"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all ways submit to him, and he will make your
paths straight."
Proverbs 3: 5-6
St
Philip's began its worshipping life 1859 in a rented room above the
stables of the 'Litherland Hotel', now the 'Priory' (sadly this has now
been demolished). When it
outgrew its premises, a group of local business men got together
to provide the vision and finances to create the present Church.
The Earl of Sefton (Philip) generously donated
the land and laid the foundation stone on the 25th September 1861.
The sandstone used was taken from a local quarry which the architect, Mr
Gee, used with great expertise to build this beautiful Gothic style
building within its own extensive grounds.
After its completion and
in gratitude it was named St Philip, Orrell Hey, Litherland after
Philip Earl of Sefton and dedicated to St Philip the disciple. It
was officially opened by Rector Duffield in 1863 and consecrated by the
Lord Bishop of Chester in the following year on the 9th August 1864.
Due to the ever-growing populace, the North and South Transepts were
lengthened (1868-69) to accommodate another 260 seats bringing the
overall seating capacity to 680.
Today, the congregation enjoys
both modern and traditional worship reaching old and young alike.
Enjoy your visit!
