History of Holy Name

The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus dates from 1899. Before this time local Catholics, many of whom were in service in the houses of the well-to-do, attended Mass in private chapels close to the residences of the Bishops of Shrewsbury or made the trek downtown to St Werburgh’s or St Lawrence’s. The original Holy Name church, designed by Liverpool born architect Edmund Kirby was a simple unadorned building. It was warm and friendly, however, thanks to the use of natural materials such as the soft rose-coloured brickwork, the woodblock flooring and oak bench pews.

Shortly after the opening, various features including wood panelling and stained-glass windows, were added to the sanctuary. A porch and baptistery were built in 1909, and the Lady Chapel some years later.

In the 1920s Sister Margaret Rope, a nun in the Carmelite Order based in Suffolk, and now famous as a member of the Arts and Crafts movement, was commissioned to make three stained-glass windows, These windows depicting Our Lady, the nine Martyrs of the Shrewsbury Diocese, and Saints Therese of Lisieux and Winefride, still attract visitors from far and near.  

Visitors to Holy Name often comment on its sense of peace and tranquillity. The building itself remains warm and friendly with a prayerful atmosphere as many are fond of saying.