Work to restore the tower of Holy Name Church in Manchester has revealed both architectural gems as well as the inevitable deterioration that an old church undergoes, especially in the British climate.
With the church façade now under scaffolding, beautiful architectural details not easily visible from the ground can now be seen close-up – as can the problems with the building's structure too.
“From the scaffold one sees more clearly the finer detail of the roundels on the West façade, one showing the Holy Name in a Medieval Manchester and one of two sailing ships, perhaps representing the smaller Jesuits behind and the larger diocese in front,” says Fr Dushan Croos SJ, the Jesuit priest in charge at Holy Name.
“Seeing up close the Calvary which presides over Oxford Road is deeply moving. More worryingly, one also sees the deterioration of the soft sandstone on this west façade and more work that needs to be done.”
In the last decade, over £1.6 million has been spent on restoring the church, described by the National Trust as a “vast and stunning masterpiece of the Gothic revival”, and which is the only Grade I listed Catholic church in Manchester. Restoration of the tower is the final phase of this monumental project.
The restoration of the tower will also address structural issues and prevent further damage. The tower has been added to the “Buildings at Risk Register” by Historic England due to active dry rot and water ingress.
Architect Mark Pearce joined Fr Dushan and others on a site visit to inspect the progress of the latest phase of the work.
Fr Dushan added: “The church still serves as a focal point for the Manchester Universities' Catholic Chaplaincy, catering to a diverse student population.
“In addition to the two Sunday Masses with music, and midday Mass on other days, the restored tower will also ensure the church remains a welcoming and comfortable environment for various events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural activities.”
The church and its student chaplaincy are vital for students away from family and sometimes their country, notes the organisation Jesuits in Britain. It highlights one student who remarks: “I just want to say how much value Holy Name church has brought to my life – I have found friendship, community at Holy Name and it has enriched my life; I look forward to the services every week.”
Holy Name Church (Church of the Holy Name of Jesus) on Oxford Road is one of Manchester’s most iconic churches with a <a href="https://www.jesuitarchives.co.uk/post/150th-anniversary-of-the-holy-name-church-manchester"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">rich history</mark></a>, known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by Joseph A Hansom, it was built between 1869 and 1871.
For over 150 years, it has served as a spiritual centre for Manchester’s Catholic community, particularly for the University of Manchester.
The Jesuits, or Society of Jesus, are a Catholic religious order founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, now present in over 100 countries. The organisation of <a href="https://www.jesuit.org.uk/"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">Jesuits in Britain</mark></a> is at the centre of a broad network of lay men and active in education, spirituality, social justice, pastoral care and academic research across the country.
Fundraising Manager for Jesuits in Britain John Green, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the trusts and individuals that are supporting this restoration that will benefit Manchester for generations to come, and we are continuing to seek donations to complete this work."<br><br><em>Photo: Holy Name Church (© Ben Williams, from <a href="https://oxfordroadcorridor.com/venues/the-church-of-the-holy-name-of-jesus-christ/"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">oxfordroadcorridor.com</mark></a>.)</em>
<strong>To support the restoration works with a donation visit <a href="https://www.jesuit.org.uk/donate"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">here</mark></a>. </strong>
