St Peter's Church, St Helens opens its door to celebrate its transformation

Rev Pauline Rowe, vicar at St Peter’s said: “The refurbishment of St Peters Church is a time for thankfulness as we can now celebrate that the building is watertight, warm and welcoming. We now have a kitchen and the building is accessible to all.

Worshippers at St Peter's were able to return to the church on Sunday 3rd November for the first time in 12 months. Since then the last of the work has been completed and now the building can be used not just on a Sunday but also during the week. St Peters will be able to host community events and is available to serve the community of Parr.

Rev Pauline went on to say: “The journey began in 2013 when the heating failed and we discovered it could not be repaired. Not only that, but church building was also in a poor state of repair as was the hall on Delta Road. The hall had often been vandalised.

“Money was not available for both nor were people in church able to take on the responsibility for the upkeep of two buildings.

“The vicar at the time, along with the church’s Parish Church Council took the difficult decision to sell the hall and land on Delta Road to release the money to fund the refurbishment of the church.

Once the sale of the land and the hall had been completed the journey continued for the church. Working closely with an architect on what was needed in the church to best serve the communities which surrounded it, they sought planning permissions for external work.

Referrals were made to historical societies such as Historic England and the Victorian Society. Permission was also required from the Diocese of Liverpool and the Church of England governing body on the submitted plans.

Coming along to see the completed works are Mayor and Consort, Councillor Janet Johnson and Mr Anthony Johnson). Also attending are Cllr Kate Groucutt and Cllr Bisi Osundeko.

Rev Pauline concluded,
“Just over six years later from when the church started its renovation, we can celebrate what has been achieved and how the church now is completely transformed. What’s been brilliant has been the number of people who remember what the church looked like before and are amazed by the changes we’ve been able to make.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible through our doors on Saturday 25th January, but what would be even better is as many people from the area come along to activities after that. It’s so important that we are open to everyone and not just on a Sunday.”