Introduction
The following account is drawn from the correspondence of Bishop Vaughan and the Provincial Frs. Vincent Grogan, Gregory Callaghan and Philip Coughlan, the Acts of Provincial Chapters, and notes by Fr. Sylvester Palmer, C.P., as published in In Diebus Illis No. 8 (12 May 1979). All manuscripts cited are in the Central Archives, Highgate (CAH). Quotations are given verbatim.
The IDI editor notes that the Platea, the Missions & Retreats Book, the Arrivals & Departures Book, Mass books, and account books for St Michael's are all missing from the archive: "Unfortunately, apart from the opening and closing of St. Michael's Retreat, we know very little of the history of this foundation."
The Decision to Found
In a Circular Letter to the Province dated 28th April 1888, the Provincial Fr. Vincent Grogan (1837–1900) wrote:
"As you are aware… at the last Provincial Chapter it was decided, with the approval of V. Rev. Fr. General, that we should accept a new foundation in the Diocese of Plymouth, as far as possible near the sea, for the purpose of a sanitarium, or if we thought well of it, for a regular community."
The original proposal had been for a foundation at Parkstone, Dorset, but Bishop Vaughan of Plymouth replied in 1887 that Parkstone was "quite out of the question," suggesting instead the developing seaside town of Swanage. Six months later, however, the bishop had second thoughts about admitting the Passionists to his diocese at all. He wrote on 18th November 1887:
"If what I have been told is true, viz: that when Passionists are received into a diocese they have ipso facto a right to beg in the diocese for the support of their house, I feel obliged to say distinctly that I cannot allow you to establish yourselves in the Diocese of Plymouth."
The bishop's stated reasons included not only the futility of questing among the scattered Catholics of the diocese, but also:
"So much scandal has been given by the Passionist Brothers, that I could not again give permission, much less acknowledge their right to solicit alms."
The Passionists renounced their right to quest in the Plymouth Diocese, and gave up the idea of Parkstone in favour of Swanage. In the event, however, it was neither Swanage nor Parkstone that was chosen. Fr. Grogan's account states:
"Swanage was first thought of, but in arranging for the purchase of a suitable house there, it became known to us that at Wareham, Dorset, a house sufficiently large for a Religious community, with some land, was offered for sale. After inspecting this house and property, we considered it very suitable for a new foundation. We have purchased this place for the sum of £3000."
The bishop, when he heard of the change from Swanage to Wareham, advised against the latter: "the former (Wareham) is a dead-alive and dying place, Whilst the latter (Swanage) is going ahead." (Letter Vaughan to Grogan, 15/12/188?)
The Westport Estate
The property purchased was the Westport Estate, consisting of Westport House with conservatory and large garden; a billiard room in a separate building (which served as the chapel); Freeland Lodge with stables; two cottages with outhouses and coach house; and a large walled kitchen garden with greenhouses. A contemporary description records:
"The extent of the property is about 7 acres…. There is a garden to each Cottage, Stabling and Coach house — a large garden of about an acre to Freeland Lodge, Coach house and stables. Then there is the room detached from the house which we used as a chapel; this would do for a future school. Garden has large greenhouses with heating. The house… [has]… new range, hot and cold Water supply, bath and W.C. arrangements…. The house is perfectly dry, exterior of greater portion is in glazed brick."
This note is added: "…the whole neighbourhood is remarkable for longevity. Ague is unknown here."
The new Retreat, dedicated to St. Michael, was opened on 8th May 1888. The Provincial ordered a triduum from 5th to 8th May in every house in the Province in thanksgiving for the new foundation and to pray for its future success.
The Building of the Church
Fr. Benignus Hamill was appointed first Superior of St. Michael's. Almost at once he set about building a church, the foundation stone of which was laid on 19th April 1889 by the Duke of Norfolk. Mr. Broderick of Brighton — who also presented the Passionists with the house at Herne Bay — gave £1,000 towards the building.
The Bournemouth Chronicle described the new church:
"The church itself is built of Purbeck stone, with Doulting stone dressings. It has been erected from the designs, and under the superintendence of Mr. Albert Vicars, of 151 Strand, London. It is in the Early English style of architecture, and consists of nave and chancel under one continuous roof… The total internal length of the church is 88 feet, and the width, 23 feet… There is a rose window in the west end, above the organ gallery, and the gable is surmounted with a statue of St. Michael… The builder of the church was Mr. John Laws of Wareham."
The solemn opening of the church took place in November 1889. The Provincial, Fr. Vincent Grogan, sang High Mass in the presence of Bishop Vaughan. The list of those present included Baroness Boeslager, Lord and Lady Braye, Lady Heathcote, and members of the Petre and Weld families.
Far from being a sanitarium, St. Michael's became at once a Student House. The students were sent from Highgate — where the building of the present church was then in progress — together with Fr. Maurice Jerome de Nolf (1842–1890) as Director and Fr. Wilfrid O'Hagan (1850–1912) as Lector. The Provincial Chapter of 1899 decided that St. Michael's should become the first Alumniate of the Province, though this was subsequently assigned to Carmarthen instead.
Difficulties and Closure
After the fanfare of the opening, things did not go well. As early as 1892 the Provincial Fr. Gregory Callaghan was negotiating for a sale of the property. These came to nothing, and there were further approaches to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who also declined. On 31st May 1900 the Provincial Fr. Philip Coughlan wrote to Bishop Vaughan:
"It is with much regret that I feel compelled to inform your Lordship that I cannot much longer keep a priest at Wareham. For some time past there has been no community there, and for several reasons I cannot permanently keep two priests in the place. There is no local means of support for them, the little flock contributing only about £7 a year. There is no work for them to do especially as several families have either moved or are about to do so, and lastly a continued residence when there is neither regular observance nor anything like sufficient external work cannot but be detrimental to the religious spirit of those who are thus isolated from their brethren…. Both my predecessor and myself have vainly endeavoured to dispose of the whole property to some religious community."
Bishop Vaughan's response was acerbic. He wrote — not to the Provincial but to "the secretary of the Passionist Fathers":
"I am sorry you propose to abandon Wareham. Remember it was not I who invited you to make a foundation at Wareham. Is it in the spirit of your Order to throw the burden of a Mission once begun by you on the Ordinary of the Diocese when it does not meet your expectations or convenience?"
The Passionists finally vacated St. Michael's in February 1901. The property (excluding the church) was sold in two separate lots: Westport House and Freeland Lodge to a Mr. Newall, and the remainder to a Mr. Dunne. The final selling price was approximately £2,610.
The Altar and the Church
The church built at Wareham was not demolished when the Passionists left. Six years after their departure it was dismantled stone by stone and re-erected at Dorchester, where it was opened under the title of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St. Michael on 16th October 1907. The high altar and altar rails were transferred to Harborne, in accordance with the donor's wish, which had been recorded at the time of the gift:
"This altar has been presented to the Passionist Fathers of St. Michael's Retreat, Wareham on condition that in case they give up this Mission it is to be transferred to one of their other churches in England.
(signed) E Mary Limbert
Freeland Lodge, Wareham, Dorset, 29th May 1890."
Source throughout: In Diebus Illis No. 8 (12 May 1979), citing unpublished MSS in the Central Archives, Highgate (CAH): letters of Bishops Vaughan and Graham; letters of Frs. Vincent Grogan, Gregory Callaghan, Philip Coughlan, and Cyprian Meagher; Acts of Provincial Chapters 1884–1902; plan of Westport Estate by W. Watts Fookes, Architect, March 1887; press cutting from the Bournemouth Chronicle; and notes of Fr. Sylvester Palmer, C.P.