St Teresa of Avila RC church Parish Centenary
St Teresa of Avila RC Church, Devon Street, Newtown, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 4HX
The parish was founded in 1925, but the name "St Teresa of Avila" was first used in 1898 when the school was opened. From 1898 to 1925 the people of this area were parishioners of the "mother" church of Sacred Heart. The first temporary church was built and opened in 1927, by the first parish priest Fr Henry Fitzgerald, but it was never consecrated. A second church was planned by parish priest Fr Francis Morrissey and opened in July 1965. The Consecration ceremony and Opening Mass made history as they were celebrated in English, not Latin, for the first time in England.
The church is listed in the Catholic Churches of England assessment document TAKING STOCK - "An interesting concrete-framed church with some striking features, notably the full-height glazed west wall and the angled projecting windows on the flank elevations, influenced by Spence's Coventry Cathedral."
The history of the parish has been published in a book, with research support from the Archdiocese Archives and Local Archive services. The parish community has donated many artefacts, stories and photographs from across the last 100 years. These items form a wide ranging church display trail from 1925 up to Our Parish Today.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1200-1400
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1200-1400
Location & directions
St Teresa of Avila RC Church, Devon Street, Newtown, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 4HX
- Directions:
- St Teresa's Church is west of the town centre in a prominent position at the top of Rivington Rd hill. Knowsley Road and Dentons Green Lane are main roads nearby.
- Contact on day:
- Christine ONeill
- Telephone number:
- +447512002740
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
There is a small step and ramp, both with support railings for disabled access, at the main entrance to church. Inside there is a ramp with railings to facilitate Toilet access. Double door entrances to porch and church. The church floor used by the public/parishioners is on one level. Church pews without Kneelers, at the back of church and along one wall; individual chairs - for additional rest/prayer areas. There is one small step up to one of the display areas. The display area has two glass cabinets housing artefacts - there is turning space around each cabinet for a wheelchair.
