St. Thomas More, Iford

Introduction

The architect for the building was Mr. T.H.V. Scott FRIBA of Westminster and Brentwood.

History

Beneath the foundation stone was placed a casket, inscribed on parchment together with sacred medals and coins of the realm. In May 1939, the first Mass and opening ceremony took place. Father P. Widdowson S.J. was appointed the first Parish Priest. In 1946, Father R. Finnemore S.J. was appointed Parish Priest.

In 1948, the priest's house at 42 Exton Road was purchased by the Jesuits of Corpus Christi, Boscombe. In 1949, the parish was handed over to the Diocese of Portsmouth, and Father J. Moore was appointed the first Diocesan Parish Priest, taking up residence in the new presbytery. In 1961, Father J. Moore celebrated his Silver Jubilee. In 1963, Father J. Moore returned as Parish Priest.

In 1986, Canon J. Moore celebrated his Golden Jubilee. In 1996, Canon J. Moore celebrated his Diamond Jubilee and died the same year in Ireland. In 2005, the church was reordered and the Theresa Connolly Resource Room was created. On May 29th, 2009, the parish celebrated its 70th anniversary. Sunday Eucharistic Ministers visit the sick and housebound.

Architecture and furnishings

Catholics from different parts of the country have helped to provide it, with 'bricks' contributed from various parts of East Anglia, Sussex, and Buckinghamshire, and there is a large sacristy attached to the church. The mosaic over the entrance is the work of Mr. Gabriel Pippet. Over the entrance is a mosaic of Saint Thomas More and inside the porch is the baptistry. The church is a brick structure in a modern Norman style, built at a cost of about £9,000.

The church with its gallery is capable of holding between five and six hundred people. At the church's opening, the Litany of the Saints was sung, followed by High Mass.