.png)
Parish Churches
Holy Spirit, West Bridgford
"A Parish with a Rich Heritage and a Vibrant Present"
The Holy Spirit Church in West Bridgford is steeped in history, serving as a spiritual home for generations of parishioners since its early beginnings. From its humble origins to its vibrant community today, the parish reflects a deep commitment to faith, growth, and service.
Early Beginnings
The story of the Holy Spirit Parish dates back to 1847, when the first Mass since the Reformation was celebrated by Fr. Francis Hays. This historic moment took place in the pavilion of the Nottingham Castle Cricket Ground on Loughborough Road. Fr. Hays was later appointed priest in charge of the newly established Mass Centre.
Building the Parish
-
1929-1932: The foundation stone for the first Holy Spirit Church was laid by Bishop Thomas Dunn in 1929, and the church was completed in 1932.
-
The first Parish Priest, Fr. Francis T. Royds, oversaw the church's opening at its original location on Victoria Road in 1930.
-
Over the years, the parish grew under the guidance of dedicated priests, including Fr. Robert Woodbridge, Fr. John Buckley, and Fr. James Monaghan, who initiated an extensive building programme.
Modern Developments
-
The parish witnessed significant developments in the 20th century:
-
1967: The present Social Centre was opened.
-
1974: The current church building and St. Edmund Campion Primary School were completed, marking a new chapter for the parish community.
A Timeline of Leadership
-
The Holy Spirit Parish has been blessed with the guidance of many dedicated priests:
-
2001-2011: Fr. Gregory Tobin served as Parish Priest, supported by Assistant Priests Fr. Christopher Thomas and later Fr. Stanley Ofoegbu from Nigeria.
-
2011-2022: Fr. Michael Brown succeeded Fr. Tobin, assisted by Fr. John McCay. The parish celebrated its 40th anniversary of the current church’s consecration in July 2014.
Our Current Priests
-
Fr. John Martin has been serving the parish since September 2022, bringing his leadership and spiritual guidance to our community. In 2024, he was joined by Fr. Evarist Kaniki, who adds his dedication and energy to supporting our parish family.
The Holy Spirit, West Bridgford, continues to thrive as a welcoming and vibrant community. We invite you to join us for Mass, events, or simply to explore the rich heritage of our parish.
Connect with Us
If you’d like to learn more about the parish, become a registered member, or just get to know us better, please feel free to reach out. You’re welcome to stop by the Parish office or call 0115 981 4271 or email us at annunciation@dioceseofnottingham.uk. We look forward to meeting you and sharing this journey of faith together.