How our church came to be...

Origins

West Kirby URC started life in 1882 as a “preaching station” for the summer months only when there were many visitors to the area. However, interest grew and at the request of residents the services continued throughout the year. The original church on the site was a small iron construction but within 3 years it was obvious that a much bigger building was needed and by 1887 a 350-seat church had been built (what is now the Main Hall).

Growth and Expansion

The church continued to outgrow its premises and a much bigger church (capacity 690) was built in 1890. This is the current church building, built on the site of a duck pond and a cockpit. When the new church was built the original iron church was divided and half sent to Meols and half to Greasby. By 1907 congregations had been planted at Meols, Greasby, Upton and Heswall, all founded as daughter churches of the ever-expanding West Kirby church.

An unusual history

The church has a remarkable history in the area especially in the early part of the 20th century when the ministry of Revd “Paddy” Kirkland saw congregations of more than 600 at West Kirby and the planting of a number of other churches in Wirral. Revd Kirkland was minister for 40 years and it is a remarkable fact that in the 124 years of the churches life there have only been 4 ministers at West Kirby prior to the present minister Revd Brian Clarke. Clearly once ministers get to West Kirby they decide to stay!

In 2007 it will be 100 years since the planting of the last of the daughter churches and we pray that we may celebrate that fact by witnessing another outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our community.

Comparisons

How the church looked in the early 1950s, comapred to the present day...