Below is a Timeline of major events & stages in the history of St Bart’s from the construction of the church in 1850 through to the present day. Click on the image for a particular event to enlarge it and click ‘Read more…’ to find out more.
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1850: The Start of the Journey – St Bart’s is Founded
The Foundation Stone was laid on 24th May 1850, and construction completed within the same year, when the church was licensed for worship on 2nd November. The land was given by the 13th Earl of Derby, and the first incumbent was Rev. George J. Banner (pictured). Read more…
1851: Going Higher – Bell & Tower Added
The addition of the tower to accommodate the bell gifted to St Bart’s by Huyton Parish Church was one of the few additions which did not serve to increase capacity. The oak panels in the Pulpit and Chancel were donated by the Earl of Derby at the same time. Read more…
1856 > 1874: Running Out of Space – The Church is Enlarged
Initially, St Bart’s only accommodated 112 worshippers, but it soon became evident that more space was needed. Various modifications and additions were made to the building so that, by 1874, the capacity had increased to 520 worshippers. The organ was also donated during this period. Read more…
1876: Pointing Heavenwards – The Spire is Built
The spire which now stands tall at the west end of the church and can be seen from miles around was added in 1876, paid for by voluntary contributions. More internal additions were also made in the years before and after 1876. Read more…
1885: A New Incumbent – Canon A. K. Sylvester
Having served a long period in office, Rev. Banner resigned and spent several years in retirement before passing away. The parish was offered to Canon Sylvester (pictured), who took up post in 1885. Read more…
1888 > 1900s: The Church Hall & Internal Improvements
Canon Sylvester realised the need for a church hall for parish events & other happenings which could not take place in the church building; this was completed in 1888. In addition to this, the inside of the church was improved & modernised to make it more comfortable, with the installation of heating, for example. Read more…
1907: Making An Entrance – The Lych Gate is Presented
Although it seems that many of the additions during Canon Sylvester’s time at Roby were internal, the outside of the church was not neglected either, with the donation of a lych gate in 1907. This was built by local craftsmen and still stands today in excellent condition. Read more…
1929: The Next Vicar – Rev. Cornelius O’Connor Fenton
In a sad turn of events, Canon Sylvester, the longest-serving vicar of St Bart’s to this point passed away whilst in post in 1928, having served for 43 years. Rev. Fenton (pictured) took up office on 24th June 1929 to see St Bart’s through the next chapter in its history. Read more…