Redhill, St. Joseph

St. Joseph's The first stone was laid in August 1897 by the Bishop of Southwark ; the Catholic population of Redhill was then reckoned at about 300. The style of the building, which was designed by A. E. Purdie, Esq., is Late Decorated Gothic. The plan comprises a nave, two aisles, chapels of Our Lady and St. Joseph, baptistery, sacristy, and organ chamber. During the rectorate of the late priest of the mission, Fr. T. Smith, a fine new presbytery, adjoining the church, has taken the place of the dilapidated old house that formerly served that purpose. The Catholicity of the place has also made great strides, owing in large measure to the zeal and energy of Fr. T. Smith, who was known as a strenuous defender of the Holy Faith against all adversaries. The [new]church of Redhill was opened and consecrated October 27, 1898. The cost of erection was about £6,400.

The mission of Redhill classed under the head of Reigate in the Catholic Directories of forty years ago dates from about 1851, when the Rev. Dr. (afterwards Cardinal) Manning first said Mass in the oratory of Prudell Court, the residence of his brother, Charles Manning, Esq. The old church, opened in October 1861, owes its origin to some extent to Lady Mostyn, who made a permanent mission in the town possible by opening a chapel in her grounds. In 1857 the Catholic population numbered about 150, mostly agricultural labourers.

Links