About St Francis Church

The Church of Saint Francis is a unique building.  Outside appearances are quite deceptive.  The brickwork building was consecrated in 1941.  Prior to then, from 1929,  the area was served by the Church Army. The first Priest-in Charge was Fr. Finny in 1931.  A temporary mission church was built, for both religious and social purposes but the amount of activities that took place meant that they needed a permanent brick built Church.

Behind the wooden doors you will find a warm welcome into one of the most beautiful Churches in the area.   The building was built by Italian prisoners of war who wanted to stay to build the church.  It therefore has an Italian design and the frescos under the arches were hand painted by them.  The warm homely feel of the Church makes it a beautiful place to get married and celebrate love.

On the high altar is the tabernacle where the blessed Sacrament is kept.

The red lamp burning above the altar shows us that Jesus is sacramentally present in our Church.  

The priests then take the blessed Sacrament to the sick and also to those who are dying.  This was the main altar until 1979 when a new nave altar was added.

Above the main altar is one of the most beautiful crucifix's you will ever see. Larger than life, it is both impressive as well as magnificent.  The nails in his hands and feet and the expression on His face are powerfully real.  On the pillars on either side of the cross are the figures of Mary and S. John looking up to Jesus.

S. George's Chapel is found to the right of the main altar.  Services take place here during the week.  The Chapel was furnished by the Friar Park British Legion in memory of those who lost their lives in the Great War 1914-18. This small, beautiful chapel has a beautiful Franciscan iconic cross associated with S. Francis of Assisi.

To the left of the main altar you will find the Lady Chapel.  The main statue is of Mary holding her Son, Jesus. At the back of the chapel is a statue of Our Lady of Walsingham.  The pews were made in 1964 by a renowned carpenter called Robert Thompson.  The carpenters trade mark of a mouse can be found at the bottom of the pews. The chapel is regularly used to say daily prayer.

In 1992 the back of the church was renovated.  The font was moved to the front of the Church and a kitchen,toilet and balcony were installed.  Because it is independent of the main body of the Church, we use it to accommodate the many social events including meals, quizzes and celebrations.  The Brownie pack, Monday Youth Club and Sunday School all meet here.

At the millennium the church bells were replaced and now ring throughout the area for all to hear the celebrations taking place.  The Church has recently undergone some major renovations including repairing and re-gilded Saint Francis on top of the Church (see picture), redecoration throughout and new, sympathetic lighting.  We are grateful to the Stanley Trust for their support in this. We are sure that you will agree that the changes only make the Church more beautiful.  The roof is currently being replaced and a new heting system installed so the Church is in a fit state to continue to support the community and spread the word of God.