The first church to open in Southport is celebrating its 200th birthday!
Historic Christ Church, which opened on Lord Street in 1821 – 16 years before Queen Victoria came to the throne – is celebrating its anniversary with an exhibition exploring the history of the building, its people and its stories.
The first church in Southport, it was built to serve the growing seaside resort.
Behind its mid-Victorian facade, Christ Church has many stories to tell.
At one time it was the most northerly building on Lord Street, and surrounded by – and built on – sand.
Christ Church will be among local landmarks taking part in this month’s Heritage Open Days.
Until 1821, the nearest church was St Cuthbert’s in Churchtown, which is also taking part in the Heritage Open Days scheme.
But the growing numbers of residents and visitors in the fashionable seaside resort led to Christ Church opening.
Since then the church was adapted and remodelled a number of times until it had to be rebuilt behind the historic facade in 1995. The story of Christ Church reflects the ongoing story of Southport.
Christ Church Vicar Rev Canon Steve McGanity, said: “We have two special events coming up to celebrate our 200th anniversary.
“Firstly there is going to be a display telling the story of the church throughout that time.
“We are not aiming to talk much about the building but try to focus on the people of the church and their faith.
“This will start on Friday 10th September and run until 18th September. This will be part of the national Heritage Open Days so will be advertised through their pages.
“We are hoping that this will encourage lots of people to come along and learn more about our story.
“Secondly, we are having an open air service on Sunday, 12th September at 11am.
“This will be the only service that day as the main worship area will be used for the display – so pray for great weather! Our preacher will be the Bishop of Liverpool.
“The actual date of our anniversary is at the end of November and we will be having some special events then as well.”
During the Heritage Open Days this September, event times at Christ Church will be:
Friday 10 September: 10am-4pm
Saturday 11 September: 10am-4pm
Sunday 12 September: 10am-4pm
Monday 13 September: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 14 September: 10am-4pm
Wednesday 15 September: 10am-4pm
Thursday 16 September: 10am-4pm
Friday 17 September: 10am-4pm
Saturday 18 September: 10am-4pm
No booking is required
This event will run in line with local and national government guidelines at the time of the festival. Please follow the advice on entry, which may include mask wearing, use of sanitiser or other measures, and respect the wishes of other visitors to maintain social distancing. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Covid-19, please stay at home.
For anyone feeling peckish, there is an excellent onsite café, Café 1821.
If the car park is full there is local parking on Lord Street and also a multi storey car park on. Tulketh Street in Southport town centre, less than five minutes walk from the church.
For more details about Christ Church in Southport, please visit: www.christchurchsouthport.org.uk
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