Foundation In 1795, the first Catholic
mission in
Medway was founded in
Brompton. It created by a French priest. At first, the chapel was housed on Westcourt Street and later on Manor Street. The mission would remain there until St Michael's Church was built.
Construction The church was built from 1862 to 1863. It was designed by
Henry Clutton and the estimated cost was £1,695. When it was built the church became the centre of the Catholic mission in Medway. From the church, priests would go out to say
Mass for Catholic congregations in the surrounding area, such as those in
Gillingham. In 1881, the
pulpit was given to the church by locally garrisoned Catholic soldiers. St Michael's has an aisled nave under a single roof. The aisles, behind semicircular arcades, have shed ceiling and are lower than the central nave. Therefore this church is a
pseudobasilica. Outside, the walls are of yellow brick.
Extension In 1929, a new school was built. It was designed by
Frederick Walters and Son. In 1935, the
sanctuary was extended and side chapels were added. They were also designed by Frederick Walters and Son. The foundation stone of the extension was laid by a Mgr Hallett. On 6 June 1951, the church was
consecrated. ==Parish==