On Sunday 21st July 2024, here at Liverpool Cathedral, we celebrated our Centenary – 100 years since our consecration on 19th July 1924!
It was a momentous occasion not only for everyone here at Liverpool Cathedral but for the city. We want to thank everyone who contributed to making this a special day for all.
If you couldn’t make it then see below for the Bishop’s Sermon broadcast on Radio 4
You can hear the whole service here
As well as a moving address from our Cathedral Chaplain The Reverend Canon Myles Davies –
As the 20th century dawned, Francis James Chavasse arrived in Liverpool as our second bishop. Affectionately known in the diocese as the little bishop, within months he proposed a new cathedral, and what he planned was huge. Why build the largest Anglican cathedral in the country? Certainly not for pomp and ceremony. The bishop wanted somewhere for 3000 people to gather, where all could see both sanctuary and pulpit, and where everyone might hear the gospel of Jesus Christ preached. Many shared his aspirations, but they realised none of them would live to see a complete Cathedral. In 1923 Bishop Chavasse retired, making way for a new bishop to consecrate the cathedral at the start of his ministry. He would preach here only once, shortly before he died.
The new bishop, Albert David, needed someone with the skills to devise a consecration service. He found him at the far end of the Northern Line in Southport: Frederick Dwelly, Vicar of Emmanuel. Dwelly had a meticulous grasp of detail and a good eye for colour and pageantry. He also had a way with words: someone commented: ‘he presented modernism with that dash of antiquity and nostalgia so beloved by the English in church.’ The remarkable service 100 years ago last Friday was attended by the King and Queen. It ushered in a unique tradition of worship which Dwelly would create here featuring the Cross Guild. Soon Dwelly left Southport. When Dean and Chapter were created, the Crown appointed him Dean.
He and the architect, Giles Gilbert Scott together planned the central space, already under construction, but they also had plans in mind for the nave. With a bridge large enough for choir and organ, the nave would feature a sunken floor surrounded by steps, with galleries all around. Neither dean nor architect would live to see this built, but theirs was the vision. Dwelly enjoyed creative relationships with craftsmen, artists and musicians; relations with the bishop and senior clergy were much more difficult. War brought new challenges as the magnificent tower rose towards completion but in a devastated city. Dwelly’s final years were plagued with poor health.
Frederick Dillistone was already on Chapter when appointed Dean. His calm and scholarly ministry, alongside Basil Naylor who followed him as Chancellor, brought much-needed stability to the Cathedral. Basil inherited Dwelly’s mantle for well-ordered worship, from which we would benefit for the next 25 years The nave altar is a reminder of those days.
Edward Patey arrived as Dean in 1964. He announced his main concern was not to finish the cathedral but rather how to use it. Soon the service most Sunday mornings became Holy Communion celebrated around the Nave Altar. Coffee followed afterwards; a creche was provided; new people were invited to take part. Some departed along with Matins, but the congregation grew in number and diversity.
Some innovations invited controversy. In 1967, ITV recorded a Christmas celebration entitled ‘How on Earth?’ The Bee Gees sang and played at the chancel step; Kenny Everett read the Christmas story in Scouse. On Christmas Eve, phone calls to the dean at home pleaded with Edward to ‘get this blasphemy stopped.’
Undeterred, he described the cathedral as a contemporary laboratory for worship. Beyond the cathedral his ministry as dean saw him engaging among other concerns with social work, detached youth work, and race relations in Liverpool 8. Close friendships developed with colleagues at the newly consecrated Metropolitan Cathedral. In 1978 Edward saw the completion of the cathedral. Just before he retired, he welcomed Pope John Paul.
Derrick Walters succeeded him in 1983. A complete cathedral now sat in a city suffering from widespread unemployment and urban decay. Derrick observed ‘so much time and money has been invested in the building of a great cathedral, now we must be involved in the rehabilitation of the surrounding city.’
He began on the cathedral’s doorstep. Schemes had failed before; alongside a new cathedral close, there emerged in1986 a housing development including a vibrant student community. On a huge derelict site in Toxteth. Derrick produced a scheme and enlisted a Task Force. With government financial backing the result was a large inner city regeneration schemes, including the Women’s Hospital.
To these schemes and more, Derrick brought vision, skill and energy. He used these qualities also to help renew the Cathedral’s life. A pattern of daily worship was restored which Liverpool had not known since before the last war, with daily Eucharist and Evensong. A visitors’ centre and refectory brought new life and many more visitors. Sadly in his final years he battled bravely against cancer. At his memorial service Professor Peter Toyne paid this tribute: ‘He used his influence with people of influence to influence the lives of those with little or no influence. He had a rare gift to make the most unlikely people work together.’ In the summer of 1970, I first worked here as a verger. One day a postcard arrived with Stanley and Geoffrey in the cathedral office. It was from Basil Naylor, on holiday in Wiltshire. The card pictured Stonehenge. Basil wrote, ‘See what happens when you don’t have Friends and Builders!’ This was not only amusing, but also profoundly true. Without friends, tower and temple fall to dust. Our hope is that those who pass through the cathedral’s doors may find a breathtaking experience in a community committed to justice and mercy. Many may discover the cathedral to be a safe generous place in times of both joy and sorrow. They should be greeted by a dynamic community of staff and volunteers.
Above all we hope and pray that all who enter may be able to encounter the God who knows and loves them.
“It was a wonderful service to celebrate 100 years with excellent choir and music, thank you to all involved.”
Attendees on Facebook
“I was privileged to have attended and enjoyed this wonderful service. The music was brilliant and the procession most impressive. A great afternoon. Thanks indeed”
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