A Celebration of the Church of St Augustine of Canterbury, Matson

Unlike its sister, the Anglican Parish Church of St Katharine, this church was built during the

1960s in a modern style. Today its crisp angular lines, its obvious simplicity, couched in quality

contemporary materials and oozing fine workmanship makes it well worth a visit.

Entering the building one is conscious of its chunky glass which shimmers in the sunshine and

has a gem-like quality. When St Augustine’s was opened the space would have felt different

as a bold colour scheme highlighted the dominant features. Even though many of the

furnishings have moved and more of the windows have been glazed the awe inspiring carved

crucifix by Patrick Conoley and the striking window of St Augustine of Canterbury by Pierre

Fourmaintraux have not been unduly compromised. These items speak eloquently of the faith

which is celebrated here Sunday by Sunday and of our rich Christian heritage.

Egbert Leah, the architect of St Augustine’s church, died on 10th January 2000. He was born

in Barnwood on 6th June 1907. He was educated at Crypt School and on leaving, went to South

America and worked in the cotton industry on a plantation. On his return to Gloucester, he

completed his architectural studies and joined his father’s firm. It fell to Egbert to design St.

Augustine’s. He lived in the Gloucester area for most of his life until he went into a nursing

home in 1997. His requiem was held at St. Augustine’s on 18th January 2000, the celebrant

being the Rev. J. Cunningham. His memorial plaque is situated in the church porch.

GUIDE TO THE CHURCH

The estate of Matson was built around 1950 to 1953; St Augustine of Canterbury Church about ten years later. PORCH The foundation stone was laid 22nd February 1962 by Monsignor Roche, who commissioned the building of our Church. The stone contains a copy of the plan, Deed of Dedication, local newspapers, medals and coins. Above this, is a plaque commemorating the death of Egbert Leah, the architect who designed the Church. He lived in Brockworth and attended services here with his wife. LADY SHRINE This was originally the Baptistery and contained the font which is situated near the Sanctuary. Around 1986, the original leaded windows were vandalised. Brother Gilbert OSB of Prinknash Abbey was commissioned to design and make the set of ‘’Dalles de Verre’’ windows. This term means ‘’tiles of glass’’. Characteristic is the chipped edges which give the glass its unique

shine. The glass is one inch thick, set into a concrete-type mix – there being indestructible. (See article for further details). In the windows are symbols of kingship (crowns); light (lamps); Holy Spirit (dove); and Marian emblems. The windows were donated by parishioners. We also have a renovated Statue of Our Lady. It was carved in the workshops of R L Boulton & Sons of Cheltenham. It was originally painted, and was removed by a mild acid treatment thus allowing the lime wood to be seen at its best. The Shrine was blessed on 20th July 1988 by Bishop Crispian Hollis. MISSION WINDOW We turn and look opposite to see the small window dedicated to missionary work. The map of the world is the symbol of of Association of the Propagation of the Faith, which supports Priests and people throughout the world. NORTH AISLE WINDOWS In September 1990, Jim Budd (a young, local stained glass craftsman) was asked to design and install a further set of ‘’Dalles de Verre’’ windows, based on themes used in the Confirmation Programme. The ‘’reconciliation’’ window shows hands clasped, a hand giving absolution, and an olive branch. The ‘’word of God’’ window contains the alpha and the omega symbols. The Old Testament is represented by a scroll and quill; the New Testament by an open book with alleluia written. In the ‘’Baptism’’ window the large candle is the Easter candle – grains and cross were added to the glass. The smaller candles represent the people. SOUTH AISLE WINDOWS The ‘’Celebration’’ window contains light, flowers, musical notes and liturgical colours.

The ‘’Thanksgiving’’ window has wheat, chalice, host and grapes. Eucharist means thanksgiving.

The ‘’Evangelization’’ window shows doves flying away from the church – going out into the world. BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL In 1990, Brother Gilbert OSB of Prinknash Abbey was asked to design and install a further set of windows. The three panels nearest the Altar depict the Canterbury Cross. The seven windows contain various symbols representing the Eucharist – loaves, fish, grapes, chalice, host and wheat.

The crucifix above the tabernacles was made for the Church in Bethlehem, and is of olive wood. We use this crucifix during Good Friday Service. GABLE END OF CHURCH The central gable window is a magnificent stained glass panel, depicting St Augustine of Canterbury. It was designed by Pierre Fourmaintroux, a Frenchman, of Whitefriars Studio of Wealdstone, in Middlesex. This was installed when the Church was built. The firm were pioneers in this country in the art of creating the jewel-like concrete-set stained glass. To the left of the window is a 378 pipe organ, built in 1914. It was used in an Anglican and then a Non Conformist church in the Swindon area before being taken into storage a number of years ago by Prinknash Abbey. In 1988, parishioner Frank Richards was asked to assemble the organ. At this stage, it consisted of 3,000 – 4,000 pieces held in Fr Charles Watson’s workshop of Prinknash Abbey. All the pieces required cleaning, some needed painting, while others were rebuilt. With a solid oak casing and cedar frame, it weighs half a ton. A special platform was constructed to spread the weight. Fr Charles and Frank assembled the organ during 1989. On 21st March 1990, the organ was complete at a cost of £143 and hundreds of hours of work. SANCTUARY The font is constructed of Portland stone, as are the two Altars. It is the work of R L Boulton and Sons Ltd, Cheltenham. The main Altar contains relics of St Henry, Edward the Confessor and St Aloysius – along with the Dedication parchment. The Dedication was carried out 28th May 1988 by the late Bishop Mervyn Alexander. The Crucifix is a striking life-sized feature of the Church. The cross is of roughened and polished oak. The figure of Christ was carved in lime wood by the late Patrick Conoley of R L Boulton and Sons Ltd, and painted by a Birmingham firm. The four Dedication crosses mark where the building was anointed with Chrism during the Dedication Ceremony on 28th May 1988, and are in the Canterbury Cross form. In the Sacred Heart Shrine we can see an enlarged version constructed of mosaic by a parishioner.

The stained glass window depicting St Augustine of Canterbury was designed by Pierre

Fourmaintroux, a Frenchman, of Whitefriars Studio of Wealdstone, in Middlesex. The firm

was a pioneer in this country of the art of creating Dalle de verre stained glass.