St Joseph's, Aldershot

Introduction

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Aldershot was built in 1912/13 by George Drysdale and is Grade II listed.

History

In 1869 the Bishop of Southwark, Thomas Grant, appointed Fr Thomas Purcell as the first Priest in Charge of the Aldershot Mission District. In May 1882, the Diocese of Portsmouth was formed and Aldershot was moved from Southwark to become part of the new diocese.

The foundation stone was laid by Bishop William Cotter on St Joseph's Day, 19 March 1912, and the church was opened for worship on 30 January 1913. The RCIA journey normally begins each autumn and leads towards the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Architecture and furnishings

The church has high flank walls pierced by a doorway on each street with windows above providing clerestory lighting, and a prominent bell-turret. Externally, the church is in brick-work, with upper levels of dark brindle and flank walling in brindle-banded red.

The church was originally designed with a high altar at the liturgical east end for ad orientem celebrations. The church has a wedge-shaped plan with a rounded east end at the junction of Queen's Road with Edward Street. Bishop William Timothy Cotter celebrated a Pontifical Mass to mark the church's opening on 30 January 1913.

Visiting

Visitors are welcome to come as they are, sit where comfortable, and join in as able. Visitors not receiving Holy Communion may remain seated or come forward for a blessing. The parish is made up of two communities, Saint Mary and Saint Joseph, with many volunteers. Visitors are invited to say hello after Mass.

The church is located in the town centre and is also the location of the Presbytery, Parish Office and Parish Hall. Disabled drivers can park on the double yellow lines outside the church for up to 3 hours with a Blue badge. There is limited parking for Church and Hall users and visitors to the Parish Office, with access via Edward Street.