Church of St Hugh of Lincoln

Introduction

The present church, built in 1962 by local builders J. Willmott, follows the original 1930s design with slight modifications. The former church, designed by Sir Charles Spooner RIBA, served until 1963. The church was consecrated on 24 November 2007.

History

The first Mass was celebrated at a brother's house in September 1907. A site in Pixmore Way was found for a temporary church and presbytery. Work towards a new larger church began with a design by Colonel John Dixon-Spain, but building was postponed due to war. The foundation stone of the new church was laid on 7th April 1962.

During the 1980s a pitched roof was added to the church, as the flat one had proved unsuitable. In November 2013 Mass was celebrated on the feast day of St Hugh of Lincoln and the fiftieth anniversary of the present church. In September 2017 a celebration marked the parish's 110th birthday, including the blessing of the new parish meeting room named after St Hilda of Whitby. The interior design of the former church was shaped by an interest in Byzantine churches and by friendships with Arts and Crafts Movement members.

Parish life

Most services were said in Latin until the 1960s, when the language of worship changed to English. Parishioners are involved with the Letchworth Foodbank.

During World War I many Belgian refugees came to the Garden City and joined the church community, later joined by Irish and Italian families and after World War II by a large Polish community. SASH, a group for mature people, meets on Wednesdays in the Saint Hilda Room.

The St Hugh of Lincoln First Holy Communion Programme is designed to support parents and guardians as the first teachers of their children in the Catholic faith. The RCIA is a teaching programme which introduces people to the faith of Christians and the Holy Catholic Church, preparing adult non-Catholics for reception into the Church.

Sacraments and pastoral care

First Reconciliation takes place during Lent and First Holy Communion after Easter. RCIA courses are also structured for Catholics who wish to deepen their faith or return after wandering away. St Hugh of Lincoln does not run a marriage preparation course, but the neighbouring parish of Hitchin does.

Notable people and events

A parish priest from 1923 to 1931 had been a wartime chaplain in Europe, Egypt and Palestine. A chaplain to Belgian refugees was transferred from Baldock parish in 1931. A parish priest from 1949 to 1969 ensured items were saved from the original church. Confirmation was officiated on 30th June 1991.