Church of All Saints, Hesketh-with-Becconsall, Station Road, Hesketh Bank, near Preston
The new church of All Saints replaced a smaller church built in 1765, on a new site given by Major T. Fermor-Hesketh. The church was designed by Henry Paley and built between 1925 and 1926. Plans had been made in 1923 for a church with a spire, which would have cost about £6,500 but these were scaled back, with the planned spire replaced by a tower with a saddleback roof.
NEW CHURCH AT HESKETH-WITH-BECCONSALL CONSECRATED BY BISHOP OF MANCHESTER - Last Saturday afternoon the Bishop of Manchester (Dr Temple) consecrated the new church of All Saints at Hesketh-with-Becconsall which has been erected by parishioners to replace the 200-years-old church on the bank the River Douglas which had proved inadequate for modern requirements. The foundation stone of the edifice was laid in June 1925 by Lady Fermor Hesketh so that it has only been a little over a year in arriving' at completion Built in the Gothic style of Darley Dale and Parbold stone the church has been designed by Messrs Austin and Paley Lancaster and has an area 2400 superficial square feet exclusive of the vestry and morning chapel. It will accommodate 263 people. The interior is one of beautiful simplicity The walls are cream and the floor parquetted The roomy chancel is approached by two steps and the Holy Table by two more steps Most of the woodwork including Holy Table pulpit and alter rails are light oak choicely carved, and the gallery and panelling are of Columbian pine. Most of the furnishings in the church and beautiful side chapel are the gifts of parishioners. The organ, which was brought from old church, is placed in the gallery The building is well lighted the windows at present being filled with pale-hued glass. No doubt in process of time this will give place to the enriching beauty of stained glass just as the whole edifice will grow in beauty with the passing of the years. The church has been erected at a cost of about £7,500 of which £6,300 has been paid. The paths round the church have been laid out by the parishioners. The old church* is to be retained and used as mortuary chapel. [Ormskirk Advertiser 22 July 1926 page 11]
* Opened in 1764, Becconsall Old Church is a redundant church in the village of Hesketh Bank, Lancashire, England. It is designated Grade II listed building, and is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. It is situated on a lane leading to a boatyard on the River Douglas. Address: 92 Becconsall Lane, Hesketh Bank, Preston PR4 6RR