Origins
The first permanent mission at Swansea was established in 1808 when the Abbey Sejean, once a Chaplain to Louis XV1, came to Swansea after the French Revolution. He was engaged to teach French to the children of John Morris, founder of Morriston. Premises in Nelson Street were the site of the first chapel.
An increase in numbers necessitated a new building and the present church was partly built in 1847, to accommodate about 150 people. It was built in the gothic style, with chancel, nave, single aisle, and stained glass windows. Mr Charles Hanson was the architect, and Mr Taylor of Coventry the builder. In 1864, the building was extended by 30 feet, an organ was installed, and a presbytery was added.
After enlargement, the main entrance was through the north west door and porch. Reroofing was needed by 1866, and again during 1953-54. The exterior walls were cleaned and renovated in 1975. The recent demolition of the surrounding buildings for the Quadrant development, and the exterior cleaning and renovation, mean that the church can now be seen in it's original setting and condition. It was recognised by the civic authorities as an Historic Building during Heritage Year 1975.
The Porch and Narthex
In early Christian churches, the narthex was a railed off portico for women, penitents, and catechumens. When a public address system was installed, part of this area was used as a crèche for mothers and babies. At other times it was used as a confessional, and a part is now curtained of and used as a parish library and meeting room. When necessary, the curtains can be drawn back, and the narthex can still be used as extra space for the congregation to participate in the Mass.
North
Aisle
One of the windows on the left of the aisle contains a rare example of medieval stained glass. It was originally in the sacristy, but during alterations to the church interior, it was moved to it's present position where it can be better seen at appreciated. The inscription beneath the window reads,"This 15th Century window of the Resurrection is said to be the only medieval stained glass window in Wales, and was given to St. David's Catholic Church at the time of the opening in 1847 by George Grant Francis, the Swansea historian."
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Before the major interior renovation work, this was the Lady chapel. Here two Parish Priests of St David's are commemorated by memorial plaques: Fr. Charles Kavanagh 1839-56, for his work during the cholera epidemic of 1849, and Canon Basil Gwydir O.S.B. 1904-14. The windows in this chapel, the Sanctuary and the bapistry, and a set of three commemorating World War I. This window depicts Our Lady, St George, and St. Joan of Arc, and the inscription reads "To the Glory of God, and in Thanksgiving for safe return from the Great War 1914-1918."
The Sanctuary
After the second Vatican Council extensive alteration was needed to adapt the church for celebration of the new liturgy, and this work was carried out with great care and good taste by Fr. John Grimbaldeston O.S.B., over a period of years. The purpose of these changes was to encourage greater participation by the congregation in the liturgy, and the simplicity of the decorations and furnishing is in accord with that liturgy. The old reredos and alter were replaced with a large stone alter and a screen. This stone alter was also removed later and a simple, free standing wooden alter table was installed. Seats for the celebrant and assistants were then placed at the base of the screen, behind the alter. The centerpiece of the screen is the Crucifix, but not the usual representation of the suffering Christ. Her the Risen Christ is seen, clothes in the vestments of a High Priest and reigning in glory from the cross on which he has conquered death and sin. As the Greek inscription on either side of the cross proclaims "IC.XC.NIKA" or "Jesus Christ the Victor."
Above the screen is the Main Memorial window. This is in memory of Canon Gwydir and was erected by his many friends. It shows the Crucifixion with Our Lady and St John; St David and St Benedict are on either side. In the lower panels are figures of St Illtyd, St Robert, the Arms of the English Benedictine Congregation, Canon Gwydir and St Basil. The inscription reads, "In token of gratitude and esteem as a memorial of his devoted life in the service of God, and his heroic death in the cause of his King and Country."
Over the chancel arch a painting shows Christ with Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. This was donated by Fr. Raymond Aspinwall O.S.B., in 1933, in memory of his Mother.
During
the renovations undertaken by Fr. John, the Sanctuary was extended and some of
the oak benches installed by Fr. Murty in 1936 are now used as choir
stalls. The old pulpit was replaced by two ambos or reading desks, a
wooden block floor was laid, and the decorated walls which had been much admired
in the former days, were now plain. On either side of the Sanctuary, large
statues have now been replaced by beautiful wooden carvings of Our Lady and St
Joseph, and in the north and south aisles, statues of the Sacred Heart and St.
Anthony were placed.
New Bapistry
This was formerly the Sacred Heart Chapel, but was converted into the Bapistry at the time of the major alterations. The original large stone font was replaced by a smaller one which matches in style the rest of the renovations. The window here is the third of the was memorial windows, this one is, "In Memory of the Dead who gave their lives during the Great War 1914-18." On the South Wall the mosaic of "David, King and Psalmist" was put up in 1975. The beautiful picture was made at Evening classes in Swansea Are School by Elizabeth Howells. It is notable for the subtle blending of colours of the Italian mosaic stones, each one individually cut, of which it is made. The Bapistry is also the site of the Christmas Crib and the Easter garden ad at times, during the year for exhibitions such as the work of Mother Teresa, Education, Nursing and other aspects of the parish involvement in social work.
South Aisle
The entrance to the church in the aisle is the one which has been used for the greater part of the life of the church. It was probably the only entrance until 1964 when the building was enlarged. On the left of the entrance is the first of two In Memorandum Tablets with the names of the dead inscribed. The second one is in the Library at the rear of the church.
The Sacristy
Though many alterations have been made to the interior of the church this part has remained unchanged. Vestments and everything required for the sacred liturgy are stored here, and the only change has been in the design and quality of the vestments themselves. Near the section where the boys cassocks and surplices are kept, there is the priest's side of the Confessional, where many generations of small boys must have been tempted to "play at confessions" in the seat placed there. Returning to the Sacristy, to the main part of the church, there is a penitent's entrance to the Confessional mentioned above. A Mission Cross was erected above the confessional in 1862.
The Organ Gallery
When the church was extended two years later, an organ gallery was built. It was especially paneled to enhance the acoustics for the organ which was installed then. This instrument remained until 1897 when the Golden Jubilee of the present church was celebrated, and a new organ by Brindley & Foster was introduced. The organist and choirmaster at this time was Mr. W.F.Hulley, who made a notable contribution to the musical life of St David's and Swansea by his compositions, his recitals, and orchestral concerts. In 1977 the organ, in great need of repair, was completely dismantled and rebuilt by Percy Daniel & Co. of Clevedon, Avon, and is now restored once again to be a part of the music of St David's.
Looking up at the organ gallery we see three shields with coats of arms, all of which pertain to Douai Abbey in Berkshire. It was monks from this Benedictine monastery who were responsible for the care of St David's parish from 1893-1972.
From left to right, as we see them, they represent:
Library
The area of the Library was formerly the Bapistry, as can be seen from the appropriate stained glass window. On the left side, Nicodemus is shown coming to Christ by night, to be told,"Truly, truly I say to You, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." On the right hand side, the window is a memorial to Mr James Welsh, Headmaster of St David's School, 1934-1967. It represents Pentecost, a schoolmaster, and Confirmation and is entitled "They were all filled with the Holy Ghost."
Round the walls of the church, the present Stations of the Cross were put up by Fr.Murty in 1936 replacing the original ones.
The Priory
In 1864 when the first major work on the church was carried out, a presbytery was also built. It was an attractive building of Bridgewater bricks and bathstone facings. In 1873, the Benedictine Fathers were given charge of the parish and St. David's was "raised to a Missionary Priory and continued to be a residence of the clergy". Since that time the Presbytery has always been referred to as The Priory. The building also needed alteration, and modernisation work was undertaken by Fr. John in 1953. A wooden staircase was installed to replace the original stone circular one, which remains in its tower, but is not in use.
Envoi
Before leaving St. David's one more item is worthy of note; not an architectural feature or some beautiful decoration, but the Church Notice Board. So often a church these days is solely a monument to past endeavors, but this notice board is an indication of the vigorous life of St.David's and shows that not only the building, but the whole community is dedicated to the Greater Glory of God, and service to our fellow-men. The Coat-of-Arms on the Notice Board is that of St.Michael's Abbey, Belmont, showing the "fiery" sword of St.Michael on a red cross. Benedictines of Belmont have served St. David's since 1972. The name Michael means "Who is like to God" (Quis at Deus) which is the motto adopted by the Belmont community.
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