Holy Cross Church, Yelverton

Introduction

A new south aisle, together with a battlemented tower and spire over a new porch and door, marked the 1928 enlargement of the chapel into a church. The rebuilding of the church used solid stone from the quarries on Roborough Down and Buckfast Abbey. Probably marking the dedication of Holy Cross, a stained-glass window given by Lord and Lady Seaton bears the motto A Cruce Salus (Salvation through the Cross).

History

Tavistock, the oratory at Buckland Abbey and Saint Anthony’s Convent at Crapstone, established in 1917, were the Mass places of local Catholics before 1923. Local Catholics were left without a church or chapel when the Poor Clares left Yelverton for Sclerder Abbey in Cornwall in 1922. Between a Princetown Road option and one on Tavistock Road, the Princetown Road site was the one selected. Small and simple was the first structure.

Celebration of a special Mass took place on 16 December 1978. Burial in the cemetery of Buckland Parish Church followed the deaths of benefactors Lord and Lady Seaton in 1933 and 1937.

Architecture and furnishings

Many other artefacts for chapel use were gifts from the Seatons and other parish beneficiaries. Included in the centenary event were a commemorative plaque and a wall hanging.

Music and liturgy

A strong group of catechists supports Liturgy, special services, and preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation. The annual Reconciliation and First Holy Communion preparation programme begins in January, with Sacramental Services held in May. Confirmation occurs every three years, following a nine-month preparation programme.

Parish life

The Catenians have a Bursary Fund to assist young people going on gap years to do good works and those visiting Lourdes, and a Benevolent Fund for widows, orphans and those on hard times. The parish holds Family Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. The parish holds a Children's Nativity at Christmas.

The church has been in Yelverton since 1923, thanks to the help of Lord and Lady Seaton of Buckland Abbey. The parish has had 16 parish priests and numerous weddings, baptisms, Holy Communions, confirmations and funerals. The parish runs a weekly Bonus Ball draw, set up in 1997.