Epsom - History of the Catholic Church: a tale for all seasons
When
Fr Carré first came to Epsom - remember it well - he
asked to be directed to St Joseph's, received puzzlement - nobody
knew. He found no mention of St Joseph's in the books on Epsom
- in 1999 he determined to put this right - time consuming occupation
of delving into archives - questioning into every nook and cranny
to get as accurate a history as anyone could.
Result of Fr Carré's labours is a fascinating story of the Catholics in Epsom, their struggles and their joys over a whole millennium - including:
- The important part in that history played by Woodcote Park
(RAC Club)
- The history of the first Catholic Church in Epsom - St Martin's
in Church Street, until it became Protestant because Henry
VIII had to have his divorce
- How our religion was suppressed during the Penal Period
which followed
- How our Church in Heathcote Road became a reality in mid
19th, how much it cost, why it was not consecrated until 1974
- How Epsom and Woodcote came to be so called, racing and
the Downs
- The stories behind our schools in Epsom & Leatherhead,
the mental hospitals and their chaplainries
- Accounts of the priests of St Joseph's with interesting
sidelines of those whom some of us remember well
- The culmination of that history in the building of our wonderful new church
All
of us who know Fr Carré will expect a work of deep scholarship,
like his homilies, thoroughly structured, not a dull boring
tale but one carrying flashes of humour such as he gives us
from time to time at the altar. You will not be disappointed.
It is the work of a man with a strong Catholic passion, steeped
in an immense knowledge and love of the Scriptures.
The book is priced at £12. All the proceeds to go to church funds. Fr Carré has given his labours not to profit himself but for the benefit of the church he loves. I think it is a thoroughly good read and worth every penny.
Audry Ardern-Jones (Sept 2002)
Format: A4, comb bound
Price: £12
Available from Parish Office
Thanks to one of our parishioners at Swail House Canon Carré's excellent book has been reproduced on tape. If any visually impaired parishioners would like to borrow these tapes, please contact the Parish Office.