Southport Duke Street United Methodist Free Church

This Italianate building, with attached Sunday School was designed in 1878 by James Maxwell (1838-1893) and William Charles Tuke (1843-1893), who had a succesful practice in the north of England, which had started in Southport. Among their major works was the Blackpool Tower.

As the account of the building describes, there had been a UMFC congregation in Southport since the 1860s, and when they were ready to build in 1876 they opted for an open competition. Like many public buildings the facades seen from the road are in fine ashlar, whilst the side walls are built from cheaper materials. We are informed that the total cost was £8,000. A modern photograph allows us to compare the architects’ vision with the end result.

Built for 700, in 1940 the church seated 775. It was extended in 1900 by George Bolshaw (1863-1935) a Southport architect who designed a number of relisgious buildings in Lancashire.

The church was sold in 1953, after which it was converted into a Masonic Temple. The building is listed Grade II.

Can anyone supply an account of Duke Street’s life as a Methodist church?

Sources:

United Methodist Free Churches Magazine, Vol 21, 1878 pp257-259

The Methodist Church, Department of Chapel Affairs. Statistical returns 1940