Newton and Earlestown Guardian – Friday 06 October 1939
Several years ago abandoned as unsafe and unfit for human habitation, St. Michael’s Church, Burtonwood. was re-opened and consecrated on Saturday afternoon us a modern church.
It had been rebuilt and a more lofty tower has made its appearance, numerous structural alterations have been made to the interior, and the parishioners can now consider that the inconvenience of holding the services in the Church Hall, Green Lane, for the past years. has been well worth while.
The church is one of the oldest in the district and dates back 223 vears. It is a monument in Burtonwood and great credit is due to those who have succeeded in saving the shell of the old building, The cost of restoration is £4.390, and the sum has been guaranteed by the Bishop of Liverpool’s seven years’ scheme, Clergy from the various parts of the diocese attended the service.
The Lord Bishop of Warrington was assisted in the consecration ceremony by the Archdeacon of Liverpool (the Rt. Rev. C. Twitchett) and the Archdeacon of Warrington (the Rt. Rev. J. P. Baker), Others present were: Canon J. W, Glendenning (Vicar of St. John’s, Earlestown). Rev, J, C. Longbottom (Rector of Warrington), Rev., G. Armstrong (curate, St, Oswald’s, Winwick), and Mr. H. Greenall (licensed reader).
The Restoration and Enlargement Committee of the church consisted of the Rev. T. Cowing (chairman), Mr. Thomas Forshaw and Mr. John Gleave (treasurer’s), Mr, C. V. Smith (secretary), Mr. E. J. Dod (architect).
The former organist of St, Michaels, Mr. R. W. Wright, played throughout the service on the new organ, which ix the gift of St. Michael’s. Blundell sands.
Among the many alterations that have been made is the addition of a new aisle on the south side, and an imposing tower in which have been replaced the ancient bell and clock.
A new haptistry and vestries have been added in the west end, and as the congregation sang the opening hymn the Bishop and archdeacons, following the choir and vicar (Rev, T. Cowing), and the robed clergy, proceeded down the main aisle of the church.
The Archdeacon of Liverpool read the lesson, and after the Archdeacon of Warrington had offered short prayers. the Bishop, preceded by the vicar, and wardens and archdeacons, moved in procession to the porch for the first dedication.
Then followed the dedication of baptistry. clergy and choir vestries, pulpit, lectern, choir stalls and choir screen and the holy tables.
In his sermon the Bishop said they were gathered together that Saturday afternoon for an inspiring ceremony, for months past members of the congregation had been watching the rebuilding of their church, and now at long last the looked-for day had arrived.
The Bishop said: “We look round with pride at the graceful proportions of this new church, which is to be filled with the beautiful things of God.”
“It has been a great achievement and first, and foremost we should like to congratulate you Burtonwood people upon the splendid responsibility you have undertaken in contributing £1000 of the cost of the scheme.”
“We offer our thanks to the architect for the skili in which he has reproduced in this parish church, something which was often recalled in the earlier days. He has given the old church some sense of spaciousness and light, and & skilful colour scheme”
The Bishop also thanked Mr. Thomas Forshaw the treasurer of the Restoration and Enlargement Committee, He described Mr, Forshaw’s magnificent. generosity and assistance, which he said to a large extent had made possible the changes of which they were now proud witnesses.
The Diocese of Liverpool had given strong financial backing.
It was an example of what could he achieved when the churches of South Lancashire got together as one united hody.
