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Building St. Mary's Church
1908-1910.
St Mary's Church, West Bank, Widnes, is an active Anglican parish church renowned as the last great masterpiece designed by the famed Lancaster architects Austin and Paley. This prominent local landmark stands on the bank of the River Mersey and is officially designated as a Grade II listed building due to its exceptional architectural and historical significance.
Laying the foundation stone, 14, 05,1908.
Built between 1908 and 1910 using a striking red-flecked sandstone in the Perpendicular Gothic Revival style.
With a capacity of up to 770 people it replaced the original 1856 "Widnes Dock Church" on Waterloo Road, which had to be abandoned in 1901 due to severe structural failures caused by poor foundations.
The building incorporates a massive square tower, unique porches set at distinct angles, beautiful stained glass windows, and a nave roof lined with traditional Ruabon tiles. Because of its grand scale, it is sometimes affectionately referred to locally as a "little cathedral".
A Commemorative medal for the laying of the foundation stone of the new St Mary's Church in West Bank, Widnes, on the 14th May, 1908. The front of the medal has an embossed image of the church, with 'St Mary's New Church, Widnes' around the outside. On the reverse of the medal is the inscription 'to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone by Mrs F.H. Gossage, 14 May, 1908, with a second inscription around the outside: 'He will not fail thee until thou hast finished all the work'.
Images by John Harper.
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