Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Wallasey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Wallasey
Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Wallasey, from the southwest
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OS grid reference	SJ 319 910
Location	Wheatland Lane, Seacombe, Wallasey, Wirral, Merseyside
Country	England
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Joseph, Wallasey
History
Status	Parish church
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II
Designated	20 January 1988
Architect(s)	Edmund Kirby
Architectural type	Church
Style	Gothic Revival
Groundbreaking	1888
Completed	1889
Specifications
Materials	Stone, slate roof
Administration
Parish	Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Joseph, Wallasey
Diocese	Shrewsbury

The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea is a beautiful Roman Catholic church. You can find it on Wheatland Lane in Seacombe, Wallasey, which is part of Merseyside, England. It's a busy parish church that serves its local community. The church is also a special Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical and architectural site.

History of the Church

In 1860, a group called the Seacombe Mission started. This was for Roman Catholics living in the area. At first, they met and worshipped in the top room of a house. Later, in 1862, a building was put up that worked as both a school and a chapel.

As more people moved to the area, the community grew. In 1870, some land was bought. A house for the priest (called a presbytery) and a new school were built there. A church wasn't built at this time. Instead, part of the school was used as a chapel for services.

In 1883, something exciting happened. A person who lived in the area left money in their will. It was decided that some of this money should be used to build a proper church. Edmund Kirby was chosen to design the building. The first stone was laid in 1888, and the church officially opened its doors in July 1889.

During the Second World War, the church was slightly damaged by bombs. After the war, it was repaired and made new again. The church was also changed inside after the Second Vatican Council. This was a big meeting of Catholic leaders. More major changes to the inside of the church happened in 2006.

Church Architecture

Outside the Church

The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea is built from stone. Its roof is made of slate. The church has a main part called a nave. This area has five sections, or "bays." Above the nave is a clerestory, which is a row of windows high up. There are also side sections called aisles with sloping roofs.

At the front of the church, you'll see an arched doorway. Above the doorway, there are five tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. At the very top of the front, there's a large round window known as a rose window. Along the sides of the church, you'll find more lancet windows. On the north side, there are two parts that stick out, called transepts. These have rose windows and are used as confessionals. The church also has a porch and a special room for baptisms, called a baptistry.

Inside the Church

Inside, the main part of the church (the nave) and the area near the altar (the chancel) are all one big space. They share a single roof that looks like the inside of a wagon. The main hall has five large arches. These arches are held up by round pillars.

The pulpit, where the priest gives sermons, is made of stone. It has eight sides and is decorated with shiny marble pillars. The main altar and the decorated screen behind it (called a reredos) were added around 1900. They are covered with colorful marble panels. On either side of the chancel arch, you'll see statues of Our Lady and Saint Joseph. They are placed under special coverings called canopies. The beautiful stained glass in the east window is a memorial to those who died in the First World War.

See also

• Listed buildings in Wallasey