Appendix II: More recent history

Corpus Christi Procession, Christleton Hall. Date unknown.

These brief notes are added here, in an attempt to bring the history of Catholicism in Chester right down to the present day.

Catholics in Public Life

The emergence of Catholics into the full public life of Chester has enabled several of them to play a prominent part in civic affairs, and to hold the highest offices in the government of the city. The first Catholic Sheriff since the Reformation was Mrs. Edith Baty, who held this office in 1948. Following her lead, there have been several Catholic Mayors between 1959 and 1966; William Henry Talbott, Thomas Frederick Fazey, Mary Heaney, H. A. Adrian Howell and Mrs. Florence Grogan, the four latter also serving as Sheriffs. All have rendered outstanding service to their city, while at the same time making clear their convictions and loyalty to the Church, in situations which at times have called for considerable moral courage.

Catholic Social Life

The phrase "34 Queen Street" has been a very familiar one in St. Werburgh's since the beginning of the century, when this private residence, once the home of a judge, was acquired by the parish. A hall was added at the back, and until recently this was the home of every social activity in the parish. The League of the Cross with its colourful band, the Women's Confraternity, the Union of Catholic Mothers, the Children of Mary, the Legion of Mary, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Knights of St. Columba, the Tontine (Savings) Club, have all held their meetings here. The Temperance Club of the Catholic Young Men's Society also used it, as did the Youth Club, the Folk-­Dancing Group and the Football teams. The corrosions of time closed its doors in 1972, and in 1975 a new Social Centre was opened in what had once been the premises of the Bowling Green Hotel in Brook Street. The facilities of the yard attached to these premises had once been used to house the horses taking part in the Chester Races, and later by the nearby Cattle Market.

Of even older vintage than 34 Queen Street and still flourishing, is the C.Y.M.S. licensed Club in Cuppin Street, belonging to St. Francis's parish. It has always been noted for its happy Franciscan atmosphere. In 1962, a Social Club was opened for St. Theresa's parish at Blacon.

Vocations in Chester

There have been a number of vocations to the priesthood and to the religious life. The following have become Friars Minor Capuchin: Clement Vahey, Nicholas Higgins, Cyprian Truss, Anselm McCaffrey, Dominic Jarvis, Ignatius Jarvis, Ernest Richards, John Cavanagh and their present Provincial, Paschal Burlinson, Denis Keating (Dominican), David Musgrave (Schoenstratt), Stephen Lynch (Oratorian Fathers). Robert Jones, a "late vocation" while news-casting for the B.B.C. is now Abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Ramsgate in Kent.

Those who have joined the diocesan clergy are: William Jones, James White (Shrewsbury), Desmond Close (Portsmouth), and Philip Dwerryhouse (Westminster). James Kimpton and James Hodson are outstanding members of the de la Salle Brothers.

Among those who have entered Convents are: Pauline Holmes, Nan Bergin, Margaret Creighton, Kathleen Grey, Kathleen Edgar, Margaret Casey, Mary O'Mahony (Ursulines), Dorothy Creighton (Franciscan Missionaries of Mary), Margaret Ellis (Mill Hill Missionaries), Joan and Margaret Wilkinson (Servites), Cornelia Wilson (Carmelites), Winefride O'Brien (Little Sisters of the Assumption), Pauline Smith, Rosemary Tierney, Mary Cunniffe (Irish Sisters of Charity), Rita Cavanagh (Poor Clares).

"Father Hayes": A Short Memoir

Canon Maurice Hayes was an exceptional personality. Ordained for the diocese of Kerry, he came here on loan, decided to stay, and was curate at St. Werburgh's for the first seventeen years of this century. He returned as parish priest in 1927. Though he at first met a certain hostility, he subsequently achieved a personal respect and influence among the more prominent members of the Non-Catholic community which was unique. He was a notable preacher, in much demand both inside and outside the diocese. His annual Lenten retreats for men, in which he demanded a week's strict silence and no newspapers, were always well attended, while his converts outnumbered those of any other priest in the diocese. He was the first priest in the diocese to give a radio broadcast, when he spoke in 1932 on "Prayer". His example in this was followed in 1960, when the first television broadcast in the diocese was also made from St. Werburgh's. On this occasion, Bishop Murphy preached.

St. Bede's School

This establishment began its academic life in 1953, as a "Two-form entry Special Agreement Secondary Modern" mixed school, in accordance with the 1944 Education Act. When the Chester Education Authority decided to adopt the Comprehensive system, the Diocesan Schools Commission moved with it. The school buildings of St. Bede's were exchanged with those of the nearby Overleigh school, and the Catholic High Comprehensive School was established in Overleigh in 1972. The building of St. Bede's became a County "Middle School". St. Bede's first headmaster was the highly respected Mr. Bernard Dowd. He and his wife met their tragic death in an air crash over Stockport, when returning from a holiday on the continent.