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Author Topic: History of Our Lady of Gillingham  (Read 852 times)

Galileo

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History of Our Lady of Gillingham
« on: Date: Sunday 09 August 2009. Time: 09:55:55 PM »
I have been reading the webpage for St. Augustines on the top road and they gave quite an informative article about the history of that building.

It would be interesting if we could do similar about the history of Our Lady of Gillingham on this thread.

When and by whom built?
How it got recognised as a Shrine ?
The school on the grounds ?
The connection with Dode Church and how it came about ?

I think many people - especially older local catholics - can add many personal contributions not only about the church itself but also some of the personalities and their little ways.

Fr Porter spnings to mind here !!
« Last Edit: Date: Sunday 09 August 2009. Time: 10:03:44 PM by Galileo »
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Galileo

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Re: History of Our Lady of Gillingham
« Reply #1 on: Date: Monday 10 August 2009. Time: 10:56:03 AM »
There used to be a railway house overlooking the car park and inhabited by a railway signalman, Harry Martin and his wife.
Mrs. Martin was a keen gardener, she also did a little job for the school, I believe, and Fr.Porter used to go round and pick flowers for the altar.
Harry and Fr. Porter were very friendly.
The Martins were not catholic.

There was an outside service in the front car park on one occasion, then a playing field, and a raised portable altar was on site and a large congregation attending.

Later in the day, I came across Harry in a club.

'I saw you at the service' he said.
" Did you see what was going on between Fr. Porter and me"'?

"Not really ,I know he kept looking over towards your house quite a lot and nodding before looking back again but that is all".

"Well, it was the football, I had the radio in the bedroom and he kept looking over and I kept giving him the latest result with my fingers.!!"



 
« Last Edit: Date: Monday 10 August 2009. Time: 03:59:34 PM by Galileo »
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John Allison

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Re: History of Our Lady of Gillingham
« Reply #2 on: Date: Friday 14 August 2009. Time: 09:46:59 AM »
Interesting stuff. If anyone has any contributions, I'd like to hear them. It would be a good idea further to detail the history of our parish.
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John Allison

John Allison

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Re: History of Our Lady of Gillingham
« Reply #3 on: Date: Saturday 28 November 2009. Time: 01:22:13 PM »
Some documents and photographs were posted on the parish website's photo gallery recently, and there are still more to be added. If you would like to contribute something, please hand it in to me, or leave it in the 'A' pigeon hole in the sacristy.
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John Allison

Galileo

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Re: History of Our Lady of Gillingham
« Reply #4 on: Date: Tuesday 06 July 2010. Time: 01:55:25 AM »
regarding the connection with Dode Church, I came across this interesting website on Dode Church and am wondering what, if any, the connection was when Fr. Porter was about.
He used to go there quite a lot and, I understand,  either had a key or had access to a key somewhere.
He used to take some of the altar boys along and, again, I think, they helped clean up around the church.

 Perhaps someone might have an answer to this.

http://www.dodevillage.com/History.htm
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