Wigan Album
St Patricks RC Church, Hardybutts,Wigan
22 CommentsPhoto: DTease
Item #: 31234
I have this book it's really interesting- my dad got it for me in 1997. Brought back so many memories. "Its warmth undiminished" 1847 - 1997. 5 Generations of my family , marriages, births and deaths all recorded here.
I was at Todmorden and Hebden Bridge markets yesterday
I have this too and have posted some of the photos on WW from the book.
Did any other parish have the foresight of someone in the Parish of St Patrick’s, to initiate such a book, as the one depicted. It must give a lot of nostalgic pleasure to old parishioners of St Patrick’s, that possess this book.
A book to read over again and again - the church and community was without exception, unsurpassed in my opinion. I have never come across anything like it since and doubt at this late stage, I ever will again. You really would have had to be born in the parish to understand what a close community it was. Whether this 'closeness'' was due to the influx of the Irish contingent in the 1850's and passed down through the generations I can't say - but it must have helped because of the shared tribulation in leaving the land of their birth.
A friend of mine, Brian Murphy, who died a few years ago. wrote a book about the History of St Cuthbert's Pemberton. He also wrote one on Wigan Cinemas. Both books, as well as this one, are rare. The St Pats. book would probably cost you around £30.00 if you can find one. I saw one for sale on Ebay a couple of years ago for £25.00
Catholic records are very hard to access. A record like this would be worth it's weight in gold and would be great if it was copied and distributed for the people of Wigan and ex parishioners of St. Pats.
I found all the copies on fiche and had them copied Graham. They were in the History Shop about 20 years ago. Some are quite indistinct but can be made out and their names are all in Latin. My earliest one is a baptismal record of my grt grandfather in 1857. I don't know whether you can still find them in the History Museum.
The thing that struck me most on a quick read through this book was the amount of respect that was freely given to such as Fr. McCormick, Fr. Lappin and others by a community that was reluctant to bend the knee to anyone who didn’t truly deserve it.
If the church was 150 years old in 1997,we are now in 2019,therefor the church is 172 years old.
Thanks Veronica, I will pay a visit to the History Shop to have a look.
Ed, I think it's the parish that's 172 years old, not the present church.
Tuddy you are correct it is the parish.
The old boys' school was the original church that was built in 1847. Previous to that - St Mary's was the 'Mother' Church where baptisms, Marriages etc.were performed. The old church was also used as a school as the congregations grew. It was in the late 1880's that the present church was built from money raised by the people from collections and events such as the yearly Balls. I remember at school going to the Ball held in the old Wigan Baths. It's a marvellous, historical read if you are an old parishioner, I wouldn't part with my copy for a king's ransom.
ps the small side benches in the present church came from the old church, and the main altar from the old church is still used as a side altar. If I ever visit St Pat' s I'm always drawn to the old benches, as that is where my grandmother always knelt as a daily Mass goer.
My wife, and I clicked with each other at St Patrick’s Ball, Wigan Empress, September, 1959. We married at St Mary’s, Standishgate, September, 1961. My brother in Law, John Harte was always an active member of St Patrick’s Church, and parish.
Albert : John Hart's photo is in the book with a little bit of a citation. I bet many couples met at the Balls at the Emp..
Whilst looking for St Patricks Mass (Palm Sunday 2020) streaming online due to Coronovirus, I came across this article. I too have a copy of this book. I was born in the Parish of St Patricks, went to the Primary School, the one with the playground on the roof in Rupert Street (as did my mum Mary Moores) and the Junior School (the old stone one). I remember Father Lappin, Mr McDermott & Nelly Underwood (our neighbour) very well. I've lived in South Cheshire, near Staffordshire Border for almost 22 years, but have family and friends in Wigan so have never lost touch with Wiganers. I was in the Crowning one year and believe Jaqueline Perrins may have been the Queen of the Crowning that year but the book doesn't mention her, so I would love to know if I've got that right or not.
My mum was born in Rupert street
In 1922. My dad in silver Street 1913.Both families st Pats. I was born in Darlington Street in early 1950s. Both parents went to st Pats and me and my brothers also. Fr Lappin Christened us three children and instructed my husband to be b4 our wedding in 1977. I used to have a copy of this book from my mum but cant now find it. I think I lent it to someone years ago. I moved to New Springs and Holy Family when we married and now live in Morecambe.
Can anyone let me have a copy of the book. I lived in Scholes and went to St Patrick’s primary and secondary schools. Made my first communion at the church. All my mother’s family lived in that area and I would love to know more
A copy of the book can be found at:-
https://www.wiganlocalhistory.org/resources/150-years-of-st-patrick-s-1847-1997