Tucked away in the attic of the presbytery we found, when looking for material about the church's history, a couple of boxes full of old books, minutes, bills and letters. We haven't had a chance to go through them systematically as yet, but what we did find were lots of fascinating old photos, some of which we've uploaded to the website, with more to come.
![Image Image](/images/stories/fr_joseph_sunn_with_sister_30s.jpg)
Here's a picture of the founder of the parish, Fr Joseph Sunn, with a nun. If anyone knows who she is, please contact me . The same applies to the other photos. If you know anything about the people in them, tell us.
![Image Image](/images/stories/bishop_opening_church.jpg)
The bishop (anyone know his name?) consecrating the church.
![Image Image](/images/stories/original_plans_1923.jpg)
And did you know that the church was originally planned to have a tower? Here's what it was supposed to look like.
![Image Image](/images/stories/illustration_of_church_1935.jpg)
And this of course is what was actually built.
![Image Image](/images/stories/early_publication_photo_of_church.jpg)
Moving from illustration to photograph.
![Image Image](/images/stories/early_publication_view_looking_ne.jpg)
A look from the direction of where the school playground is now.
![Image Image](/images/stories/early_publication_view_looking_east.jpg)
Moving inside, this is what would have greeted you in the 1930s.
![Image Image](/images/stories/original_altar.jpg)
With a close up view of the original high altar (and a big thank you to Sean Carroll, who found this postcard on eBay and bid for it).
![Image Image](/images/stories/fr_joseph_sunn_interview.jpg)
Fr Sunn seems to have been quite a character. Here's a photo from an interview with a local paper, showing him rolling up his sleeves and helping lay the foundations for what was to be his life's work.
![Image Image](/images/stories/opening_ceremony_30s.jpg)
Still, all the effort proved worthwhile when eventually the church was consecrated.
![Image Image](/images/stories/opening_ceremony_30s_v2.jpg)
Which seems to have been a long winded and incense laden affair.
![Image Image](/images/stories/holy_communion_with_priest_30s.jpg)
But after all that labour, still no rest. There's first Holy Communion for a start.
![Image Image](/images/stories/church_gathering_30s.jpg)
And lot's of other events too.
![Image Image](/images/stories/sister_with_families_30s.jpg)
Not to mention dealing with the sisterhood.
![Image Image](/images/stories/fr_sunns_grave_after.jpg)
But after all that labour there would eventually be rest.
Edited to add: we now have all these images and more available in a gallery where they can be seen in greater detail. So thanks to our designer, Marco Pozzi , and please take a look .