OUR LADY OF VICTORIES, SOUTHWELL
The post Reformation development of Southwell began in 1948 when a Mass centre, served from Newark, was opened in the Women’s Institute, Queen Street. This was the beginning of a presence back in Southwell, once associated with Southwell Minster. A larger presence became a possibility when a site for a chapel was given as a legacy to the Catholic community. Messrs. Reynolds and Scott were commissioned to draw up plans for a chapel and the contract for building was given to J.E.B. Wheatley of Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The foundation stone was laid by His Lordship Bishop Edward Ellis on Saturday 7 October 1961. It is designed to seat a congregation of 200 and is to be dedicated to 'Our Lady of Victories.’
The new church was constructed of modern materials to express the spirit of Pointed Architecture with laminated wood stanchions used to carry the high pitched roof and stone pillars infilled with brickwork. Emphasis is given to the sanctuary by a slightly curved rear wall of natural stone. Finished it actually seats about 180 and with furnishings cost around £17,500.
Initially the new chapel was served by priests from Newark Parish Church, and indeed the original idea for its construction had come from Canon J.B. Farmer, the then parish priest of Newark, who, unfortunately died just two weeks after the Blessing and Opening ceremony on 12 July 1962. However a new parish area was created which took in part of the Holy Trinity, Newark and the Good Shepherd, Nottingham. This meant Our Lady of Victories became a parish church in its own right.
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