Have you ever wondered about the history hiding in plain sight? That beautiful church down the road? Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Henfield has a story that stretches back centuries, with twists and turns that would make any history buff smile.
Imagine a time, way back in the 8th century, when the first church in Henfield was built – most likely a simple wooden structure. Fast forward a few hundred years, and a grand stone church dedicated to St. Peter rose on the same spot. That church, by the way, is still standing in Church Lane today!
Life wasn't always easy for Catholics in Henfield. There were times, during the Reformation, when practicing their faith meant going to secret Masses in West Grinstead as the newly formed Church of England became the dominant religion. Although the situation eased over the next few centuries, Catholic worshippers carried on walking to West Grinstead for Mass until the early 20th Century. In 1928 a Mass centre was established at Red Oaks, and for a while, Catholics could gather for Mass in the drawing-room there – and so the Corpus Christi parish started to evolve.
By 1932, thanks to a generous local woman, Lilian Stern, Henfield finally had its own little church, a wooden building called the "Oratory”, but as the Catholic community grew, the need for a larger church became clear. Fundraising began, and after 21 years of dedicated effort, Corpus Christi Church as we know it today was opened in Tanyard in 1974 on some of the land that had belonged to Red Oaks.
Corpus Christi Church isn't just a building; it's a symbol. It's a reminder of perseverance, of the importance of community, and of the enduring presence of faith. It's a place where people have found solace, grown in their beliefs, and built a spiritual home together. Our church has seen its share of changes too, with resident priests coming and going over the years. Today, Father Hugh Flower leads the parish, supported by three deacons.
Churches, in general, can be like guideposts. They remind us to slow down, to reflect, and to connect with something bigger than ourselves. Whether you are a person of faith or not, our village churches are open for all, day by day, so that anyone can come and find some peace and time for prayer.
This year Corpus Christi parish celebrated 50 years of the current building, with a joyful parish celebration of the Eucharist on June 30th and a parish brunch. We are not just looking back, though. We continue to celebrate the Mass each Sunday at 10.00 am, serving the community of Henfield and the surrounding villages, reaching out with compassion and love to all.
Suzie Newbold
