Russian Church takes over chapel at Rake Lane Cemetery

Jul 8 2009 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

THE Russian Orthodox Church is to take over a derelict cemetery chapel in Wirral which had been plagued by vandalism.

The chapel at Rake Lane Cemetery, in Wallasey, will become the main meeting place and location for services of the parish of St Elisabeth the New Martyr.

Icons from the Russian Orthodox Cathedral have also been donated to the newly-refurbished place of worship.

The chapel is being leased to the parish by Wirral Council, and major repair works costing more than £30,000 are under way.

Priest Paul Elliott said many would be surprised at the strength of the church’s following in the area, with up to 60 people at a time attending services.

Much of the restoration cash was raised by a national appeal and further funds were provided by Wirral Partnership Homes and Riverside Housing. Until now, the parish’s services have been held at Father Elliott’s Birkenhead home, but later this month, with the formal blessing of the chapel, they will have their own place of worship.

Fr Elliott, who works as a headteacher in Chester, said he hoped the new use for the chapel would also ensure its protection from vandalism.

He said: “We worship at my house at the moment and we needed a home.

“Hopefully, with the building in use, it will be less subject to vandalism.”

He also praised Wirral Council for “thinking imaginatively about one of its assets” and said they had been “really helpful and have done their level best in supporting us”.

Fr Elliott said he also hoped the chapel would again be able to be used for funerals at the cemetery.

The formal blessing of the chapel will take place on Saturday, July 18, and will also include an open day for visitors.