Plymouth, Churches, Chapels and Places of Worship | Roman Catholic Churches

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CHURCHES, CHAPELS AND PLACES OF WORSHIP | ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES

CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING

Updated: 13 June 2011

The Roman Catholic Church of Christ the King is situated in Armada Way, fronting on to Notte Street, Plymouth.

It was originally intended to be an auxiliary church for the use of all the Roman Catholic parishes in Plymouth. It was paid for by an anonymous lady donor on condition that the design was simple yet eye-catching. [1]

The building was already under construction when the foundation stone was laid on September 17th 1961 by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Reverend Monsignuer Cyril Restieaux. He marked each side of the stone with the Cross. [1]

The Romas Catholic Church of Christ the King stands on Armada Way, just below Plymouth Hoe.

The Roman Catholic Church of Christ the King
is on the right of this picture of Plymouth Hoe
and the Sound.
From a postcard.

Built by Messrs Staverton Builders, of Totnes, in sand-coloured brick, it was last building designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who died in 1961. The most notable feature is its square, saddleback-roofed tower. The interior is of simple design, with a huge canopied crucifix overhanging the High Altar. The furnishings of oak were paid for by the Catholic community. The whole building cost over £80,000 and could accommodate about 250 worshippers. [2]

Bishop Restieaux blessed and consecrated the Church on the evening of Wednesday September 19th 1962. [2]

The Church was only ever a chapel-of-ease to the Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral. [2]

In 1988 the Church of Christ the King became the Catholic Chaplaincy for students studying at the University of Plymouth.

Sources:

[1] "£50,000 gift for new Catholic church", Western Morning News, Plymouth, September 18th 1961.
[2] "Church Near Hoe Opens Today", Western Morning News, Plymouth, September 19th 1962.