THIS month marks the 50th birthday of the Church of the Ascension.

Over the past half a century, the site on Warren Lane in Woolston has become a ‘focal point for the community’.

And to celebrate the anniversary, we have taken a look back at its history.

The cutting of the first sod in preparation for building work to commence was made on May 19 1968, with the daughter of Edward Gorton – a businessman and philanthropist who donated the plot of land for the construction of a church in 1917 – doing the honours.

Warrington Guardian:

On September 15 that year, Reverend James Oliver Colling laid the foundation stone during a service.

Warrington Guardian:

Fast forward nearly two years to May 7 1970, and the Church of the Ascension was finally complete.

The Rt Reverend Stuart Blanch, Bishop of Liverpool, opened the building to coincide with Ascension Day and a series of events were held to celebrate the occasion over the following weeks.

Warrington Guardian:

This Consecration Festival included a performance for the Liverpool Concertante and Southport Bach Society, a first communion and baptism, evensong with the Archdeacon of Warrington, an organ recital, a choral concert by pupils at Woolston County Primary School and a gig by folk band the Spinners.

Warrington Guardian:

Liverpool Concertante and Southport Bach Society perform at the church, conducted by David Bowman on May 9 1970

Warrington Guardian:

The first baptisms and holy communions

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Woolston County Primary School perform a choral concert, conducted by headmaster T Lloyd Morgan, on May 12 1970

Warrington Guardian:

The Spinners at the Church of the Ascension

A series of events had been planned to commemorate the 50th, but these will now take place later in the year.

An outdoor exhibition of its history is currently being held in the meantime.

The church has also received a grant from the National Lottery’s heritage fund in order to carry out repairs.

Warrington Guardian:

A spokesman said: "As lucky as we have been to receive this grant, we still have a large amount of money to raise in order to achieve our goals and ensure that the Church of Ascension will be around in another 50 years and more."

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