The Sacred Heart

Introduction

On 17th November 1888 Father Burns was appointed Priest-in-Charge. The carved wood Crucifix behind the altar is the work of the late Miss Blyton-Smith, artist of the Calvary in Brompton Oratory.

Architecture and furnishings

The font was given by a visitor in 1895 and is made of Caen Stone. In 1895 the first stained glass window was given in memory of Edward and Mary Ball, depicting the Annunciation and Ascension. The present Stations of the Cross were installed by Father Scanlon around 1938, replacing the 1895 set. The gold Chalice was given by the Courtney Family.

A set of 6 brass candlesticks is inscribed as given to Warren Middleton by Newman Bysshe on 1st February 1899 on his entry into the family of Christ. Canon Middleton added the Baptistry in 1907 in memory of the Reverend William Bromley, copying the design from the Crusader Church of St Anne's in Jerusalem. R. J. Lloyd, a local artist, made the wrought iron gates enclosing the Baptistry, depicting the Spirit of God moving over the face of the waters. The turret over the baptistry is crowned with a cupola housing the Bell, made in the Foundry of Messrs J. Warner & Sons of London, baptised on 24th October 1893 by Bishop C. Graham, inscribed 'Ave Maria 1893'. Mr A. B. Wall of Cheltenham made the pulpit, which has figures of Saints Peter, George, Philomena and Rosalia of Sicily.

Music and liturgy

After Sunday trains from Barnstaple to Bideford were stopped in October 1886, a wealthy parishioner offered accommodation for the Barnstaple priest, and Father Burns became the first resident priest in Bideford.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The Catholic Church in Bideford works with other churches to promote Christian Unity. The church has a hearing loop system for those with hearing loss.