Our Lady of Good Counsel, Wickford

Introduction

The present church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Wickford was opened on 20 December 1972. The architects for the present church were Burles, Newton & Partners.

History

The parish began as a Mass Centre in January 1924, served from the parish of Stock. The first church was opened on 27 May 1928. The parish was canonically erected in 1935, with Father Harold Cahill as first Parish Priest. In 1958 a brick hall measuring 30' x 56' (St Peter's) was constructed adjoining the church. The present church was built by Messrs J. Hodgson of Rayleigh, with work beginning on 30 November 1971.

Architecture and furnishings

The second church, measuring 60 by 30 feet, was built of brick with pre-cast concrete columns and accommodated 250 people. Mr Robert Wilberforce of Nevendon Manor gave £200 towards the new church, whose total cost including furnishings was £3970-2-0d. The church had been given an Italian organ dating from 1670 and valued at £300. A Charismatic Prayer Group was founded in 1977.

Parish life

The parish is linked with St Teresa of Avila parish in Volksrust, South Africa and with St Mary's parish in Hoima, Uganda. The parish conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul was twinned with a conference in India. The parish has groups associated with the Association for the Propagation of the Faith, Justice and Peace, and CAFOD. The parish has a Knights of St Columba.

The parish has a Parish Discussion Group. The parish has a Ladies Club.