St John Vianney, Bexleyheath. Another Church Micro in the series created by Sadexploration. This cache replaces one previously here GC4A0RA
Although there were Christian churches in Bexleyheath in the nineteenth century, it was not until 1932 that the parish of St John Vianney started with a small temporary wooden church built on the site on the present hall. Fr James Malone, the Rector of St Mary of the Crays, Crayford, was a man of abundant energy and vision. He was also good at DIY and building work. He arranged for the building of three identical churches: St John Vianney, Bexleyheath (1933), St John Fisher, Bexley (1935) and St Thomas More, Bostall Park (1936). The latter was a great act of faith and vision since at that time the area was mainly open fields. A legacy of £119 was received and Fr Malone bought the site for the first church at Bexleyheath.
According to archive records, Bexleyheath was growing in size at this time with new houses being built. Once the church of St John Vianney was up and running it was served by the curates of Crayford who cycled to Mass. At this time attendance at St John Vianney was increasing. In 1936 it was 198 but by 1938 it had increase to 257. It remained at about the same number for the next thirty years, although it topped the three hundred mark in 1949.
Fortunately the land adjoining the Church belonged to the Church and it was Fr Austin's dearest wish to build a new Church. He started this project in 1946 with a Building Fund. He asked every working adult to contribute a shilling a week. Due to his astute handling of the finances, his constant fund-raising and the hard work and generosity of the parishioners, the new church was completed in 1959. Fr Austin travelled around looking at churches trying to get some ideas for the church he wanted to build. In Rottingdean he discovered the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, which had been designed by Mr H Bingham Turner ARIBA. This was the church he was looking for and the same architect designed St John Vianney. The builder of the new church in Bexleyheath was a local man, Mr R B Butler. The exterior is of knapped flint. Some items from the old church were taken to the new, including the Sanctuary Lamp, Sacred Heart Statue and an old table which is now in the porch.
The Opening Mass in the new church was celebrated on 8th May 1959 by Fr Austin in the presence of Archbishop Cyril Cowderoy who had succeeded Archbishop Amigo. Pope John XXIII sent his blessing. The church took two years to complete. It was a lovely sunny evening and many local clergy were present together with the Mayor. The total cost of the church was £25,000. It took many years to pay off the debt, but the church was finally consecrated on 28th May 1975 by Bishop Charles Henderson who had been a curate at Welling.
You are looking for a 1.5ml magnetic cache.
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