St James' Church, Birkdale facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St James' Church
St James' Church, from the northeast
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OS grid reference	SD 3269 1625
Location	Lulworth Road, Birkdale, Southport, Sefton, Merseyside
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
Website	St James, Birkdale
History
Status	Parish church
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II
Designated	29 July 1999
Architect(s)	A. Rimmer, J. F. Doyle
Architectural type	Church
Style	Gothic Revival
Groundbreaking	1856
Specifications
Materials	Sandstone, slate roofs
Administration
Parish	St James, Birkdale
Deanery	North Meols
Archdeaconry	Warrington
Diocese	Liverpool
Province	York

St James' Church is a beautiful old church located in Lulworth Road, Birkdale, Southport, England. It is an active Anglican parish church, which means it is part of the Church of England. The church was built a long time ago, between 1856 and 1857, and was made bigger later on. One of its past vicars was Revd Marcus Morris, who created the famous Eagle comic. St James' Church is also a special building, protected as a Grade II listed building because of its historical importance.

A Look Back at St James' Church

St James' Church was built in the mid-1800s, specifically from 1856 to 1857. It was part of a plan to develop Birkdale, a district south of Southport. The church was designed by A. Rimmer. Later, J. F. Doyle made the church larger.

From 1945 to 1950, the vicar of the church was Revd Marcus Morris. He is well-known for starting the Eagle comic, which first came out in 1950. Between 2002 and 2003, the church was greatly updated inside. In 2014, work began to fix the church's spire, as its metal parts had started to rust.

Exploring the Church's Design

Outside the Church

The church is built from red sandstone that looks like rough rock. Its roofs are made of slate. The style of the building looks like architecture from around the year 1300. The church has a tall tower with a pointed top, called a broach spire, on its west side. It also has porches on the north and south sides.

The main part of the church, called the nave, has gabled sections. There are also north and south transepts, which are like arms extending from the main body of the church, each with two gables. The church also has a large chancel, which is the area near the altar. The tower has strong corner supports called buttresses. It has a two-light window on the west side and paired lancet windows for the bells. The spire has two levels of small windows called lucarnes. The walls of the nave and transepts have windows with three sections, and the large east window has five sections.

Inside the Church

Inside, St James' Church is one open space. There is no wall or clear division between the nave and the chancel. Between the gables of the transepts, there are smooth, shiny granite pillars.

In the south transept and on the south side of the nave, you can see beautiful stained glass windows. These windows were made around 1910 by Shrigley and Hunt. On the north side, there is a window from 1965 by Harcourt M. Doyle. It shows famous women, including Gladys Aylward. The church also has a large pipe organ with three manuals (keyboards). It was built in 1894 by William Hill & Sons and was updated in 1988 and again in 2003 by George Sixsmith & Company.

Why St James' Church is Special

St James' Church was officially named a Grade II listed building on July 29, 1999. Being a Grade II listed building means it is considered "nationally important and of special interest." This is the lowest of the three grades, but it still means the building is very important to England's history and heritage.

St James' Church Today

St James' is a busy and active Anglican church. It is part of the diocese of Liverpool. The church holds services on Sundays and during the week. It also has prayer meetings and different interest groups for people of all ages. For children, the church runs groups like Scouts and Guides, offering fun and educational activities.

See also

• Listed buildings in Birkdale