Our Lady Help of Christians and St Helen's Church, Westcliff-on-Sea

In 1862, the Catholic mission in Southend was founded. It was served by a Fr John Moore. Mass was initially said in his house in Capel Terrace. The main benefactor of the church was Helen Tasker (1823–1888). She resided at Middleton Hall, Brentwood in Essex and was made a countess by Pope Pius IX in 1870. She was the daughter and inheritor of businessman Joseph Tasker, of the United Mexican Mining Association.

On 8 October 1868, Helen Tasker laid the foundation stone of the church. The architect was Thomas Goodman and the building firm was Wilkins & Son from Chatham. Goodman designed the church to be in the Gothic Revival style with inspiration from E. W. Pugin. The carvings in the church were done by Thomas Earp. In 1895, a new high altar was installed. It was designed by Frederick Walters. From 1899 to 1900, the south aisle was added. From 1902 to 1903, the north aisle and sacristy were then enlarged. The architect for these extensions was Alexander Scoles. On 12 August 1919, the church was consecrated by the first Bishop of Brentwood, Bernard Ward. During World War II, the church lost many of…