The White Church
Introduction
By Nigel Clarkson Feb12th 2024
Nestled in Lytham St Annes, near Granny's Bay, Lytham, The White Church stands as a distinguished landmark, its white Ceramo facade and Byzantine influences captivating hearts for over a century.
Completed in 1912, this Grade II* listed building boasts a grandeur that extends beyond its striking exterior.
Within its walls, adorned with cherished furnishings and divine stained glass by Charles Elliot, a capacity of 300 comfortably gathers for both spiritual contemplation and vibrant community engagement.
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Exploring the History and Architecture of The White Church
Let's explore the remarkable White Church, one cannot help but marvel at the architectural genius and devout history that it encapsulates. A vision of resplendence in Fairhaven noted for its opulent Edwardian houses, our church stands as a crowning jewel among them.
Completed in the year of our Lord 1911, the skilful hands of Briggs, Wolstenholme, and Thornly of Blackburn, along with elder and artist Luke Walmesley, conceived a structure influenced by the grandeur of the East. It's a striking infusion of "Free Byzantine" style—the Greek Cross plan a homage to ancient spirituality—with a domed crossing matriculating towards heaven.
Within these walls, ethereal light filters through the extraordinary stained glass windows, cascading stories from both the Old and New Testaments. These illustrious windows, coupled with memorials of reformation and figures of Nonconformity, were the life's work of Walmesley and Charles Elliott of London, each one a sermon in colour and light.
The platform, bearing original timber and a Pulpit graced by beaten bronze, stands as a memorial to those who sacrificed, crafted with dignity in 1921 by Walter Marsden under Walmesley's guidance.
The White Church, enveloped in its lawned garden sanctuary, welcomes wanderers and worshippers alike through gates crafted with detail buoyed by posts intricate enough to befit our holy doorstep.
The building itself—an exemplar of modern craftsmanship of the times—sports a concrete shell roof, a symphony of steel and plaster all framed in striking white Cerramo tiles from the revered Middleton Fireclay Works in Leeds.
As a Grade II listed church building, we pride ourselves on being more than just an architectural marvel; we are a beacon of heritage in Lytham St. Annes, continually active and embracing in our community.
Their doors swing open each September, inviting all during Heritage Open Days, thus weaving the thread of openness and education into the fabric of our ethos.
The White Church remains a testament to the unity of faith, history, and innovation, and we document our cherished artefacts and details into a 119-page transcription. Thanks to the tireless effort of The Arts Society Fylde's volunteers—they invite you to visit and become part of the living narrative that this white church in Lytham St Annes proudly tells.
Community Engagement and Activities at The White Church
Beyond its architectural majesty and historical significance, The White Church serves as a vibrant nexus for community engagement and collective spirit in Lytham St Annes.
They believe the true essence of a church building extends beyond Sunday worship; it is also reflected in the daily lives of the people it touches. Hence, their commitment to community involvement is deeply rooted in our ethos.
Each week, residents and visitors alike are welcomed into the warmth of the church's embrace through various activities that reflect our dedication to community service and foster a sense of togetherness. Here's a snapshot of our communal engagements:
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Sunday Worship: Their doors open wide each Sunday, not only serving as a spiritual sanctuary but also a pillar of unification for our community, where anyone can come to find peace and fellowship.
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Coffee Mornings: The vibrant hum of conversation fills the air every week, as they host our traditional Coffee Mornings—a perfect blend of community and caffeination that serves as a social cornerstone for connection and camaraderie.
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Quiet Time: In the bustle of daily life, they offer moments of respite during our Quiet Time sessions, inviting individuals for self-reflection and meditation within the serene ambience of The White Church.
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Aid for the Homeless and Charity Support: They stand as a beacon of hope, extending our support not only through prayers but also through tangible actions, aiding local homeless initiatives and engaging in charity work that reaches as far as Gambia.
The accessible facilities ensure that the church is all-inclusive and everyone can partake in these activities without obstruction:
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Facilities for All: With accessible toilets, ample car parking, and complete level access, they ensure The White Church is a comfortable environment for all, celebrating diversity and inclusiveness.
Moreover, The White Church proudly dons the role of a celebration venue, radiating joy for those who choose to mark their special moments with them:
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Weddings and Celebrations: Imagine a wedding set against the backdrop of our historical and elegant white church; it's a scene of pure enchantment that many couples in Lytham St. Annes have cherished on their special day.
As the custodians of this noble heritage site, we ensure that the Church is not only maintained but thrives as an active participant in the life of the town.
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For those interested in getting involved or simply experiencing the benevolence of The White Church, we welcome you to reach out through our easily accessible contact channels, including our email and church website.
In this haven they call The White Church, they merge the beauty of our past with the vibrancy of present-day engagement, creating not just an edifice of worship but a homely beacon where community, charity, and fellowship converge, standing proudly as a hallmark of Lytham St Annes.
Conclusion
As we come to the close of our exploration into the rich tapestry of the church, we're reminded of its intrinsic value—not just as a stunning Grade II* listed landmark, but as a cornerstone of community engagement and historical preservation.
From the Byzantine-inspired architecture to the community-centric activities, The White Church stands as a testament to the harmonious intersection of faith, philanthropy, and heritage in Lytham St Annes, having woven itself into the fabric of countless lives over the decades.
In considering the White Church's past contributions and present vitality, we extend a reflective invitation to all who appreciate the confluence of history, architecture, and community.
As we impart our final thoughts, let us carry forward the ethos of unity and stewardship that emanates from the serene sanctuary of The White Church, a truly exceptional emblem of Lytham St Annes.
FAQs
As a site cherished for its rich history and striking design, visitors often have questions about The White Church's past and present. Here, we address these curiosities to enlighten and inform your understanding of this iconic church building.
Frequently Asked Questions about The White Church:
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What architectural style is The White Church?
The White Church is renowned for its distinctive Byzantine architecture, a style reminiscent of ancient Eastern spiritual design. Made with white Ceramo blocks from Leeds, it adds a unique character to the landscape of Lytham st annes.
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When was The White Church built?
The hall of our church building was first completed in 1903 to welcome 120 people, whereas the main church was finished in 1912. Though originally designed for 486 people, it now comfortably accommodates 300 parishioners.
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Can you tell me more about the church's stained-glass Lytham windows?
The captivating stained glass windows depict key moments from the Old and New Testaments, illustrating the history of the Church, and celebrating early Protestant and Nonconformist ideals. Each pane is a vibrant testament to our faith and history.
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Is there anything special about the church's pulpit?
The pulpit, featuring a panel of beaten bronze, is a significant piece crafted by Walter Marsden, unveiled in 1921 as a War Memorial. This poignant memorial is a marker of our respect for those who served and sacrificed.
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When is The White Church open to visitors?
They warmly open their doors to visitors on Thursdays and Sundays, from 1.30 pm to 4 pm, and invite you to join us every Thursday for a friendly Coffee Morning from 10.30 am to 12 noon.
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What facilities can I expect at The White Church?
The White Church prides itself on being inclusive and accessible to all. They have facilities such as toilets for the disabled, a car park, a church shop, level access throughout, and a dog-friendly policy that makes every visitor, including walkers and cyclists, feel welcome.
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How does The White Church support the community?
Their congregation, consisting of approximately 85 individuals, engages in worship and impactful community service. From supporting the homeless to international projects like school creation in Gambia, they endeavour to extend our compassion beyond the walls of our white church.
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Has The White Church undergone any recent renovations?
Indeed, it has. In 2017, we were honoured to receive a Repair Grant of £12,000 from the National Churches Trust to assist with urgent repair work, reflecting our continuous devotion to the preservation of our church building.
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What contribution has The White Church made to the local heritage?
Beyond our weekly sermons and gatherings, The White Church has played a fundamental role in Lytham St. Annes by preserving the historical narrative of our town. Besides being a distinctive landmark with our white Ceramo tiles, we actively participate in events like Heritage Open Days, inviting history enthusiasts to delve into our rich past and architectural beauty.
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How can I get involved with the community activities at The White Church?
There are numerous ways to immerse yourself in the community activities they offer. You could join them for our Thursday morning Coffee Mornings at 10:30 am, volunteer for our charitable works supporting local and global causes, or attend their open worship on Sundays. If you have a heart for service or simply wish to connect, consider this an invitation to partake in our congregation's life.
You will find the White Church at 22a Clifton Drive, Lytham St Annes FY8 1AX, we hope these insights and to find out more please go to their website: https://fairhavenurc.org.uk