Our Lady Immaculate & St Joseph Catholic Church in Lawshall

Our little Church in the village of Lawshall is reputedly ‘the oldest surviving chapel in Suffolk.’ This can be a little confusing since the church itself is obviously Victorian in design and has a plaque above its porch confirming it was built in 1870.

What currently stands on site is a cottage attached to a small church. The cottage (Coldham Cottage) dates from early eighteenth century. It was once part of the Coldham Hall estate where recusant Catholicism survived during penal times. While Mass was definitely celebrated at the Hall and then later in a converted barn known as Barfield’s (both still in existence but now in private ownership), it is thought that at some point prior to the building of the Victorian church the Mass may have been celebrated in a section of the cottage itself temporarily. Hence the claim to be the ‘oldest surviving chapel.’

Today, Lawshall Church hosts a small but friendly community who gather for Mass each Sunday at 10.30 with tea, coffee and cake on offer afterwards. Visitors and new parishioners are always warmly welcomed.

The buildings have most definitely seen better days but there are plans and fundraising afoot to try and restore both the cottage and church to their former glory.