History of Christ Church Southport
Built among the sandhills as a “chapel-of-ease to St. Cuthberts, Christ Church was the most northerly building of the village. Robert Hesketh provided the land and in 1821 the Bishop of Chester consecretated the red-brick building.
During the years 1849-95 the population of Southport grew from 5,000 to 50,000.
Two transepts were added in 1850-51 and 500 more seats were added with the north and south aisles and new galleries in 1860.
The west front end, tower and spire were completed in 1862 through the continued generosity of Mr. William Atkinson.
In 1863 the graveyards were closed as public burial grounds. The first 6 bells were inaugerated on 28th September 1864 and a further 2 in 1982. The organ was moved from the west gallery into the organ chamber beside the chancel which was added in 1880. In 1884 the first Christ Church magazine was produced.
In 1865 Christ Church became a separate parish.
Rev. Frederick H. Pickering, M.A. conducted the first broadcast service on 22nd February 1948, and greatly appreciated both by the BBC and listeners.
In 1953 the spire was removed being found in a dangerous condition, however there were far worse building conditions discovered, and indications as early as 1972 revealed that all was not well with the structure of the church.