HISTORY OF THE PARISH FROM THE
20th CENTURY TO THE PRESENT
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Page 2 of 8
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Mr. Gerald
Turnbull gave about one acre of land in Ham Lane East to the
Catholic Church, and on this was erected a small corrugated
iron building, that had already seen sixty years' use in
Herefordshire, to act as a temporary church. Fr. Magner
celebrated the first Mass in the parish's own church in
November 1950. He
lived in a caravan beside the church and travelled around by
bike, first a pushbike and then his mother bought him a
motorbike. He would carry his vestments with him in a
haversack. |
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It was Fr. Magner who requested
that Mass in Cowbridge be celebrated at The Bear Hotel, run
by Mr. John Williams. Mr.& Mrs. Peter Sheppard
came to Cowbridge in 1953 and Confessions were held every
Saturday morning at their home, West House, where the First
Friday Masses were celebrated.
Mass was also celebrated in the YMCA building. Meanwhile the
town of Cowbridge was growing and an increasing number of
Catholics came to live in the town. It was during this
period of growth that Fr. Magner was succeeded in 1953 by
Fr. H.B. Morris, and he remained until 1962. |
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The Williams family had previously lived in Bonvilston.
Counting the present generation they can trace back at last
four generations of Catholics.
Mrs. R. Williams was a
Catholic, followed by her son Mr. L.G. Williams, the father of
Mr. L.E.W. Williams who moved to Verlands Cowbridge in 1933.
Mr. L.E. Williams donated some of his land, in front of the
house, for the building of a Catholic Church in Cowbridge.
He was anxious that the Church be built in a traditional
style and his wishes were followed. |
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Building started in 1955. The architect was Mr. Tom Price of
Messrs. F.R. Bates, Son and Price of Newport, and the builder
was Robert Thomas of Cowbridge. The floor was laid by
Mr. Sheppard's firm, Horsley Smith of London. The new altar
was given by Heathfield House School, Cardiff, run by the
Sisters of Divine Providence (Rosminian). |
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Following the completion of the Church, it was dedicated by
Archbishop McGrath in January 1956. He was accompanied by
his secretary Canon (then Father) William Morris, cousin to
the Parish Priest. Canon Morris came to live in the Parish
on his retirement and remained until his death in 1991. |
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Parish History - Page 1
Parish History - Page 3  |
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