Prior to this, Catholics had to journey to St Joseph's in Bishop Thornton to celebrate Mass. Dedicated to St Wilfrid of Ripon, the Church was built in the Lombardo Early Decorated Style of architecture and was designed by Mr. Joseph Hansom. The parishioners were very proud of the church with its unusual style and commanding location. The tower surmounted the apsidal sanctuary, and was finished off
with a small turret containing a single bell. The elegant interior of the church contains many items of interest, including mosaics by Salviati of Venice, a High Altar of Caen Stone and an outstanding Reredos designed by Edward Pugin. The Reredos exhibits a number of figures representing kings, bishops, abbots and monks, and also illustrates St. Wilfrid preaching before two kings and St. Wilfrid on his deathbed receiving the Last Rites. The Lady Chapel at the end of the North aisle contains two stained glass windows which were a gift of the Marquess of Ripon shortly after he became a Catholic. At the end of the South aisle, St. Joseph's Chapel is remarkable for its elegant design and elaborate carving, and a painting on mahogany represents the death of of St Joseph. In 1888 a beautiful window, designed by Joseph Powell, was placed over the High Altar in memory of Canon Vavasour, who contributed much to the founding of the Parish and who had died in 1867. Canan Vavasour is depicted kneeling at the feet of St. Philip, his patron saint, who presents him to our Lord.
