A rallying cry for support has been made to help ensure the future of the historic St Oswald’s Church at Winwick, Warrington, with the earliest parts of the current building dating back to the 13th century.
Used as a base for Oliver Cromwell’s troops during the civil war, it also witnessed the marriage of Titanic Captain Edward Smith.
Local resident Stuart Mann, who runs the Winwick and Hermitage Green Facebook page said: “Years of slowly declining congregations, millions of pounds worth of restoration work and the pandemic have put the church finances in a very delicate state and unfortunately if something isn’t done soon, it would not be an understatement to say the central focal point of our beautiful village may be under threat.
“You may or may not be a regular churchgoer, but I hope you would agree Winwick and Hermitage Green without a working church just wouldn’t be the same.
“Maybe you or someone you know was christened, married or confirmed in the church? Maybe you sang ‘Little Donkey’ or ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ as a child at a carol concert? Maybe you’ve enjoyed the beautiful Light up Winwick Christmas tree that shines brightly each year for all to see.
“Maybe you pass the church border and smile at the amazing work the local volunteers have done to bring some colour to the place we live and love?
“If you, like me feel blessed to have such a wonderful church at the heart of our community then please be aware of its troubles and wherever possible put your thinking cap on as to what we can do to help it. For instance, the church ALWAYS welcomes volunteers for upkeep and maintenance. Maybe you’re a tradesman who could spare some time to help out with the odd job now and again?”
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting takes place in the Church Hall on Wednesday, April 27 at 7.45 pm.
This is the meeting where Churchwardens and PCC members are elected and they look at the previous 12 months and plan for the next 12 months.
Stuart added: “If you are free and willing please come along to learn more about our wonderful parish church, and unfortunately the challenges it currently faces.”
A church at Winwick is recorded in the Domesday Book and the earliest parts of the present church are the bases of the north arcade which date from the early 13th century, and the walls of the Legh Chapel and the organ chamber which are dated 1330.
The west tower was built in 1358 and the walls and north arcade of the nave (except for the Legh Chapel and the organ chamber) date from 1580.
There was much damage to the church in 1648 when Oliver Cromwell stationed his troops there after the Battle of Red Bank. The south porch was added in 1720, and the south arcade of the nave was rebuilt in 1836 reusing earlier stones. The chancel, sanctuary and vestry were rebuilt by Pugin in 1847–49 for the 13th Earl of Derby. The spire was rebuilt and the church was restored in 1869 by the Lancaster partnership of Paley and Austin. On Thursday 13 January 1887, Titanic Captain Edward Smith married Sarah Eleanor Pennington in the church.
Anyone interested in supporting or would like to know more please use the following link http://www.stoswaldwinwick.church/contact.html
1 Comment
Beautiful church