Margate Church is consecrated after 200 years

Archbishop Kevin performed his first consecration of a church in our diocese when he consecrated the Church of Saints Austin and Gregory, Margate, together with its new high altar on Saturday, 4th November.

Part of the church building dates from 1804 when a chapel was built on the site for the Catholic Mission in SE Kent. Since then additions have been made to its structure: notably, the Lady Chapel and tower in 1866 and the side aisle and Sacred Heart altar in 1894. Much work has been undertaken recently to complete a comprehensive programme of internal restoration and renovation.

The first Mass since the Reformation was offered in the parish in 1793 and four years later the first resident priest to minister in Thanet for over 250 years was appointed to Margate. The 'Margate Mission' covered a vast area. In 1822, the parish stretched from Sheerness to Hastings and covered everything in between. The Benedictines from Ramsgate Abbey took charge from 1887 until 1966 when the parish was returned to diocesan care.

In his homily, Archbishop Kevin said that he hoped that the consecration of the church would be a blessing not only for the congregation present but also for the parish, the deanery and, indeed, the whole diocese.

Archbishop Kevin blesses a new chalice and patten before the ceremony

Father Luke Smith, Parish Priest, stands behind the new High Altar before the ceremony

The casket, containing the relics of the saints, to be sealed in a cavity in the High Altar

Archbishop Kevin in procession with Deacons Neville Gascoigne and Robin Carter

Inside the church after the Consecration

Father Luke

Father Luke with Monsignor Richard Moth, Father Sean O'Connor and Father Peter Soper (Parish Priest of Margate 1989 - 1999)

Archbishop Kevin with the Mayor of Margate, Councillor Douglas Clark, and his consort

Father Luke with an ecumenical guest

The Reception was held in Saint Gregory's School Hall