Building » Skelmersdale – St Mary Queen of Apostles

Skelmersdale – St Mary Queen of Apostles

Ashurst Road, Skelmersdale WN8

At the time of writing (2008), the newest church in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, built in 1993. Square on plan, internally planned on the diagonal.

The church was built in 1993. Prior to this, Mass for those living in this part of the new town was held in two local school halls. The church is built of yellow brick, laid in stretcher bond. The main body is square on plan, but is internally planned on the diagonal, with the main entrance area and accompanying ancillary spaces following this axis. Artificial slate roof rising to central lantern surmounted by a steel cross. Continuous horizontal glazing under the eaves, and vertical lights at quarterly intervals. The ancillary spaces have tall narrow window powder coated aluminium windows with pre-cast concrete lintels.

The church is entered via a narthex with a pair of large recessed doors, the windows and a lower panel forming a cross. Ancillary accommodation gives off the narthex. The main worship area is a single space. The sanctuary is raised by one step on an octagonal dais in the corner, on axis with the entrance. Some mainly blue abstract coloured glass in the vertical lights, in front of which are steel stanchions supporting the roof structure.

The Stations of the Cross came from a Liverpool church (Sr Feehan).

Heritage Details

Architect: TACP (Wrexham)

Original Date: 1993

Conservation Area: No

Listed Grade: Not Listed