The marble altar dedicated to Monsignor James McManus, the 7th parish priest, was installed in July 1963. There were 200 pieces weighing 7 tons and this was constructed between two pillars close to the rear wall of the sanctuary. It was somewhat ironic that this work was carried out at the same time the Second Vatican Council was taking place as it was only a few years before both the altar in that form and the altar rails were to become hindrances to modern liturgical practice.
During the renovations of 1988, it was decided to keep the altar intact and to move it forward to fashion the area of the Day Chapel.