ABOVE: a procession in May 1954 of over a thousand people from Balderstone Hall (before the opening of the new Church), led by the Catholic Clergy (left to right): Father Watterston, Father Murphy and Father Flynn.
(Photo by J Nuttall, courtesy of Rochdale Observer)
BELOW: a view of the Church and Presbytery at the time of the original opening in August 1955. (Not much has changed from this angle, but notice how many trees have grown since then)
(Photo by D Worrall, courtesy of Rochdale Observer)
THE EARLY DAYS
A personal reflection by Winifred Magee.
The first meeting of Holy Family Parish took place in the room above the Plough Inn on Oldham Road, courtesy of the landlord Mr Alf Grindrod, also a parishioner. Rev Fr Michael Murphy had been sent by the Bishop to form a parish on what was then a fast growing council estate. People had moved into these new houses from different parishes in Rochdale and quickly made friends, and the prospect of a church of our own united us.
The first fundraiser was a football pool. Agents were appointed, and the Grice family on Rhodes Crescent and Riley family on Great Gates Road opened their doors as collection points. As the estate grew so did the funds, and Balderstone Hall Annexe was booked for Sunday Mass. No land had been acquired for a church at this point, and an intensive Novena to (then) Blessed Martin de Porres was started. It bore fruit and the site on the hill by Mornington Road was acquired. Plans were drawn up and builders appointed. All we were waiting for was the laying of the foundation stone by the Bishop.
Bishop Marshall became very ill at this point and Father Murphy was told he would have to do it himself.
The builders were getting impatient and on a very cold, extremely wet day in April 1954 a small crowd gathered together to witness the ceremony: Eileen Mulheran, myself and my children Rita (aged 1 month who was baptised in Balderstone Annexe) and Maureen aged 3, my mother Mrs Frain, my aunt Mrs Leonard, Mrs Murphy and her son Chris (who was holding the umbrella for the priest as well as the holy water), Agnes Sidebottom, Kathleen Guilfoyle, Mrs Goode, Mrs Riley and Mrs Mooney (who was soaked to the skin but happy to be there).
Those early days at what was to become the Holy Family parish were wonderful. Everyone pulled together - our beautiful Church was furnished, presented with gifts by the parishioners, lovingly kept clean - and has gone on to be one of the best in the area. It will always have a very special place in my heart.
Winifred M Magee
Rochdale, 2002
Crowds (of 600+) gather in procession at the opening of the new Church,
August 3rd 1955.
(Photo by D Worrall, courtesy of Rochdale Observer)