St Luke’s Church in Wallasey closes because running costs are too expensive

Nov 23 2011 by Linda Foo Guest, Wallasey News

A WALLASEY church is closing because it can’t afford the running costs anymore.

It’s the end of an era for century old landmark, St Luke’s Church, as the congregation moves to a nearby school.

St Luke’s sits on the crossroads of Breck Road, Poulton Road and Mill Lane, and its red Ruabon bricks and copper steeple can be seen from the M53 motorway, Bidston and Leasowe.Š

The building’s foundation stone was laid in October 1899 and was opened to the people the following year.

Reverend at St Luke’s, Ian Hughes told the News: “Over the years the congregation has declined and because the church is over 100 years old it costs a lot for maintenance.

“It is sad for the congregation who have been there for a long time.

“Also for the community who have many happy memories of weddings and baptisms.

“We would rather keep going without the burden of having to find money to operate the church building.

“It’s good being able to develop a community feel. We are looking to the future in a new way.”

Coincidentally the first vicar who opened St Luke's in 1900 was also a Reverend Hughes.

Church treasurer Alyson Jablonski said: “The church has been in constant use since it was built, except for a few months in 1941 when it suffered bomb damage. Many people have passed through the doors to attend services over the years.

“We would like to build a smaller church in the future somewhere in the parish.”

When the church closes the congregation will meet for worship at Park Primary school, Love Lane, Wallasey from Dec 11, and then every Sunday at 9am and 10.30am.

Rev Hughes will hold their final service of celebration with a Holy Communion service at St Luke’s Church on Sunday, December 4, from at 10.30am.