The church has been closed for over a month.
Our Lady and St. Thomas Church, a cherished spiritual home within the Our Lady and the Beauvale Martyrs Parish, joyfully reopened its doors today, August 24th, after a five-week closure for significant renovation works. The extensive project, largely funded by a generous legacy from devoted parishioners, has revitalized the church building, ensuring its beauty and functionality for generations to come.
The comprehensive renovations addressed critical structural and aesthetic needs, as detailed by Fr. Paul Newman, the parish priest, and John William, parishioner and a key figure in the project. "We had so many flat roofs with perished lead, all of which were replaced," John explained. "We also discovered a leak from a low-level roof, which was an unexpected but necessary addition to the work." The entire roof saw attention, with chipped and broken slats replaced. A leaking roof light over Our Lady’s altar, with cracked glass, was removed and replaced with a new, solid roof. Inside, an extra layer of glass that had accumulated moss was removed, and the existing glass was thoroughly cleaned.
Fr. Paul highlighted the interior work, noting: "Due to water damage as well, because the water was going in, we prepared all the surfaces before painting." This preparation was a time-consuming but crucial step. Externally, repointing work was carried out, and a waterproof sealant was applied at ground level to prevent dampness.
Beyond the structural repairs, the church's interior has been significantly refreshed. Statues and the baldachin (canopy over the altar) have been refurbished. Two additional statues, one of Our Lady and one of the Sacred Heart, are slated for repainting. Future plans include new carpeting for the main body of the church, a new sound system, and a permanent camera for live streaming. A new or refurbished organ is also on the horizon, with the keyboard planned for the balcony and pipes remaining in the organ loft, connected electronically. This advanced system will even allow for recorded hymns to be played if the organist is unavailable.
The impetus for these extensive renovations came from a substantial legacy left by Bill and June Haslam, long-time and deeply devoted parishioners. Fr. Paul shared, "After we'd received a legacy from a couple in the parish, both had died, and they left us an amount of money, which then we thought really quite seriously about what we needed to do in the parish." The parish council agreed that the couple, who loved attending the church, would have appreciated the investment in its upkeep. John added that the external works were also guided by a comprehensive 72-page quinquennial report, with even more work undertaken beyond its recommendations. Pat Summerfield, another parishioner, fondly remembered Bill and June as "very devoted members of the congregation," with Bill being a fount of parish history and one of the first Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. A stained-glass window has been installed in their memory and in thanksgiving.
While this initial phase of painting and external work cost approximately £89,000, the parish is also seeking to change its sound and live streaming system and its current lights to more efficient LED lighting. This "phase two" project aims to reduce electricity costs by about a third and demonstrate environmental responsibility. As part of the finishes, they will also get a new carpet and organ. The impact on the parishioners is expected to be profound. Fr. Paul noted the vibrant community, with around 200 people attending Sunday Mass. "I think in really celebrating it, in presenting it in such a lovely way, in showing respect for the building, I think they'll benefit from that," he said. "This is our place. This is our spiritual home." Pat confirmed the anticipation among parishioners, who have been eager to see the results of the legacy put to good use and are keen to return to the church after worshipping in the hall for five weeks.
The renovation team, led by Harj, comprised approximately 15 skilled individuals, including painters, bricklayers, and roofers. Fr. Paul praised their dedication and respect for the building, noting that Harj even contributed extra work, such as painting crosses, as a gift to the parish. "It wasn't just getting a bit of paint slapped on. It was more than that," Fr. Paul emphasized, highlighting the meticulous preparation and care taken by Harj and the team covering the floors, statues, showing lots of respect, and wanting the works done properly.
Fr. Paul expressed his excitement for the first Mass back in the renovated church, especially after returning from holiday to see the transformation from a building site to a beautiful place of worship. During the first celebration after the works, he offered a prayer of dedication and thanks at the beginning of Mass, acknowledging the efforts of all involved and giving glory to God. The collaborative spirit of the parish, with many quietly working behind the scenes, was also celebrated.
The renovations are seen not only as an enhancement of the physical space but also as an affirmation of the community itself. "I think what it will say to them is, 'You are worth this. You're worth doing this for,'" Fr. Paul reflected. The church, originally built by parishioners between the wars without debt, holds a deep historical connection for many, with descendants of the founding Irish families still active members. The parish is also a vibrant, diverse community, with members from African, Indian, Filipino, Polish, and Italian backgrounds, enriching its spiritual life.
The reopening of Our Lady and St. Thomas Church marks a significant moment for Our Lady and the Beauvale Martyrs Parish, showcasing the enduring faith and generosity of its community and providing a beautifully restored spiritual home for all.
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