History of St. Joseph Church Maidenhead United Kingdom


St. Joseph Church Maidenhead UK History. 


St. Joseph Church, Cookham Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7EG, United Kingdom


St. Joseph Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Maidenhead, a town in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, England. The church has a rich history, dating back to the mid-19th century.

 Construction of the original St. Joseph Church building began in 1859, under the direction of Father Philip O'Reilly. The church was built in the Gothic Revival style, which was popular at the time, and featured a tower with a spire that reached 150 feet in height. The building was completed in 1861 and was consecrated by Bishop Thomas Grant of Southwark.


Over the years, the church underwent several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing congregation. In the 1880s, a new wing was added to the church, which included a sacristy and a Lady Chapel. In the early 20th century, the church was expanded further with the addition of a new nave, transepts, and a sanctuary. The interior of the church was also decorated with stained glass windows, frescoes, and statues.

St. Joseph Church pipe organ Est 1904

Picture: Maxwell Gerard Baldrey (2022)

One of the most notable features of St. Joseph Church is its pipe organ. The original organ was installed in 1904 by the famous organ builder, Henry Willis. In the 1960s, the organ was replaced with a new instrument, which was built by the firm of J. W. Walker & Sons. The organ has since been refurbished and is still used in regular worship services.

St. Joseph Church also features several statues, including a statue of St. Joseph, the patron saint of the church, which stands in a niche above the main entrance. Other statues include Our Lady of Lourdes and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Mass timings at St. Joseph Church vary throughout the week. On weekdays, there are typically two masses, one in the morning and one in the evening. On Saturdays, there is a morning mass, and on Sundays, there are four masses, including one in Polish. The church also offers other services and events, including confessions, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The church has a vibrant and diverse community, and it is home to parishioners from various nationalities and backgrounds. There are several ministries and groups that serve the community, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Legion of Mary, the Knights of St. Columba, and the Youth Group. The church also has a strong commitment to social justice, and it supports various charities and organizations that help those in need.

In addition to regular worship services, St. Joseph Church hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual parish fair, the Christmas bazaar, and the summer fete. The church also holds special celebrations for Holy Week, Easter, Christmas, and other important liturgical occasions.

The stained glass windows in the church are particularly noteworthy, and they depict various scenes from the life of Jesus, as well as saints and angels. The windows were created by several different artists over the years, including Hardman & Co. and Mayer & Co.

The church has also undergone several renovations and restorations over the years to maintain its beauty and historical significance. In 2013, the church underwent a major renovation project, which included repairs to the roof, walls, and stonework, as well as improvements to the heating and lighting systems.

Overall, St. Joseph Church in Maidenhead is a beautiful and welcoming place of worship, with a rich history and a vibrant community. Whether you are a regular parishioner or a visitor, you are sure to find a warm welcome and a sense of belonging at this historic church.



Holy week pamphlet 2023


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