Church of St Helen (1837)

The Background of Catholicism in Brentwood

After the Reformation, Catholicism was banned in England and the few who refused to convert to Protestantism were persecuted. A few committed families remained around Brentwood, like the Petres and the Wrights. They faced legal challenges, but by the 18th century, these prominent families continued their Catholic traditions. The number of Catholics in the area grew, with records showing households practicing their faith. Secret priests served multiple halls, and by the late 18th century, Wealdside had its own mission, while Bawds Hall's chapel was officially registered for Catholic worship in 1799 under the ownership of the Manby family.

In 1814, Emanuel Dias Santos, a Portuguese priest, bought Pilgrims Hall in Pilgrims Hatch, and began Catholic services there. He held divine service on Sundays and other holy days at 11am followed by a discussion for anyone attending to join. As early as 1815 he was doing baptisms.

In about 1818 he built a larger chapel for congregations of around 250 people. This was popular up until his death in 1834, after which the catholic community in Brentwood was without a church.

St Helens Church (1837)

Land was found on Ingrave Road for a new church. It was built with the contributions from William Petre, Lord Petre, and Joseph Samuel Lescher of Boyles Court. The church was built in 1837 as a small neo-gothic building and consecrated on October 26th 1837. From March 1839 the priest of the church was allowed to conduct marriages. A small school building was built near the church in 1846.

A contemprary description of the church describes it as: "The interior is fitted up with taste and elegance. The sanctuary is spacious. The tabernacle and altar are of oak, profusely enriched with gold and silver, and the carving inlaid with crimson velvet. The massive crucifix and candlesticks are gilt. The thick gothic sanctuary rails and the fittings are of oak and the latter in the style of those in St John’s Wood chapel"

It soon became clear that the church was not large enough for the growing population of Brentwood, a problem seen by all churches in Brentwood as the town grew. In 1858 the congregation planned to extend the church with a north and south aisle. These plans were ultimately abandoned and to this day the north aisle still remains only partly built. However, in 1861 the church was replaced by a larger new church, which was built on a site to the south donated by Lord Petre.

Rather than being demolished, the church school was moved into the old church building. The Sisters of Mercy began teaching at the school in 1872, which would lead them to build the convent on Queens Road. In 1911 there were 150 students and the school was extended to the west in 1914 with three new classrooms, although the break out of the first world war meant that troops spent a few weeks in the building as they moved across the country towards the boats to France.

By 1949 there were 253 students in seven classes, four junior and three senior. Several other buildings were built to give the school more space and in 1950 there were repairs made to the old building. In 1954 the school became a junior school and all older students were sent elsewhere. With student numbers still growing, in 1973 the school moved to a new building in Sawyers Hall Lane.

Since 1973 the building has been used as the Parish Hall for Brentwood Cathedral. It was completely restored in 2005.