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February 11, 2025
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Bishop Blesses Landmark Church Transformation

The growing Catholic community of St Philip Howard Parish in East Anglia took another significant step forward in its ambitious £3 million redevelopment project on Monday, as Bishop Peter Collins blessed the foundation stone for the renewed church. 


The blessing, a moment of both spiritual and historical significance, marked the formal beginning of construction on a building that will nearly double the capacity from 230 to 400, a remarkable feat that reflects the parish’s ongoing expansion.

Before the blessing, Bishop Peter celebrated Mass in the parish’s temporary place of worship – a resourcefully adapted presbytery garage supplemented by a waterproof marquee. While the setting may have been unconventional, the Bishop was keen to emphasise that the church is, above all, a community of faith rather than a building. “This is my first time celebrating Mass in a garage,” he remarked with warmth, “but the faith and unity of this parish are as strong here as they will be in the renewed church.”

The redevelopment of St Philip Howard Church is entirely funded by donations from the parish, together with external grant support – an important factor in its realisation, especially at a time when the ability of the Diocese to provide significant grants is very limited. The dedication and generosity of parishioners have been the driving force behind the project, with many individuals making personal pledges and participating in numerous fundraising events. The collective effort of the parish is remarkable.

Currently, the St Philip Howard Parish community is home to around 850 members, representing an extraordinary diversity of 40 nationalities. The redevelopment is not just about accommodating the existing congregation but also preparing to serve the future, particularly the 12,000 new households expected to be built on the Cambridge Airport development site. With this in mind, the renewed church is set to be a central spiritual hub for both long-standing parishioners and new families moving into the area.

Key to the success of this redevelopment has been the tireless work of two generations of the Latham family. John Latham Jr has played a leading role in coordinating the parish’s input into the design and planning of the renewed building, building on the longstanding commitment of his father, John Latham Sr, to the parish’s growth and development. Their dedication, alongside the steadfast leadership of parish priest Fr Philip John, has been instrumental in turning the vision for the church into a reality.

The architectural design for the new St Philip Howard Church has been entrusted to Tim Powter-Robinson, whose expertise has ensured that the plans will meet the needs of the expanding congregation while maintaining an aesthetic and spiritual integrity befitting a house of worship. The completed church is set to be a space that not only accommodates more parishioners but also enhances the liturgical and communal life of the faithful.

Speaking at the blessing ceremony, Bishop Peter expressed his gratitude to all those who have contributed to the project, emphasising the significance of such a development in today’s climate. “This redevelopment is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of Catholic faith in this parish. It is a sign of hope and commitment to the future.”

Local Councillor Robert Dryden (Cambridge – Cherry Hinton) conveyed his support for the redevelopment project: “I am thrilled to see the development of the new Community facility at Saint Phillip Howard Church. This project not only responds to the growing demand from our ever-increasing population but also provides a vibrant space that will serve as a hub for community activities and foster a sense of belonging. The increased size of the church will enable it to better accommodate and support our diverse community. It’s a fantastic initiative that will benefit many.”

Mark Godfrey of principal contractor Godfrey & Hicks expressed his enthusiasm for the rebuild: “Having undertaken a major project at the Catholic Church in Newmarket I am personally very excited to be working on another major high profile church project as Saint Philip Howard, Cherry Hinton.”

The renewed St Philip Howard Church is scheduled for completion in early 2026. Until then, Masses and parish activities will continue in the temporary structure, sustained by the same strong spirit of faith and community that has made this ambitious project possible.

As construction begins, the parish looks forward with anticipation to the day when they will gather in their renewed church, not just as a congregation with greater capacity, but as a living testament to faith’s enduring power in an ever-changing world.

Image: Bishop Peter Collins, John Latham Jr and Fr Philip John holding the blessed foundation stone.

Photographs from the day can be viewed here

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