The Friday Photo: Father Lopes’ Chapel
Once again I find myself taking photos down at Digbeth. This time the picture is of a curious little building that is in a state of disrepair. It has a lovely square tower and a little research on the Internet has informed me that this is an old chapel, namely Father Lopes’ Chapel, built sometime between 1900 and 1915, there doesn’t seem to be any solid information out there about it. I’d love to know its story, it’s quite an unusual design.
I worked in this building in 1962 aged 16 for about 2 years. It was a warehouse for W H Rhodes China and Glass, they then moved to Nechells Green. About ten years ago I was allowed to go back inside by the tyre firms manager to look around , the church building itself was not being used and was looking in good condition considering ! I have many happy memories from working there, people did say it was haunted and at times it did feel very cold and creepy. Thanks for all the info on this page. Regards David.
Re the calender, one of my favourites is the Angel drinking fountain at Bham cathedral
Hi Noreen. Is this the building you were telling me about when we met in Stirchley? Suzanne
Yes, it is the one. What a waste. I hate to think what the insde is like now.
I was thrilled to see the photo of Father Lopes Chapel. It had fascinated me for many years and so I undertook some research before Birmingham Central Library closed for the move. It was opened as a hostel in 1915 by Father Lopes of St Basil’s. He passed the hostel to the Sisters of Charity when he converted to catholicism. It was used as a hostel to accommodate Irish girls working in the munitions industry during WW1. Father Lopes in 1923 became priest at English Martyrs RC Church in Sparkhill before moving to Cambridge university. There is more information but I feel I will run out of space.
Thanks for the info, Noreen, it’s an intriguing little building, isn’t it? I’d love to see inside it (though possibly not if it’s filled with tyres!!) Looks like it could do with some TLC.
I wondered what that building was called
I heard that it was built by a break away group from another church – and just before it was finished they healed the wounds and went back to the old church – leaving it unconsecrated and now used as a tyre store – might be nonsense – but I think there is something in the story. See also:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/73757949@N05/6805927421/
Thanks Nick! This is what I love about doing Friday Photo, it forces me to take the time to learn about all these beautiful buildings that we see every day without knowing their story!