Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Heritage listing

Reason for designation: Included for its special architectural interest as a striking example of an early post-war church, designed by one of the leading architects and practices of church design of the period. It also displays the influence of the Liturgical Movement and is an early example of the move in this period towards a more progressive church design, layout and appearance. Notwithstanding some minor alterations to the exterior and interior it has survived relatively intact. History: Built 1959-60. Designed by Thomas Price of F R Bates, Son & Price. In 1931 a small Baptist chapel fronting onto Wentloog Road was purchased by the Archdiocese of Cardiff and converted for use as a Catholic church. Housing development in Rumney in the post-war period increased the congregation so it was decided to build a new church set back from and to the side of the chapel, on rising ground behind the existing presbytery. Construction of the new church started in December 1958 and it was opened on 20 March 1960. The builders were Messrs Herbert of Newport. The earlier chapel was demolished and its site became a fore area to a shrine of Our Lady constructed as a fa ade to a small garage. A pre-existing hall to the rear and side of the church was retained. The church was given a tall glazed south gable, visible from Wentloog Road. The canopy across the front was originally open but has been enclosed with a glazed screen. The presbytery to the front and hall to the side are not of special interest. The shrine, including the attached garage, is included in the listing of the church. Thomas Price (1920– 2001) joined the firm of F R Bates & Son in 1948 and became a partner in 1950 with the firm renamed F R Bates, Son & Price. His own son joined the practice in 1975. In the years immedia

From Cadw under OGL v3.