Our Lady of Dolours, Hendon

Introduction

In 1850 a small wooden chapel was built in the vicinity of the present church. In 1990 the church was redecorated and the roof repaired after a change of priest. All first-time parents are expected to attend a preparation class with the Parish Priest for baptism.

Architecture and furnishings

The building is faced with Kentish Rag Stone with dressings of hard white Portland Stone. The organ was installed in 1960 and built by J. W. Walker and Sons; it is a two-manual and pedal organ with thirty stops. The Thérèse window in the south transept is the work of John Trinick. The altar was designed by Mr. Edward J. Welters in the decorated style of Gothic architecture.

Above the altar is the 'Pieta' carved by Philip Lindsey Clark, considered one of his better works and larger than life-size. The original high altar, designed by Andre in Florentine workmanship, was of dark brown wood relieved by gold ornament. The original church had a Lady Chapel containing the altar at which Blessed Dominic Barberi celebrated the first Mass in 1849. The enlargement demolished the east and west walls, moved the interior from east-facing to west-facing, and reconstructed the rose window at the opposite end.

The sanctuary gable has a niche and canopy with a sculptured white stone statue of Our Lady of Dolours by Mr. Lindsey Clark, ABRS. The main entrance is at the back of the church, with the Baptistry containing the font adjacent to it and the choir with the organ above. A window of thanksgiving for the preservation of the church in the Second World War is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. Murals on the second window of the north aisle denote the position of the Sacred Heart Altar in the 1863 church, and their colouring was rediscovered when the church was decorated in 1994.

Behind the altar are three divisions separated by stone mullions, with moulded stone panels enclosing carved emblems of the Passion of Christ in the outer two divisions. The tabernacle is flanked by tracery panels with shields bearing the monogram 'I.H.S.' in Latin and Greek.

Music and liturgy

In August 1924 a Restoration Fund was opened to begin the task of enlarging the church, then some 60 years old and showing signs of subsidence. The additions comprised a new sanctuary, north and south transepts, sacristy, extended west end, new choir gallery with organ, new porch and entrance. The parish runs groups for prayer, social action, Sacramental preparation, youth work, and the support of others.