Church of the Holy Cross

Plans for the Roman Catholic Church to be erected at High Street, Sheffield was presented by Rev. T.J. O'Donnell, these were approved by the council.

The foundation stone was laid on 13th November 1921 by Archbishop Barry. In December 1921 a number of voluntary workers assembled under the supervision of Mr. H. Morris and the excavations for the foundations were nearly finished. The foundations were of concrete and the structure of brick.

The inscription on the stone reads:

A.M.D.G.

This stone was blessed and Laid by

the Most Rev. Archbishop Barry.

D.D., Nov. 13th, 1921

Deo Gratias

The building was of Romanesque design, 69 feet long and 32 feet wide. The porch was 8 by 8 feet with a large polished oak doors, opening onto a 36 feet by 27 feet nave. The 26 by 14 feet sanctuary was built 6 feet above the main floor. It had a high Altar platform and Sacristy (14 by 9 feet) this was raised by 30 inches above the main floor. The altar sides flank the main Altar and elaborate furnishings. The Altar rails were made of polished blackwood. The ceiling was 19 feet 6 inches.

The opening and blessing ceremony took place on Sunday 5th November 1922 by His Grace Archbishop Barry. The church was expected to seat around 200 people. A special train ran from Devonport, gathering people at nearly every station.

This church is still in use today