St. Marys was the first Roman Catholic Church to be built in the City of Bradford.
The Parish was established in 1823 with the Church being completed in 1875. It was reported that back in its hey day Sunday mass attendance was approx. 1200 people.
According to an article (published on 13th June 2006) in the local paper (Telegraph and Argus), “The federated governors made the decision to close the St Mary's building at a meeting on May 24 [2006].”
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/791898.Half_of_catholic_churches_to_close/
The church and nine others closed across Bradford due to the changing landscape and declining attendance.
Although closed and mainly left empty for over a decade many of the community have fond memories of the Church from attending prayers, weddings to having their holy communion there.
The landscape of the area has changed much over the years including in the 1970s, a new ring road (now known as Shipley Airedale Road) being proposed and subsequently built.
The building was purchased in April 2017 and an extensive 12 month refurbishment programme took place to transform this derelict building into an impressive events and banqueting facility. The War Memorial, marble pillars, facade of the pipe organ are a number of elements that have been kept. The original altar, although screened off (for commercial viability) has been kept.
Below are some lovely pictures (kindly provided by members of the community who used to attend)
We would like to thank the following for the information, pictures, support and advice:
Andy Joyce
Tommy Flynn
Samantha Whitaker
Lynda Quick
Ref Links for more information:
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/791898.Half_of_catholic_churches_to_close/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/14216464.Memories_of_one_of_Bradford_s_biggest_churches__once_the_heart_of_a_thriving_community/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Patrick%27s_Church,_Bradford
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church
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