St Dunstan's Church in Woking, Surrey, is a remarkable testament to the enduring spirit and evolving architecture of the Roman Catholic community in this charming town. Nestled within its own plot on Shaftesbury and Pembroke Roads, just a mile from the town center, St Dunstan's stands as the sole Catholic church in Woking and serves as the heart of the deanery of Woking in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. This church, with its rich history and modern design, offers a captivating journey through time for visitors and parishioners alike.
The story of St Dunstan's Church begins in 1850, following the Restoration of the English Catholic hierarchy. At that time, Catholics in Woking had no dedicated place of worship and had to travel to nearby towns such as Send or Sutton Green. This changed in 1899 when Fr. W. D. Allanson established an iron church on Percy Street, dedicated to St Dunstan. This humble beginning marked the birth of a vibrant Catholic community in Woking.
As the congregation grew, so did the need for a larger church. In 1923, Fr. Plummer succeeded Fr. John Peall as the parish priest and envisioned a new church in the Gothic Revival style. The foundation stone was laid on 26 April 1925 by Bishop William Brown, and the church, designed by Joseph Goldie, was completed on 8 December of the same year. Fr. Plummer's legacy is still remembered, as he was buried in the grounds of the church upon his death in 1954.
The mid-20th century saw significant growth in the Catholic community in Woking, leading to the establishment of additional churches in the surrounding areas. St Hugh's Church in Knaphill opened in 1907, Our Lady Help of Christians Church in West Byfleet in 1954, and Our Lady Mother of God Church in the Kingfield area of Woking in 1962. The influx of Italian immigrants after World War II further enriched the community, with Masses in Italian being held from 1973 onwards.
The parish also saw the establishment of educational institutions, with the first parish school opening in 1953, followed by St Dunstan's School in 1958 and St Francis School in 1973. In 1993, these schools were combined to form St Dunstan's Primary School, which continues to maintain a close relationship with the church.
The turn of the 21st century brought about a new chapter for St Dunstan's Church. With the closure of St Francis School, its site on Shaftesbury Road was retained for future development. In 2003, the decision was made to build a new church on this site, replacing both the Our Lady Mother of God Church and the St Dunstan's Church on Heathside Crescent. Construction began in 2006, and the new church was completed in August 2008. The first Mass was celebrated on 9 August 2008, and the church was officially dedicated on 22 October 2008 by the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Kieran Conry, and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor.
This modern incarnation of St Dunstan's Church is a stunning architectural achievement, blending contemporary design with traditional elements. The church's spacious interior and state-of-the-art facilities provide a welcoming environment for worship and community activities. The new building also serves as a hub for the vibrant parish community, offering a range of services and events that cater to the spiritual and social needs of its members.
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Visitors to St Dunstan's Church can expect a warm welcome and a rich spiritual experience. The church holds five Sunday Masses each week, including a Saturday evening Mass, three Sunday morning Masses, and a Sunday evening Mass. One of the Sunday morning Masses is conducted in Italian, reflecting the church's multicultural heritage. Weekday Masses are held from Monday to Saturday at 10:00 am, providing ample opportunities for worship throughout the week.
The church's close relationship with St Dunstan's Primary School is evident in the numerous activities and events that involve both the parish and the school community. This strong bond ensures that the values of faith, education, and community service are passed down to future generations.
St Dunstan's Church in Woking is more than just a place of worship; it is a beacon of faith, community, and resilience. Its journey from a modest iron church on Percy Street to a modern architectural marvel on Shaftesbury Road is a testament to the dedication and spirit of the Catholic community in Woking. Whether you are a local parishioner or a visitor exploring the rich history of Woking, St Dunstan's Church offers a welcoming and inspiring experience that will leave a lasting impression.
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