Chester's Historic St Werburgh's Church Marks 150th Anniversary with Festive Programme
The historic St Werburgh's Catholic Church in Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, is preparing for a significant double celebration this February. The parish will honour both the Feast of St Werburgh, patron saint of Chester, and the conclusion of events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the present church building's opening.
Special Anniversary Events Programme
A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 3 at 7.30pm, followed by a special free concert on Thursday, February 5 at 7.30pm. The concert, entitled 'Mysteries of Faith', will feature performances from the St Werburgh's Parish Choir alongside popular local musicians.
The musical programme will include:
- The Onslow String Quartet
- Flautist Daniel Dwyer
- Chester violinist Phillip Chidell
Historical Significance of St Werburgh's Church
Constructed between 1873 and 1875 to designs by architect Edmund Kirby, St Werburgh's Church was officially opened in July 1876 with a Pontifical High Mass. This was notably the first such Mass celebrated in Chester for three centuries, marking a significant moment in the city's religious history.
The church's namesake, Saint Werburgh, was born around 650 AD and is celebrated for her holy life and association with spiritual healings and miracles. Her most famous legend involves restoring a goose to life. Her relics were brought to Chester for safekeeping at the end of the ninth century, eventually leading to the naming of both the church and Chester Cathedral's Lady Chapel shrine in her honour.
Featured Musical Talent
The Onslow String Quartet, founded in 2007, has developed a strong association with St Werburgh's Church over the years. The amateur ensemble, comprising Craig Clewley and Andrew McCaddon on violins, Tim Rowland on viola, and Tom Teague on cello, has received coaching from world-renowned professional quartets including the Alberni and Fitzwilliam Quartets.
In 2017, the quartet premiered a specially commissioned work by celebrated composer David Matthews at St Werburgh's, further cementing their relationship with the parish.
Phillip Chidell, a Chester-based violinist who began studying at age six, brings considerable performance experience from prestigious venues including the Bridgewater Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Manchester Cathedral, and St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Having established his own orchestra eighteen months ago, Chidell has already staged seven successful concerts in Chester.
Newcomer Daniel Dwyer joins as flautist, representing the growing pool of musical talent within St Werburgh's congregation.
Community Focus and Future Vision
The celebrations come under the leadership of Monsignor David Charters, who joined as Parish Priest in October last year. Reverend Charters expressed his hope that the events would highlight the enduring Catholic presence in Chester while strengthening community connections.
"As part of various celebrations marking the feast of our patron saint, we are delighted to invite the wider community to take part in two special events," said Fr David. "The 150th anniversary year has included a series of community events and fundraising initiatives that raised £25,000 for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, reflecting our commitment to care, compassion, and service in Chester."
He emphasised that while the Mass represents a liturgical celebration, all community members are welcome to attend and share in this moment of gratitude and reflection. The concert programme aims to explore faith, mystery, and beauty through both classical and contemporary music and spoken word, connecting with the diverse experiences of modern life.
"This year's celebrations are an opportunity to give thanks for the past and embrace the present and future," Fr David added. "We trust that St Werburgh's will continue to be a place of welcome and reference for the people of Chester for many years to come."
The anniversary year has successfully combined spiritual celebration with community engagement and charitable fundraising, demonstrating the parish's ongoing commitment to Chester's spiritual, cultural, and social fabric.
