Church of St John Evangelist: Crossley Road Ravenhead St Helens

NEW CHURCH NEAR ST HELENS - On Wednesday the memorial stone of a new church which is being  erected at Ravenhead, near St Helens, was laid by Sir E Sullivan. It is expected that the church, the building of which was begun in April last, will be ready for consecration by Christmas. It will seat 500 persons - if a west gallery is put up, 600 - and will cost a little over ,2,000. Though small the cost, the building will be mainly of stone, and the interior will be lined with red and white bricks, disposed in patterns. ... Messrs Medland and Henry Taylor of this city are the architects. [Manchester Guardian 13 August 1869 page 4]

RAVENHEAD CHURCH ST HELENS - This church, the corner stone of which was laid on 11 August last, was consecrated yesterday by the Bishop of Chester. The church is situated on the road between Gusger’s Row and the entrance gates of the Ravenhead Plate-glass Works. The architectural style is early pointed Gothic. The materials which have been employed are chiefly the local rubble, slag, etc. Accommodation is provided for 500 persons, or for more than 600 if a western gallery should be built. The contract price is ,1,985. The church is dedicated to St John the Evangelist. The work has been carried out by mr W Middlehurst of St Helens. The architects are M and H Taylor of this city. [Manchester Guardian 28 December 1869 page 5].

Reference    Manchester Guardian 13 August 1869 page 4 - foundation stone
Reference    Manchester Guardian 28 December 1869 page 5 - consecration
Reference    Pevsner: Lancashire: South
Reference    Pollard: Lancashire South-West