St Joseph's Catholic Church Bilton - Centenary Celebrations

Described as 'an attractive and quirky Arts and Craft Gothic design built originally as a school-cum-church' St Joseph's celebrates its Centenary this year.

Designed by the Leeds architect W.H.H. Marten the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Cowgill on 17 July 1924 and the first Mass said on 30 July 1925. The Church was reordered in 1979 to mark the Golden Jubilee of the formation of the parish and a two storey extension with new narthex and baptistery was added to the rear in 2000/1.

The stained-glass of St Joseph’s church is of exceptional interest, the work of two talented but little-known women artists, Kathleen Quigley and Violet Mary Barnewall. They were commissioned by and commemorate females and of mostly female subjects. Following advice from The York Glaziers Trust the two main windows were restored in late 2024 as a Centenary Project by Barley Studios York with the assistance of a grant from The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust.

To mark their Centenary members of the parish have carried out extensive research into the history of the church, the parish community and its people. The exhibition presents their findings including copies of the Architects original drawings and displays chronicling significant events in the life of the Church and its people over the past 100 years. For the children there is a quiz taking them around the church together with stained-glass window colouring sheets.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

10.30 to 14.30 Church and hall

Saturday 13 September:

10.30 to 14.30 Church and hall

Sunday 14 September:

14.00 to 17.30 Church and hall

Monday 15 September:

10.30 to 14.30 Church and hall

Friday 19 September:

10.30 to 14.30 Church and hall

Saturday 20 September:

10.30 to 14.30 Church and hall

Sunday 21 September:

14.00 to 17.30 Church and hall

Location & directions

281 Skipton Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 3HD

Contact on day:

John Tweddle

Telephone number:

+447836271646

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Wheelchair access to Church on first floor is via lift from ground floor. Wheelchair access to hall is via separate entrance. An accessible toilet is available in the Church entrance. Separate toilets with baby changing are located to the rear of the hall. Assistance dogs only.

Additional information

Tea and coffee with cakes and biscuits will be available for visitors in the hall.

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