T H E   D E R E L I C T   M I S C E L L A N Y

Welsh Martyrs' Church is a victim of the local climate: battered by years of rain and storm, the flat roof sprung a leak, forcing the church to close.

In the years since the last mass on the 20^th July 2008 the church has become increasingly dilapidated, water pouring in through the damaged roof and great chunks of plaster falling from the walls.

From the drive XIII: Jesus is taken down from the cross Broken crucifix [click images below to expand & enlarge]

The Welsh village of Penparcau, perched on a hill above the seaside town of Aberystwyth, saw its first Roman Catholic Mass on Sunday the 20th January, 1952 but although the building of a new church had been 'high on the list of parish priorities' for some time, it was not until a decade had passed that a suitable site was found and purchased by Bishop Petit of Menevia. The architect Mr. Thomas Price was appointed and the building contract awarded to T. Alun Evans of Rhydyfelin. The foundation stone was laid in 1969 and Price's striking modernist church saw its first Mass on 16^th August, 1970 followed by a Solemn Blessing and Dedication on the 4^th of October. The service, incorporating a Solemn Pontifical Mass and the dedication of the church to the Welsh Martyrs, was led by Bishop Petit assisted by two Priests of the Carmelite Order, F^rs P.L. Geary and Edward Maguire and was attended by a large number of local officials, both civil and religious.

The church served for nearly 40 years before having to close. Originially it was intended that the building should be repaired, but the diocese could not afford it. The site is currently being considered for a new church to replace the parish church of Our Lady of the Angels and St. Winefride in town.