IT WAS the Birkdale church that one ‘Southport Visiter’ reporter said “would never last” – but this month, St James’ celebrated its 150th anniversary.
The Lulworth Road church has come a long way since its creation in 1857.
Church members celebrated the anniversary with a number of events, including a display of historical photographs.
Ann Deacon, parochial church council secretary, said: “Photography hasn’t always been as popular as it is today, so obviously there are less pictures available the further into the past you go. But we’ve found quite a lot, and somebody even gave us a box full of old photographs.”
The display featured a line drawing of the church as it looked in 1860, and photographs of the church’s first ever vicar, the Reverend Benjamin Swift.
Rev Swift officiated at the wedding of his own daughter, Mary, to Edward Sleddon, a ‘Gentleman’, on March 20, 1872. He also conducted the marriage of his servant, Hannah Howard on December 21 of the same year.
The Palace Hotel in Birkdale, which was demolished in 1969, was also featured in the display.
The hotel played a big role in the life of the church, when, in the late 19th century, building work meant that the church was temporarily closed.
Ann said: “At some point during the 1890s the church was closed while a section was added to it, and services took place in the Palace Hotel.
“We’ve had a lot of new people coming to church, and many of them won’t even remember what it was like five years ago, let alone 150 years ago.
“The anniversary has given us a wonderful opportunity to look back into the past, but also to consider the future of the church.
“We’ve been thinking a great deal about the church’s 150 year history, and have also put a lot of thought into where the church is going, and what we can do to make sure it is still here and going strong 150 years from now.
“We’re making sure we meet people’s needs wherever we can.”
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