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History of Holy Name Church

Holy Name Church was built to accommodate the increasing population of the Great Barr area, notably from the Sundial, Booth's Farm and Pheasey estates. This perios also saw the building of the Beacon cinema and the Cooperative stores. Several houses along the Newton Road near to the Scott Arms junction also appear to be from this period.

The 1938 church replaced a temporary wooden building erected in 1935. Credit for the building of the church must go to the generosity of the parishioners, and to the indefatigable James Bromley, parish priest. Later on the church was expanded by the addition of side chapels, and a new presbytery and primary school were also built.
Holy Name Church under construction in 1938 Building the church in 1938.  The picture shows the construction of the tower and front facade of the church. It also shows the original building without the side chapels and the original long windows.

The name painted on the shed is the Walsall building company Deakin and Boardman which was finally dissolved in 1992.




Photograph taken at the opening of the church in 1938. View from back of church shows simplicity of interior design. View from balcony shows more detail of chancel and altar in 1938. 
© 2007, Tim O'Mara