History of our church - The Catholic Heritage of Horfield Parish
During his lifetime in Horfield Rev'd Henry Richards became a personal friend of Dr. Pusey, mainly through his daughter Helena who attended the same school in Royal York Crescent, Clifton as Dr. Pusey's daughter Lucy, and as a result Dr. Pusey invariably stayed at the Rectory when he came to Bristol.
Rev'd Henry Richards is credited with the first manifestation of the Oxford Movement in Bristol, and its introduction to the Parish Church of Horfield.
As well as being responsible for the demolition of the ancient church followed by the rebuilding in 1831 and 1847, he is credited with installing the Piscina and the Sedilia in the Chancel, as well as Altar Frontals and Altar Cloths. He started Daily Matins and Evensong with the Eucharist being celebrated every Sunday; there were also early morning celebrations of the Eucharist on week day festivals and Lent was formally observed.
Thus the Catholic tradition of the Parish was established and there are many things that we have to thank this dedicated priest for, who laboured for the Glory of God in this place.
