The Society of Mary, generally known as The Marist Fathers’ came to Middlesbrough in 1904. Their intention was to open a school – their first to be established on English soil. Named St Mary’s College, the school was situated originally on The Avenue / Eastbourne Road. In 1962, the College moved to new premises on Saltersgill Avenue and in 1966, St Edward’s Primary School was opened on the original College site.
At the same time, the Marist Fathers’ established the Holy Name of Mary Parish and a temporary tin church was built on the site of the present parish hall. The current church was built in 1937 and was opened the following year. Both the architect, Thomas Crawford, and the builder, Ben McCreton, were ‘college old boys’. It was consecrated in 1957 and was administered by the Marist Fathers until 1992 when the Diocese of Middlesbrough took over responsibility. The Marist Fathers’ former home is now occupied by the Diocesan Curial Offices, adjacent to the Church.
A noteable feature of the interior are the fourteen Stations of the Cross, painted by Sir Frank Brangwyn. He later gifted a painting of The Last Support to Fr John Jones, SM, mounted on the main altar.
MARY OUR MOTHER, PRAY FOR US