Church of St Philip and St Paul, 37,Scarisbrick New Road, Southport

SOUTHPORT.—Out of upwards of 53 designs submitted in competition for the new church for St. Philip's parish, Southport, Mr. R. F. Tolson, of Manchester, was awarded the first prize of £25, and Messrs. Barry and Son, of Liverpool, the second prize of £10. [Building News 22 February 1884 page 307]

ST. PHILIP’S CHURCH, SOUTHPORT - We are informed that out of upwards of fifty-three sets of plans submitted in competition for St. Philip’s Church, Southport, Mr. R. F. Tolson, of Manchester, was awarded the first premium of £25; and those of Messrs. Barry and Son, of Liverpool, the second premium of £10. [Builder 23 February 1884 page 285]

SOUTHPORT—The new Church of St. Philip, Southport, will be opened by the Bishop of Liverpool next week, its consecration being deferred for a period. The structure, which is situated in Scarisbrick New-road, is built in the style known as Geometrical Gothic, of Early English type, and comprises nave, north and south aisles, chancel, transepts, clergy and choir vestries, and organ-chamber, and will afford accommodation for 800 worshippers. The architect is Mr. R. F. Tolson, of Manchester, the contractors being Messrs. William Brown and Sons, of Salford. [Builder 23 January 1886 page 183]

SOUTHPORT - The new church of St. Philip’s, Southport, was consecrated by the Bishop of Liverpool, on the 11th inst. The church consists of nave, north and south aisles, transepts, and chancel: on the south side of the latter are the vestries for clergy and choir, with moveable screens. The total length of the church internally is 131 ft., and across the transepts 77 ft.; the width of the chancel is 23 ft. The height of the nave from floor to wall-plate is 36 ft., and to apex of ridge 61 ft. The nave is divided by stone columns into fine bays. The nave is lighted on each side with ten clearstory windows, in the west front of which is a large traceried five-light window; the transepts showing externally as coupled gables, 'with a four-light window in the centre of each gable: and the east end of the chancel has a five-light tracery window, with trefoil terminals to the main cusping. At the west end of the south aisle rises a tower to the height of 110 ft. In the tower a bell by Messrs. John Taylor & Co., of Loughborough, is fitted, and provision is made for a peal of eight bells. The pulpit and font, in alabaster, are the work of Messrs. Norbury, Paterson, & Co., sculptors, of Liverpool, the carved oak communion-table being by the same firm. The chancel-floor has been laid with mosaic, by Messrs. Elliot, Olsten, Olney, and Company, of Manchester. The decoration of the nave and chancel with light and simple tints, with stencil patterns laid on, has been carried out by Mr. Reuben Bennett, of Manchester. The reredos is in oak, with carved panels, by a local carver, Mr. R. A. Macfeeter. The church was designed by Mr. R. F. Tolson, of Manchester, the style being known as Geometrical Gothic of an Early English type. Messrs. W. Brown & Son, of Stafford, (sic) were the general contractors for the undertaking. [Builder 15 October 1887 page 547-548]

Reference        Building News 22 February 1884 page 307
Reference        Builder 23 February 1884 page 285
Reference        Builder 23 January 1886 page 183
Reference        Builder 15 October 1887 page 547-548