The main altar area has seen many changes over the years
1925
This photograph of the main altar as it was from the time the church opened was used to make a calendar which was sold to raise funds for the church. The altar table is the one we have now with the 3-D coloured Last Supper and carved oak pillars. The crucifix may well be the one we have hanging above the sacristy now, but seems rather small. (See 2004 below for new information). The reredos (the intricately carved back of the altar) was removed when the altar was brought forward to allow the priest to face the congregation following Vatican 2. It was riddled with woodworm and had to be destroyed. Whatever happened to the two figures on either side of the cross (Mary and St John?) remains a mystery!
Note the carving on the original wood panelling behind the altar
1920s
This postcard photo shows the Lady Altar (or shrine) probably in the mid 1920s. The back of the postcard is signed by Fr Miley who served as Parish Priest from 1922-1928.
The picture shows the 'open roof' construction of the early church and the shrine lacks the altar shown in the photograph above.
However the statue looks as if it is the same as the one in the picture above - the one we have today.
This postcard photo shows the Lady Altar (or shrine) probably in the mid 1920s. The back of the postcard is signed by Fr Miley who served as Parish Priest from 1922-1928.
The picture shows the 'open roof' construction of the early church and the shrine lacks the altar shown in the photograph above.
However the statue looks as if it is the same as the one in the picture above - the one we have today.
1960s
A visiting priest conducts a wedding in the late 60s (?) giving a good view of the open rafters above the Lady Altar.
I wonder who is most nervous - bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid or priest?
A visiting priest conducts a wedding in the late 60s (?) giving a good view of the open rafters above the Lady Altar.
I wonder who is most nervous - bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid or priest?
1967
A wedding in September 1967 - Patricia Ramsay and Ian McNight Young - (pre-Vatican 2, with the priest with his back to the congregation)
Note the intricate wooden back of the altar (the reredos), the dark wood panelling, the altar rails, the pulpit and the open ceiling in the side passageways. Note also that there is no central aisle separating the pews; the fluorescent lighting suspended from the roof; the open arches and roof trusses of the side aisles. The altar itself has the familiar wooden columns of the present altar - just to the right of the groom.
A wedding in September 1967 - Patricia Ramsay and Ian McNight Young - (pre-Vatican 2, with the priest with his back to the congregation)
Note the intricate wooden back of the altar (the reredos), the dark wood panelling, the altar rails, the pulpit and the open ceiling in the side passageways. Note also that there is no central aisle separating the pews; the fluorescent lighting suspended from the roof; the open arches and roof trusses of the side aisles. The altar itself has the familiar wooden columns of the present altar - just to the right of the groom.
Some time after 1970 (post Vatican 2)This picture is poor quality but it has been restored enough to show that the old reredos has been removed (it had woodworm!) The altar has been brought forward so that the priest now faces the congregation. However the old altar rails are still in place! The altar itself has a cloth with a picture of Our Lady hanging in front.
(We are not sure if this is the original altar simply covered with a cloth.)
Notice how the roof above the altar is fully open to the rafters.
(We are not sure if this is the original altar simply covered with a cloth.)
Notice how the roof above the altar is fully open to the rafters.
