St Joseph's Church and Church Hall (RC), Potter Hill, Pickering

Church and Church Hall in an “L “shaped plan with a bold tower, forming the entrance to the church, set at the junction of the two elements. The church is placed at the back of a somewhat awkward rising site, with the church hall set at right angles towards the road. A Gothic window in the street gable of the hall provides an indication of the building’s function. The forecourt next to the church hall rises in a series of terraces to the level of the church. The church opened in December 1910, followed by the church hall and (incomplete) tower in June 1911. In 1916 Eric Gill was commissioned to design the font.

PICKERING - A further stage in the progress of the Roman Catholic mission at Pickering was marked on Thursday in last week, when the new parish hall and the tower of the church were formally opened. With the exception of the spire and a residence for the priest, the buildings of the new mission are now complete. The church, which has a seating capacity of 470. and cost £3,200. was opened in December last. The tower has been erected to half the proposed height, and the hall, which runs in a southerly direction from the church is 49 feet long and 19 feet 6 inches wide. It will be used for lectures and meetings and other social purposes. Above it is a large gymnasium. The roof is covered with French tiles, and the upper hall has four dormer windows. The building is of Pickering limestone, with Weldon stone dressing. The cost of the hall and tower has been £900. The architect of the group of buildings is Mr. Leonard Stokes. P.R.I.B.A. [Building News Vol 100, 9 June 1911 page 803]

Reference     Building News Vol 100, 9 June 1911 page 803