OUR photo this week shows the church of St Francis of Assisi in Castle Road under construction with the houses of Sunnyhill Road in the background.

In 1940 the new church was consecrated by the Bishop of Salisbury (Dr Neville Lovett) which brought to fruition a project which began in April, 1930, when Bishop Donaldson decided to meet the need for a new church in a district which had increased by more than 2,000 people in a few years.

He appointed as priest-in-charge the Rev W. Mauleverer who had spent eight years in parishes in the East End of London, and in whom the people would have an inspiring and devoted leader.

Designed by Mr RJ Potter, of Salisbury, the new church was built of deep red brick on modern Dutch lines and broke from traditional church architecture.

Hopes of building it in stone were precluded by the cost.

The eastern end of the nave was rounded, though externally vestries protruded on either side.

The main entrance was at the western end, and on the south side was another entrance under the tower which was 90ft high.

When the church was opened it was reported that the interior was strikingly simple and beautiful.

The line of the nave was flanked by the pillars carrying the main walls, and outside them were passage-aisles.

The sanctuary was raised a step above the floor of the nave, but raised behind the altar was a lady chapel, the church being unique in this respect.

There was seating accommodation for 400.

A fascinating video documentary records the building of St Francis Church, reproducing the black and white film that was made at the time.

It is available on YouTube under - The Building of St Francis Church Salisbury.

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