Our Lady Help of Christians and St Helen's Church, Westcliff-on-Sea, Gothic Revival parish church in Westcliff-on-Sea, England
Our Lady Help of Christians and St Helen's Church is a Gothic Revival Catholic church in Westcliff-on-Sea featuring pointed arches, intricate stone carvings, and tall stained glass windows. The stained glass panels were created by Hardman & Co in the 1950s to replace windows lost during the war.
The church was founded in 1868 and was the first Catholic place of worship established in the area after the Reformation. Cardinal Manning, Archbishop of Westminster, officially opened the building in 1869 following its construction at a cost of roughly 1,700 pounds.
The church maintains strong ties with nearby Catholic schools including St. Bernard's and St. Helen's School. These institutions shape how the parish community works together and show how faith remains woven into daily family life in the area.
The church is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, and a hearing aid loop system helps people enjoy services more clearly. These facilities make a visit comfortable and welcoming for everyone regardless of mobility or hearing needs.
Helen Tasker laid the foundation stone in 1868, a woman whose gesture marked the beginning of this community space. This detail is often overlooked but adds a personal touch to the building's origins.
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