THIS month marks the 50th birthday of the Church of the Ascension.<\/p>\n
Over the past half a century, the site on Warren Lane in Woolston has become a focal point for the community.<\/p>\n
And to celebrate the anniversary, we have taken a look back at its history.<\/p>\n
The cutting of the first sod in preparation for building work to commence was made on May 19 1968, with the daughter of Edward Gorton a businessman and philanthropist who donated the plot of land for the construction of a church in 1917 doing the honours.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
On September 15 that year, Reverend James Oliver Colling laid the foundation stone during a service.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Fast forward nearly two years to May 7 1970, and the Church of the Ascension was finally complete.<\/p>\n
The Rt Reverend Stuart Blanch, Bishop of Liverpool, opened the building to coincide with Ascension Day and a series of events were held to celebrate the occasion over the following weeks.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This Consecration Festival included a performance for the Liverpool Concertante and Southport Bach Society, a first communion and baptism, evensong with the Archdeacon of Warrington, an organ recital, a choral concert by pupils at Woolston County Primary School and a gig by folk band the Spinners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Liverpool Concertante and Southport Bach Society perform at the church, conducted by David Bowman on May 9 1970<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The first baptisms and holy communions<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Woolston County Primary School performa choral concert, conducted by headmaster T Lloyd Morgan,on May 12 1970<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Spinners at the Church of the Ascension<\/p>\n
A series of events had been planned to commemorate the 50th, but these will now take place later in the year.<\/p>\n
An outdoor exhibition of its history is currently being held in the meantime.<\/p>\n
The church has also received a grant from the National Lotterys heritage fund in order to carry out repairs.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A spokesman said: \"As lucky as we have been to receive this grant, we still have a large amount of money to raise in order to achieve our goals and ensure that the Church of Ascension will be around in another 50 years and more.\"<\/p>\n
To donate, click here.<\/p>\n
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Link:<\/p>\n
Church of the Ascension in Woolston celebrates 50th birthday - Warrington Guardian<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" THIS month marks the 50th birthday of the Church of the Ascension. Over the past half a century, the site on Warren Lane in Woolston has become a focal point for the community. Continue reading