Christianity has always been strong in Wales and many place names are derived from local saints. After the Reformation, the law was rigorously enforced and Catholicism was strongly forbidden. Previously Catholic families wanted to show their loyalty the the crown and safeguard their estates by adopting the Protestant religion.
In 1867, Father James Jenkins was sent to Llandudno to set up a mission for the few surviving Catholics in the area. Services were held in the former Turkish Baths which had been adapted to serve as a residence for a Priest and a chapel. There were only about 20 practicing Catholics and these were chiefly servants in lodging houses around the town.
With the rapid growth of Llandudno as a tourist resort, the numbers of catholics also increased. A plot of land was bought and funds raised to build a new church capable of holding 500 worshippers. Building began and the church was dedicated to Our Lady, Star of the Sea in 1893.
It is a simple Gothic building with lower side aisles. Original plans included a tower, but this was never built. The lovely white statue of Our Lady above the door was added a few years later.
Originally the new church was only used during the summer months with the congregation continuing to use the original chapel during the winter.
The interior is very attractive with arcades of polished marble pillars and pointed arches. The chancel and clerestory windows are painted a beautiful sea blue. The high altar has a wonderful gleaming white reredos behind it. In front is a modern mass altar. At the ends of the side aisles are altars dedicated to Our Lady and St Joseph.
This has a completey different feel to “Holy Trinity Church”:https://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/travel-product/attraction/200929-holy-trinity-church and “St John’s Methodist Church”:https://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/review/attraction/201004 and the three churches make for a good visit.
I visited in the morning beforew the midday mass.
