whether or not they were Catholics.

He has issued printed invitations to those living in the area to visit the church at any time they wish. These invitations take the form of a leaflet giving a brief explanation of its main features.

The church, which cost more than £36,000, replaces the temporary church in Braemar gardens. It contains many unusual features, the most interesting, being the umbrella type roof which requires no supporting columns. The large west window of purple and turquoise German glass comes from Grunenplan, near Hanover.

The crucifix behind the altar is of linden wood, carved in Austria, and the stations of the cross were made in Italy. A 3Oft high slender spire is one of the most remarkable features of the church.