In the Beginning

Early History

The architect of our church was Edmund Kirby 1838-1920. He was born in Birkenhead to Catholic parents and he also remained a devout Catholic all his life. Edmund was educated at Sedgely Park School and then at Oscott College where his talent as a draughtsman was brought to the attention of Edward Welby Pugin.

Edmund studied with Pugin for 5 years. He also spent time with John Douglas of Chester and John Hardman in Birmingham. In 1862 Edmund was admitted to the Royal Academy to study Architecture assisted by a written personal recommendation by Pugin.

Edmund set up his own practice in Birkenhead in 1867. Most of his work like his mentor was in the early English style of gothic architecture. The majority of his commissions were in the North West of England and included many Catholic Churches.

An extract obtained from Edmund’s diary dated Saturday March 14th 1868 details his visit by train to Tyldesley Station. He was met there by John Holland, Rev James Lennon of Newton and AK of Tyldesley. They then went to view the site of the proposed church at Hindsford. The entry concludes,  “ I thank God and give every benediction for a fine job” Our church was one of the first full commissions that Edmund undertook.

In 1887 the stained glass window of the Sacred Heart was installed in our church. It was designed and made by Meyer of Munich and London. The company was one of the first to re-introduce the lost art of stained glass making. In 1892 the Company was named by Pope Leo XIII, Pontifical Institute of Christian Art.    

Following research into our priests archive. The First parish priest was Father James Lennon. Baptism records show he held the first baptism in our new parish on 21st May 1865. This would have been held in the temporary chapel over the Star & Garter. Weddings at that time would have been held at St Josephs Leigh.

The first wedding was held following the consecration of our new church and took place on 18th November 1869.

Father James Lennon succeeded his brother Father John James Lennon at SS Mary & John, Newton Le Willows in December 1870. Father Lennon was succeeded by Father Dawber at our church. The first long term parish priest was Father Richard Joseph O'Neil who took over the parish following the first National pilgrimage to Paray le Moniel in June 1873. This pilgrimage was to the shrine of The Sacred Heart in southern France and was led by many of the leading Catholic aristocracy at that time. It seems too much of a coincidence that he was part of this pilgrimage and then took over our parish which was the first to be dedicated to The Sacred Heart in the whole of Liverpool Archdiocese. I think he had a special affiliation to this devotion. Father O'Neill remained parish priest until his death in 1907 and was instrumental in the formation of the parishes of St Richard, Atherton and Holy Family, Boothstown.

Sacred Heart RC Church, Hindsford