Has Oxford done anything to honour Newman?

IN 1892 a public meeting was held in Oxford Town Hall to protest against a proposed Memorial to Cardinal Newman. A sketch artist, probably for the Illustrated London News, was there, and drew one Colonel Impey asking "Has Newman done anything to bring honour to Oxford?" Well, now it the time to reverse the question. Our new Chapel will be a belated memorial to Newman. There is an article saying why in this week's Oxford Magazine, which does not seem to be available on-line, but can be bought in the O.U.P. bookshop in the High Street.

Model of New Buildings

WE should have mentioned before that we now have a model (scale 1:100) of the entire new construction that is being planned. It comes apart so that you can see inside (that's why there are gaps between bits), and many people have said it is much easier to understand than plans and elevations.

So here it is: reading from left to right, you can see first the new accommodation block (five study-bedrooms) over the new parish office, kitchen, bar, etc; secondly the staircase extended upwards, with a lift behind it; thirdly the existing building, with the new library above the existing parish meeting-rooms; fourthly the cloister or cortile, providing light and fire-escape for both sides; fifthly the Newman Chapel, with additional archive space above; sixthly the Baptistery, with "chapter room" or rehearsal room above; and in front of the church the new Portico. We left the roof off the church because we thought it would be cool.

If you want to see the real thing, and how it comes apart, there are "information sessions" in the Parish Centre coming up on Saturdays,6th March at 10:30, 20th March at 2:30 and 10th April at 10:30. Let us know how many people you will be bringing, to campaign@oxfordoratory.org.uk so we can put cups out.

Newman Chapel drawings and plans

Section of chapel looking north

Ground plan of chapel and Baptistery

The most important part of our great project is the Chapel dedicated to John Henry Newman. The inspiration for it comes from the little church of San Carlino alle Quattro Fontane, which is about the same size. It will seat fifty or so people comfortably, and with an overflow crowd in the adjacent baptistery and its gallery could take as many more.

Interior view of the Model, looking south

We will attempt to attach more drawings and plans, and views of San Carlino for comparison.

Successful fundraising events

The dinner which Sterling Stover kindly hosted at Chesterton House on 5th February raised at least £7,000 for our Campaign - probably more depending on how much we can gift-aid. Many thanks to Sterling, to all his staff, to John le chef extraordinaire, the boys who served, Michael Welch the auctioneer and all those who gave items or promises for the auction. There were too many offers for one auction, so keep watching for news of when we can have another...

The next fund-raising extravaganza ia the recital or concert, "Hopkins, Hildegarde and Hardy", featuring poetry by one, music by another, and dramatic narration by a third (the former Minister of Magic). The real title is God's Grandeur - an evening with Robert Hardy, Vox Angelica and Fr Richard Duffield, on Hopkins and Hildegard. Friday 12th March 8pm. Tickets from the Porters’ Lodge / Playhouse.