Can anyone steer me in the right direction as regards St Lukes Church (The bombed out church) not it's past history, it's current state, like who owns it ? is there a website I can visit?

I thank you:)

Hello GhostSearch

St. Luke's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Luke%27s_Church%2C_Liverpool) is maintained as a war memorial currently but there are plans hopefully to rehang the bells in the belltower. You might contact the Merseyside Bell Restoration Group (http://www.angelfire.com/co2/bellsmerseyside/bell.html) who are working on this to find out information on who owns the property though I suspect the Liverpool Diocese owns it. See address and email addy at end of the bell ringers website.

Chris

Can anyone steer me in the right direction as regards St Lukes Church (The bombed out church) not it's past history, it's current state, like who owns it ? is there a website I can visit?

I thank you:)
I've got a few pics taken a few months ago, but no info.
http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/stlukes/index.html

http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/stlukes/images/image004.jpg

I can do better than that!

I'm selling these.......(not off the back of a lorry..I'm a committee member!)

The Merseyside Bell Restoration Group (MBRG) was officially adopted in December of 1994, but had been in unofficial existence for 20 years prior to that date. The MBRG is administered by a group of six Trustees who are all church Bellringers.

Peace & Good Neighbourhood was written by Bryan McCahey and first published on St Luke’s Day, 18th October 1995. The book chronicles the history of the site of St Luke’s, construction of the church, history of the bells themselves, and also the significance of the ‘first all-metal bell frame’ still in situ in the tower. This frame design (1828) was the forerunner of all modern bell frames. It also describes the destruction of the bells and body of the church in the blitz of 1941.

It is a 61-page hard backed book and printed using letterpress and as such it is one of the few truly hand-made books published in recent years.
The book also contains a list of the peals rung between 1829 and 1931 together with illustrations of the church and rare photographs of the bell frame.

The price of the book is just £10, £11.50 inclusive of post and packaging. A very small sum in my opinion for such a rare and detailed book of the information on the bells. All proceeds go to the restricted St Luke’s Fund, administered by the MBRG, and as such it cannot be used for any other project or purpose within the MBRG.

Please see the pictures below for a view of the book, the layout and also rare drawings of St Luke’s gone by which feature in the book.

PM if you would like my address to send a cheque to!

I can do better than that!


Better than what?

I can do better than getting them to contact the MBRG as that website is out of date now as I'm working on a new one :)

We have to go back to past history to realise why St Luke's Church is still standing.
When the site was first given for a church to be built, it was stipulated that only a church could ever be built on the site.
We only have to consider all the other churches that were in the city centre (presumably without any such clause) which have all gone.

Two off the top of my head are the Pro Cathedral St Peter's on Church Road (where HMV is now), the bells were taken out and are now in St Helens.

Also St Thomas Park Lane and come to think of it, St John's which was on the site of St Georges hall!

You're a font of knowledge about churches Jon. This is not meant to be sarky/ironic (I know how things can be misinterpreted when posting stuff and I'm a bugger for doing sarky). Keep 'em coming.:PDT_Piratz_26:

Hehe the day I get offended by words on a screen.....:)

Pics are of St John's (very rare pic), St Thomas and St Peters! (with two pics of St Peters being demolished)!

Thanks, they are rare pictures.
In the last picture the photographer shows Woolworths (the first in the UK) probably aware of the fact that St Peter's was getting demolished for the new Woolworths.

Info on St Peters:

• 1905: Last peal on the bells at St Peter’s.
• c1920: The bells were removed from the tower by Taylor’s. After being stored both at Taylor’s and Mears’ and after tuning they were rehung at St. Helens Parish Church, although it was considered for a while to hang them at St. Barnabas Penny Lane, but this did not come to fruition as the vicar of Penny Lane at the time thought the tower not strong enough.
• 1922: St Peter’s was demolished. A brass cross embedded in the pavement in Church Street (outside HMV) marks the spot where the high altar once was.

And the info on St Luke's:

The site of St Luke's had been granted to the town by Lord Derby in 1791 and it was a condition of his gift that this land should never be devoted to any other purpose than the site of a church. Furthermore, no burials were to take place either inside or even within the grounds.
The foundation stone was laid on 9th april 1811 by James Drinkwater Esq, chief magistrate of Liverpool.

In the tower today remains the first ever all metal bell frame in the world!

And the info on St Luke's:

The site of St Luke's had been granted to the town by Lord Derby in 1791 and it was a condition of his gift that this land should never be devoted to any other purpose than the site of a church. Furthermore, no burials were to take place either inside or even within the grounds.
The foundation stone was laid on 9th april 1811 by James Drinkwater Esq, chief magistrate of Liverpool.

In the tower today remains the first ever all metal bell frame in the world!

Don't you think the bell-tower would make a wonderful viewing platform/cafe terrace??

My God no. A very small spiral stone staircase winds itself up to the clock room and from there, there is only a single wooden ladder that goes up to the bell chamber - combined with their being no roof on the tower at the moment either. There's not that much to see from the top, you think you'd have a grand view but you can just about peak out on the rooftops below towards the river.

Health and Safety wouldn't allow a single staircase incase of a fire and English Heritage wouldn't approve anything as it's Grade 1 listed.

There is talk of putting the ex-Widnes St Paul bells in the tower sometime in the future but I don't think it'll ever happen. The stability of the tower wouldn't take it now.

I do think it's one of the finest Tudoresque designs...uhhh ever? Hahaha, that was dumb but I just think it's a rather fine and fairly unsung architectural gem

Always reminds me of the film 'A Man For All Seasons'

cheers guys for all the info, much appreciated :)

Two off the top of my head are the Pro Cathedral St Peter's on Church Road Also St Thomas Park LaneWhen was the RC Pro Cathedral, St. Nicholas, Copperas Hill, demolished? Also, does anyone know if the Metropolitan Cathedral serves as the new church for ex St. Nicks parishoners?

When was the RC Pro Cathedral, St. Nicholas, Copperas Hill, demolished? Also, does anyone know if the Metropolitan Cathedral serves as the new church for ex St. Nicks parishoners?

It was demolished in 1973, following closure on New Year's Day.

What teed me off when they cleared out St Lukes and cleaned it up, it was black, was that the clock was still stuck on I think 5:25, the time it was bombed/burned out. They took this away and put in a new clock that worked. What a totally dumb idea. Some people in Liverpoopl at times totally thick - they work in council - where you need to fail an IQ test to join.

Don't you think the bell-tower would make a wonderful viewing platform/cafe terrace??

No. St. Lukes stays as it is. Burnt out.

No. St. Lukes stays as it is. Burnt out.

Agreed, no better war memorial.

Chris

Agreed, no better war memorial.

Chris
I third that. Leave well alone, apart from maintenance.

It's said that between 00:20 and 4:15am was the time when the bomb fell, the clock (from old photos) stopped at 3:36am most likey when the fire took hold in the upper part of the tower.

I third that. Leave well alone, apart from maintenance.

And as a war memorial I think it was rather a sacrilege to let the artist fill it with his recent "installation" of green boats, don't you???


Below: Installation in St. Luke's Church, Liverpool.

http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/stlukes/index.html

http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/stlukes/images/image004.jpg[/QUOTE]

Here is a rare picture of the interior of St Lukes Church that i used in my liverpool montage , I think it dates from the 30s and the source is unknown to me sorry

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k84/EmmanuelGoldstein_2006/st_lukes_interior.jpg

An AMAZING picture! I've never seen the inside of St Luke's when it was being used! :eek: :)

When was the RC Pro Cathedral, St. Nicholas, Copperas Hill, demolished? Also, does anyone know if the Metropolitan Cathedral serves as the new church for ex St. Nicks parishoners?

I believe the St Nicholas crypt chapel at the RC Liverpool Cathedral serves as the parish church for the area.

Hi all

Several weeks ago, Scouserdave and I noticed the following on a BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A10134154) posted by Andrew Stobart, Secretary of the Grünhaus Project:

"Construction of a Sustainable Building from the derelict St Lukes Church on Berry Street, Liverpool, with an on line Database of Renewable Energy Technologies, plus teaching, conference & exhibition facilities. Aimed as part of Liverpool City of Culture 2008"

Over the holiday period, I sent an email to Mr Stobart to clarify the situation, asking, "Could you please explain what do you mean by a Sustainable Building? Are there plans to put a roof on the church and put it to some use? We had thought the idea was that St. Luke's would be left as it was as a permanent memorial to the Blitz?"

Mr Stobart has kindly replied, and the slightly edited letter reads as following. I am PM'ing Dave with the full text including phone nos. etc. I am not entirely certain what is being proposed even now despite this reply but perhaps Dave could kindly get additional clarification of what is being planned for St. Luke's Church. Thank you, Dave.

Dear Mr George,

Humble apologies, the BBC entry got "left" when the Grünhaus policy changed from considering St Lukes to considering other buildings in Liverpool, The BBC entry was altered on 12 April last and the mention of St Lukes removed, do not know why it is still there, see http://www.grunweb.org.uk for the present situation. We still aim to have a "sustainable" building, - one that generates/collects all it's own energy supplies, plus the "On Line Technology Database"

May I suggest that you contact Prof Lewis Lesley, Director Grünhaus Project for more information and/or a chat on the whole subject?

I hope to talk to Nick of the Echo soon, if Liverpool could "get it's act together" it could become a Centre of Excellence in all Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology matters. Perhaps you could put something about this on your YoLiverpool site, or tell me how I might do this.

Incidentally the Earl of Liverpool is Grünhaus patron, and I shall be 80 next July !!. Have been involved with "Environmental matters" since 1970, on a report to National Assembly for Wales in 2002 I advocated a Wind Powered Whiskey Distillery in West Wales [first mention of whiskey in UK was in Wales c 400 AD, long before the Irish or Scots got hold of the idea !]

Best regards and a Happy New Year

Andrew Stobart, BSc Chem, Eng.
A Ferrand Stobart & Associates, Secretary Grünhaus Project
Bower Orchard, Orleton, Ludlow, SY8 4HU,
http://www.grunweb.org.uk
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/aferrand

St Lukes will be open from 12-2pm May-October, the first time since the Blitz this has happened

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=bombed-church-will-reopen-to-public%26method=full%26objectid=18961828%26siteid= 50061-name_page.html

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u151/mariajune_2007/Stlukesanitreallyishaunted.jpg

I think it's haunted.

They won't be opening up the tower that's for sure - you go up the spiral staircase and then the opening that used to be the ringing chamber is still there - but the floor ain't and you'll end up flying down about 30ft to the ground level :eek: I'll have to see if LCC want a website doing on the church, it has the 1st ever cast iron bell frame still up there in the world!!

I think that is St Luke's on the left of this drawing. It's by Jerzy Faczynski, a Polish immigrant to Liverpool who I think trained as an architect. There was a sale of his work in Bonhams in Chester last year, I think this little drawing is one of the crumbs from the table of that sale - there were a few of them floating around on ebay. I've got a few more I can post here, of various Liverpool scenes, but not sure which is the right thread for them.

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/2249/p1010118watermarkedyk1.jpg

Is that an etching ?

Is that an etching ?

It's mainly pencil, with I think a bit of black ink also in places (some of the "clouds"), all on a sort of tracing paper. I've had them mounted with white paper behind, so you can't tell they are drawn on tracing paper - sorry it's probably not called tracing paper but that's what it's like. I imagine he sketched them whilst out and about, and then added ink later, but I could be wrong.

Thank you

I was talking to a couple of guys last week who saved St Lukes from the bulldozers in the 80's. It wouldn't have been the first time the City Council had finished what the Nazi's started.

It's unbelievable to think that even St. George's Hall faced possible demolition under the diickheads that have led our city in the past. Imagine that, even Charlie boy mentioned it the other day, it was proposed the last time he was here.

No. St. Lukes stays as it is. Burnt out.

I agree, never a cafe or similar in a war monument, for respect to the memory.

I do not know the actual situation about S. Lukes, and maybe I am confused. Coz I think that its important a restauration and to do visit from schools and others people who like do it, to know the history about it.

Maybe a museum its too much, but maybe its possible a small house near St. Lukes with information, olds photos, etc.

Sorry coz I do not know the actual situtation about it!

What is St. Lukes for the Liverulians? Is it important in his history or in his culture?

It's unbelievable to think that even St. George's Hall faced possible demolition under the diickheads that have led our city in the past. Imagine that, even Charlie boy mentioned it the other day, it was proposed the last time he was here.

I don't know about Prince Charles saying anything about that, but if he did, he's been misled (and I suppose it makes a good soundbite).
St George's Hall has been mothballed and closed from time to time, but demolition has never been suggested.
(I've been in Liverpool for nearly 40 years, and I would have heard something!).
This 'urban myth' has probably come about by people getting mixed up with the North Western Hotel over the road.
That was certainly threatened with demolition.

I was talking to a couple of guys last week who saved St Lukes from the bulldozers in the 80's. It wouldn't have been the first time the City Council had finished what the Nazi's started.


Like St George's Hall, I've never heard of any threats to demolish St Luke's in the 1980s.
In the 1950s and 1960s demolition was a possibility, before it was decided that the building could be made secure quite easily.
The simple reason why there's no point in demolishing St Luke's is the covenant on the site that prevents it from being used for anything but a church.
It has also come to be regarded as a war memorial.

Hiya Phil. Yes it seems absurd to me that two buildings of such great importance could ever be talked about in terms of not being here anymore, however, the urban myth must have gotten as far as BBC Radio Merseyside too then because Linda McDermott was reporting it on monday. Also the chaps at Belvedere who gave Paul and I their card (they're currently involved in restoring the Florrie) may have some more information on the St. Lukes issue, apparently it was due to safety issues so nothing to do with building something else on the site as such. In case anyone wants it the Belvedere (whose website doesn't seem to be working) can be reached on 0151 726 8144. The lads are quite proud of what they do and therefore aren't shy about it so I know they wouldn't mind me giving the number out as they were giving their card out.

By complete coincidence, these two lads have phoned me today to organise a meet up and arrange a further screening of Gardens of Stone, this time, in the Beresford Club Dingle.

Apparently they have videos of the time they were active in saving St. Lukes and Adrian Henri and Mike McCartney were also involved in it. The lads will try to get on here sometime soon. The labour exchange building in Leece St being demolished was part of a road widening scheme (where have we come across that before) which was to also see St. Lukes go (so keeping the rule of nothing else being 'built' there)

By complete coincidence, these two lads have phoned me today to organise a meet up and arrange a further screening of Gardens of Stone, this time, in the Beresford Club Dingle.

Apparently they have videos of the time they were active in saving St. Lukes and Adrian Henri and Mike McCartney were also involved in it. The lads will try to get on here sometime soon. The labour exchange building in Leece St being demolished was part of a road widening scheme (where have we come across that before) which was to also see St. Lukes go (so keeping the rule of nothing else being 'built' there)

I remember that road scheme.
Weren't they supposed to be extending Russell Street through to Leece Street?
I remember finding out where Russell Street was.
It's the continuation of Clarence Street.

I wasn't aware that St Luke's was involved.
They kept that bit quiet!

Some old Russell st flats.

Yes, it runs from Seymour street to Clarence street.

By complete coincidence, these two lads have phoned me today to organise a meet up and arrange a further screening of Gardens of Stone, this time, in the Beresford Club Dingle.

Apparently they have videos of the time they were active in saving St. Lukes and Adrian Henri and Mike McCartney were also involved in it. The lads will try to get on here sometime soon. The labour exchange building in Leece St being demolished was part of a road widening scheme (where have we come across that before) which was to also see St. Lukes go (so keeping the rule of nothing else being 'built' there)

The residents association of the Cockburn Street area have also persuaded the Councillors to attend our meeting in the Berseford. We all signed petitions not to let them build high rise flats at the bottom of our 'Bread Streets.' Its been turned down by the Liberals. A lot of us bought ours houses for the view an' now it looks like we wont even be even to see the river. Look at what they've got planned next to Green's Gym.
This is a Scandal.

We have some new images of and from St Luke's for our Bold Street Project.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/theboldstreet/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/theboldstreet/sets/72157600168391757/)

Hi there, I take it you have read a copy of Peace and Good Neighbourhood?

http://www.liverpoolbells.moonfruit.com/mbrgstluke

If you haven't and you would like a copy, do PM me.

*******

FANTASTIC pictures Gerard Lad! I NEED to go down to see the church as I've never been inside. That's me booked up for Monday to go.

I've never seen the inside of the tower before but it's a shame to look up and see the missing middle room which was the ringing chamber.

Spot on. :PDT11:PDT11

Fine work, Gerard! You're a star, mate. :PDT11

Chris

Thank you gents...my pleasure.

great photos Gerard :handclap:
I'm going to have to go too :PDT11
Mandy:)

Thanks Mandy..It closes at 2pm Weekdays girl so get there before then..
You wont regret it Mandy its a place you have to see before its closed to the public..
October I think it closes.

Thanks Gerard ,
I've always wanted to go inside since I was a little kid :)

Fine pictures Gerard. Passed there a week or so ago and stood looking at the photos around the railings. Poked my head inside the knave area because it was closed, so serene.:handclap:

A fine set of pics Gerard :handclap:. Love the views :PDT11

Hi Gerard ,
Your photo's are outstanding ,
St Lukes is my favourite building of all in Liverpool ,My gg grandparents , g parents & my mum , all lived in Bold Place , ( the end house, think it was no 13 ) I have a lovely little black & white photo of my mum & her sister playing in the snow in the gardens of St Lukes , must have been taken around 60yrs ago .

Thanks Gerard ,
Really loved these photos.
Love Karen x

There is one place which I have found to be the best spot to take a picture of St Luke's. A long standing friend of mine owns the building across the road which is now a fast food 'fried chicken/pizza place' on and end block. It once used to be a car showroom. The top floor gives an amazing view of the church and is perfect for pictures!

A fine set of pics Gerard :handclap:. Love the views :PDT11


Cheers Kev..:PDT11

Hi Gerard ,
Your photo's are outstanding ,
St Lukes is my favourite building of all in Liverpool ,My gg grandparents , g parents & my mum , all lived in Bold Place , ( the end house, think it was no 13 ) I have a lovely little black & white photo of my mum & her sister playing in the snow in the gardens of St Lukes , must have been taken around 60yrs ago .

Thanks Gerard ,
Really loved these photos.
Love Karen x


Thank you Karen..glad you like them girl..I like the little kissie on the end.

Oooooooooooooohhhhhhh.. :Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

What I heard (and I don't claim that it's true) is that Derek Hatton threatened to demolish this. When the law courts moved out, 90% of central government funding went with them and the council couldn't afford to heat/maintain it etc. To try to get money from the central govn. Hatton is supposed to have threatened to demolish this. Whether he ever did or this is urban myth, I don't know. If he did threaten it, it may have just been a bargaining tactic.Anyone know for sure?
Julie

I don't know about Prince Charles saying anything about that, but if he did, he's been misled (and I suppose it makes a good soundbite).
St George's Hall has been mothballed and closed from time to time, but demolition has never been suggested.
(I've been in Liverpool for nearly 40 years, and I would have heard something!).
This 'urban myth' has probably come about by people getting mixed up with the North Western Hotel over the road.
That was certainly threatened with demolition.

What I heard (and I don't claim that it's true) is that Derek Hatton threatened to demolish this. When the law courts moved out, 90% of central government funding went with them and the council couldn't afford to heat/maintain it etc. To try to get money from the central govn. Hatton is supposed to have threatened to demolish this. Whether he ever did or this is urban myth, I don't know. If he did threaten it, it may have just been a bargaining tactic.Anyone know for sure?
Julie


... did he now! I'd have demolish him if it was true !! :disgust:

What I heard (and I don't claim that it's true) is that Derek Hatton threatened to demolish this. When the law courts moved out, 90% of central government funding went with them and the council couldn't afford to heat/maintain it etc. To try to get money from the central govn. Hatton is supposed to have threatened to demolish this. Whether he ever did or this is urban myth, I don't know. If he did threaten it, it may have just been a bargaining tactic.Anyone know for sure?
Julie


Julie. As you will have seen. Phil was replying to my post. The lads in the Belvedere who are currently restoring the Florrie will put you in the picture. It was indeed touted for demolition for a road widening scheme which saw the demolition of the old UAB on Leece street. It was apparently too late to save that one.

Gerard, forgive me lad. We were supposed to set up a meeting of pictures/St Luke's and then ale, but I was in the location anyway today so I thought I'd go in to St Luke's. You have covered most of the church so I won't post my own, the only one I'll post is of the inside of the tower itself.

Met the chap who is in charge of this and had spoken previously on E-mail so he knew who I was.

On the left of the picture, you will see the entrance to the ringing chamber - which for safety reasons, you can't go up and see else you'll fall down about 40ft!

3813

Probably the best picture I have taken to-date!

3814

Gerard, forgive me lad. We were supposed to set up a meeting of pictures/St Luke's and then ale, but I was in the location anyway today so I thought I'd go in to St Luke's. You have covered most of the church so I won't post my own, the only one I'll post is of the inside of the tower itself.

Met the chap who is in charge of this and had spoken previously on E-mail so he knew who I was.

On the left of the picture, you will see the entrance to the ringing chamber - which for safety reasons, you can't go up and see else you'll fall down about 40ft!

3813


Bro Cad..No problem mate.
Get them piccies on, I wanna see em if there as good as the others.
Superb Lad :handclap:

Bro Cad..No problem mate.
Get them piccies on, I wanna see em if there as good as the others.
Superb Lad :handclap:

Young man - I need to go again though so I'll be tagging you along for that ale :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

I'll downsize me pics and show em in a bit.......:)

Young man - I need to go again though so I'll be tagging you along for that ale :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

I'll downsize me pics and show em in a bit.......:)


You just gimme a bell yer hear..

Sooooooon Cad..we'll have a little photo shoot day out and dip Rrrr feet in the Albert Dock after a skinfull eh..
Well....maybe not go that far but we'll av a laugh matey.

UPSIZE THEM I SAY.....BIGGGER.

UPSIZE THEM I SAY.....BIGGGER.

You can start with the two video's I took!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmweu3su5jo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuiQxSQEyAo

Very nice Cad,
Did you do them on the H9 ?

Church rises from ashes
Sep 10 2007
by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/article/11999027.jpeg

ASK for directions to St Luke’s in Liverpool, and you might be met with a blank stare. Ask where you can find the bombed-out church, and you could expect to be immediately directed to the top of Bold Street.

For years an overgrown, abandoned relic, the church, which was damaged beyond all use in a World War II fire attack, is now being opened to the public in continually more inventive ways.

It’s all thanks to the love and attention of a music, art and community collective dedicated to the upkeep of the historic war-torn building.

That collective, Urban Strawberry Lunch (http://www.usl.org.uk/), was set up by Ambrose Reynolds 20 years ago.

It is first and foremost a band, currently a three-piece with contributions from other musicians and artists, making music with instruments made out of unwanted, and often unusual objects.

Guitars made from broom handles and mannequin’s legs, and drums made from car wheels are among some of the things they have used.

They perform a unique mix of ambient, jazz, dance and rock ‘n’ roll all over the world, and have an educational programme which they take around schools.

The bombed-out church has been open to the public between 12pm and 2pm (weather dependant) in the week since May, as part of their “Lunch @ St Luke’s”.

“We have to be quite spontaneous,” says Mr Reynolds.

Urban Strawberry Lunch holds the performance licence for St Luke’s until 2009, with the option to extend it until 2012.

The church was occasionally opened up to visitors in the 1960s, but it is thought this is the first time it has been open on a regular basis.

St Luke’s – or “the bombdy” as Urban Strawberry Lunch affectionately called it, had more than 5,000 visitors this weekend.

“It seems to have that mass appeal,” said Mr Reynolds. “We have people coming in with tears in their eyes who remember it on fire.

“This is one of the few places where you can actually see the effect the Blitz had on Liverpool.”

Urban Strawberry Lunch became involved in St Luke’s as a result of their ongoing Finest Hour Sound Archive project, in which they have interviewed local people to hear their experiences of the Blitz with a view to eventually make them available to Liverpool’s records office, the Museum of Liverpool, and the National and North West’s Sound Archives.

The project was a continuation of Ambrose Reynolds’s lifelong obsession with the significance of the building.

In 2005, they hosted a VE day garden party in the grounds, and a year later staged a play there.

For the 2006 Biennial, Slovenian artist Matej Andraz Vogrincic filled the nave with upturned green boats.

Band member Liz Carlisle said: “There’s two stories we’ve heard about St Luke’s – one is that, because the whole city was on fire, there was no water and they had to let it burn. The other is that fire fighters were at the scene and it was under control, but then a munitions factory nearby got hit and they had to make that a priority. We’re not quite sure which one’s right.”

They celebrated the space this weekend with the two-day Churchstock festival, in which unsigned bands, including Urban Strawberry Lunch, played.

Organiser Paul McDowell, who runs independent record label MiMaMo, said: “We had to turn acts away – everybody was really excited to be playing in such a unique venue.”

Mr Reynolds added: “Our aim is to set up a conservation trust and we have asked a very high-profile patron to come on board.

“Over the next three years, we want to be an engine for change and protect what’s here.”

From Tuesday, there will be a two- week exhibition of work by the artist Emily Johns.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/09/10/church-rises-from-ashes-64375-19761658/)

I have been doing more extensive research on St Luke's and have found that the 'new' clock that was put in by the City Council after the war came from the clock tower of the Hydraulic Pumping Station at Toxteth Dock in the Dingle. Does anyone have any pictures or information on the station?

Toxteth Dock Hydraulic Station is still there...and a Grade II Listed Building (together with the Customs Depot...source: Liverpool Council list).
It's the Red Cross building (Sefton Street). It's by the large anchor in the middle of Sefton Street, near Park Street junction. I pass it quite often, but I've only taken about 2 pics...I'll have to get more myself.
It appears on the Councils' list with an L3 postcode...which makes me laugh.
Edit: just incase It's the other end of the dock you want, there is of course the clock tower at Century Building (Brunswick Business park). Everything inbetween the two buildings I mentioned was Toxteth Dock, despite what any new signs might say.

Toxteth Dock Hydraulic Station is still there...and a Grade II Listed Building (together with the Customs Depot...source: Liverpool Council list).
It's the Red Cross building (Sefton Street). It's by the large anchor in the middle of Sefton Street, near Park Street junction. I pass it quite often, but I've only taken about 2 pics...I'll have to get more myself.
It appears on the Councils' list with an L3 postcode...which makes me laugh.
Edit: just incase It's the other end of the dock you want, there is of course the clock tower at Century Building (Brunswick Business park). Everything inbetween the two buildings I mentioned was Toxteth Dock, despite what any new signs might say.

I'm trying to picture the area. I used to work back there in 1994 for a Games Company next to the Jaguar Showroom. Do you mean by the roundabout by the Renault garage?

The extent of Toxteth Dock runs from the main (Sefton Street) entrance to Brunswick Business Park...Northwards to where Harry Ramsdens used to be (by the Renault roundabout).
In the picture below, everything in view until you reach the very end of the dock sheds at the Red Cross building (it used to be a Fiat car-dealership many years ago)
South of Century Building until you reach the Jaguar showroom would be the extent of Harrington Dock. It's confusing because both 'proper' names (Harrington and Toxteth docks) have been replaced with the title Brunswick Business park. To recap...North in the pic is Toxteth Dock, and South would be Harrington Dock, with the entrance gate right in the middle.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/341702625_e9393ee481.jpg

English Heritage has a pic of the Hydraulic Station.
http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/reference.asp?index=1&main_query=toxteth&theme=&period=&county=&district=&place_name=&imageUID=15990

English Heritage has a pic of the Hydraulic Station.
http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/reference.asp?index=1&main_query=toxteth&theme=&period=&county=&district=&place_name=&imageUID=15990

Spot on. I know the one now as I used to park next to it when I didn't notice buildings like this!

A strange place to transport the clock from there and install it in St Luke's!