Percy Gateley was born in 1881 into an Anglo-Catholic family. He took Anglican orders at an early age and joined the Benedictine community at Caldey and then ministered for a time at the church of St Saviours in Saltley, Birmingham, where Mass, Holydays, Confessions, Rosary, etc, were (and still are) regularly observed. In 1913 he was received into the Church and after training in Rome was ordained priest in 1916. Amongst other appointments, the Archbishop, in a not altogether ecumenical gesture, sent him back to Saltley (1919-24), although this time, of course, it was to the Catholic church of the Holy Rosary. He was remembered in the area for many years afterwards by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. In 1927 he was asked to establish a parish in the rapidly expanding area of Stechford in Birmingham.

Because of his success, Archbishop Williams appointed him in 1932 to succeed Fr Bamford, so breaking a long tradition amongst the Rectors of St Peters who had come from Cotton and Oscott College backgrounds.

Fr Gateley possessed a strong dynamic personality and didn't allow personal criticism to deflect him from what he thought was the best for the church. Even in 1932 the world was changing and the Church with it. Perhaps St Peter's had got left a little behind. Certainly Fr Gateley felt there was need for change. Because of his monastic background he introduced the simple plainchant at Mass thus replacing the rather florid traditional music then sung, which caused immediate conflict with the choir. Former parishioners have recalled the uproar that greeted his changes, and the eventual resignation of the whole choir. At the same time, no priest was so dedicated to improving the church. His constant appeals for money earned him the nickname of "poor Father Gateley". Recognising the enormous popularity of the former Rector, he established a Fr Bamford Fund which eventually led to the installation of the magnificent Icon of the Good Shepherd behind the High Altar and which is undoubtedly one of the most treasured possessions of the parish. In 1933 money was raised to purchase the large house at the side of the church which became the parish Hall and was dedicated to St Winifred.

He was innovative in many other ways including the introduction of an occasional question box and answer session at evening service; having a ballot on whether there should be seat rents (which was against), and being prepared to appoint a young married woman as teacher of St Peter's. He had such a strong physique that it was a surprise that after a pilgrimage to Rome in 1935 he contracted pneumonia and died shortly afterwards in a nursing home.

His greatest love was the music of the Church, and his constant appeals eventually raised sufficient funds to instal our present magnificent Compton Organ. The renowned Benedictine Dom Gregory Murray gave a special recital on the occasion but sadly, just two weeks previously, Fr Gateley had passed away. The organ was dedicated in his memory.

He was buried in the monks' plot at his beloved spiritual home in Prinknash Abbey.

For further information or comments please contact info@stpeterapostle.org