During the 1940’s St Francis Church (now what is The Monastery) was described as ‘of cathedral proportions and probably the finest and most beautiful parish in the North of England’. At one point there were 5 Mass Celebrations each Sunday, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am and 11am; all were full.

In the 1960-70s as local workspaces were closed, and terraced housing was cleared, there was a decline in parishioners. Despite all the fundraising and with a heavy heart the Franciscans knew it was time to move on. In 1989 the last Mass was held. The church was deconsecrated and the doors were finally closed for worship.  In 1992 the new church of St. Francis was opened.