Founded in 1921, with Rev. R. H. Dignan as pastor, the parish of Blessed Sacrament was organized to serve the Roman Catholic Community on the north side to the Thames River, while St. Joseph's Church (1847&1886) continued to serve the south side. The Diocese of London purchased the Malcomson Estate on Victoria Avenue to provide a rectory, and land on which to build the new church.
Amidst the committed parochial spirit that had continued to characterize this parish, Blessed Sacrament Church (1922) was dedicated on February 4, 1923 by his Excellency, M. F. Fallon, Bishop of London.
The firm of Benjamin Blonde built the church along modern lines, according to the design techniques of the early twentieth century religious architecture. However, the facade, with its pointed arches, rose window, and bell tower, derives ultimately from the Medieval French Gothic Style.
The Rose Window was crafted in pieces, in the home of Mr. David Hamon, a master carpenter from the Isle of Guernsey. When the window was installed each section fit perfectly demonstrating the skill of his trade. He was just proud of this single artistic work before returning to live in his home in Guernsey.
After the fire of 1964, which gutted the interior, Chatham architect Joseph Storey, and Rambush of Canada, Liturgical Designers, were commissioned to carry out the necessary repairs creating a more unified space, which focused on the sanctuary and it liturgical functions.
Upon leaving the Church, please take a moment to admire the rectory and its qualities. The Italianate Style residence (1874) was originally the home of Hugh Malcomson, a former Mayor of Chatham and proprietor of The New York House on King Street West. This home (145) and another (142) across the street, are the oldest homes in this section of the street and form the south boundary of this era of development on Victoria Avenue. Note the center tower and double entrance doors, and the decorative pressed metal hoods over the windows. A pair of Ginko trees, mementos of Malcomson's tour of the Orient around the turn of the century, shades the front lawn. These trees have been identified as the largest and among the oldest of their species on the continent.
