St Boniface

Introduction

St Boniface Church in Southampton, designed by WC Mangan, opened in 1927. The church is built in a neo-Byzantine style.

History

The Catholic mission in Shirley, Southampton was founded in 1902, with Mass first said in a cottage and soon after in a tin church on Foundry Lane. The Roman Catholic Foundry Lane Mission, under the patronage of St Boniface, was opened in 1902, with services initially held in Wilton Lodge.

A plot of land on Shirley Road was purchased for the parish in 1919, and architect WC Mangan was brought in to design a new church in 1925. Wilfred Clarence Mangan (1884-1968) was born and based in Preston, and he was in partnership with his brother James Henry Mangan from around 1920 until 1926. The builder was Jenkins and Sons of Southampton. The church opened on 26 October 1927.

Some of the joinery was undertaken by Robert Thompson, also known as the Mouseman of Yorkshire, and his signature carved mouse motif can still be found on the interior of one of the side-doors within the west-end porch. In 1969 the sanctuary was re-ordered in accordance with the liturgical requirements arising out of the decrees of the Second Vatican Council, with the high altar being brought forward. In late 2019 the church was subject to an act of vandalism, including extensive damage to the reredos, which was undergoing repair in 2020. The church has a distinctive slender tower ending in an octagon with a tiled cap.

Architecture and furnishings

The communion rail, consisting of black-marble posts linked by steel and brass railings, is in front of a set of steps which lead up to the high altar (moved forward in 1969), supported by a pair of quatrefoil legs. An organ was installed in the early 1930s, and was enlarged and moved to its present position on the gallery in 1975.

Parish life

The parish serves the Catholic community living in Shirley, Freemantle and beyond. The parish runs a Saint Boniface SVP conference, a local group of lay volunteers helping people in need in the local community.

The parish runs a First Holy Communion programme designed as a faith journey for children and parents together. The parish offers a specific programme for those baptised in another Christian tradition who are discerning whether to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.

The parish supports the formation of parents as primary teachers of faith for their children. The parish offers visits to the sick and housebound and arranges reception of Holy Communion for those unable to attend church.

Visiting

A loop system for the hard of hearing is installed, activated by switching a hearing aid to the 'T' position. The narthex includes a small shop within the former baptistery. Funeral Masses are live-streamed at the request of the family.