Fiftieth Anniversary of Bexleyheath's parish church

Archbishop Kevin celebrated Mass at St John Vianney, Bexleyheath, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the church.

The parish was founded from Crayford in 1933 and served by Fr James Malone and the clergy of Crayford. Fr James Austin was the first resident priest in 1942 and raised funds for a new church, similar in design to the church he had seen at Rottingdean, Sussex. The new church was opened on Friday, 8th May 1959 by Bishop Cyril Cowderoy and consecrated on 28th May 1975 by Archbishop Cowderoy.

Parish Priests:

1933 - 1942	Served from Crayford
1942 - 1973	Fr James Austin
1973 - 1985	Fr John Gleeson
1985 - 1991	Fr David Standley
1991 - 2000	Fr Sam Abela
2000 - 2004	Fr Tim Buckley
2004 -	Fr Michael Jones

Photos taken before and after the Mass

David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, and his wife, Evelyn

Alan Butler, the builder of the church, and his wife

The entry procession

Outside the church

Archbishop Kevin with the builder, his wife and the local MP

Archbishop Kevin with the builder and the Mayor and Mayoress of Bexleyheath, Councillor Nick and Mrs Maria O'Hare

Archbishop Kevin with the builder and his wife, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bexleyheath and the local MP and his wife

Reception in the hall after Mass