SAINT MARY OF THE ANGLES

RLPO WILL SECURE FUTURE
FOR HISTORIC CHURCH

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) has been given the go-ahead to convert the historic Everton church of St Mary of the Angels into its new rehearsal room. The decision was made at Liverpool Town Hall on Monday 24th April 2006.

In this increasingly secular age it is proving difficult to find ways to keep historic churches fit for the purpose, which they were designed for. By allowing the RLPO to use the church the city council planning committee felt that the RLPO could ensure the survival of the Grade 2 listed church, which has very strong links with the shipping history of Liverpool most notably the famous White Star Line.

The RLPO will use the church as a rehearsal centre for its orchestra and choir. They also have plans to expand its community programme, which will see the church being used as a cultural resource facility within the local community. Added to which is a promise from the RLPO to allow access to the church by appointment.

The Scottie Press believes that church and especially the Italian Renaissance interior artefacts and fittings should become part of the landmarks within Liverpool's Capital of Culture 2008 status and have opportunities to attract tourist attention and visits. We sincerely hope that a way can be found to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from this magnificent structure.

ORCHESTRA SET TO GIVE NEW LIFE TO CHURCH

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is in discussions with the Archdiocese of Liverpool about acquiring St Mary of the Angels Church to use for rehearsal space. They say the building could provide a range of opportunities for the Orchestra including increased performances and events. The Orchestra's use of the church building would establish strong relationships between the RLPO and the community on its doorstep. This would assist with the ongoing regeneration plans for the Everton area of Liverpool 3, and enable the building to make a valuable contribution to the life of the city. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has pledged to make a significant contribution to preserving the church building and its Italian Renaissance works of art.

His Grace, Archbishop Patrick Kelly, has contacted the Scottie Press to advise that steps are being taken by properly authorized agents to prepare for essential repairs to be carried out to St Mary of the Angels Church. This is in accordance with the decisions and priorities determined by the Trustees in fulfillment of their specific responsibilities.

In recent weeks there has been work carried out on the overgrown bushes alongside the church in Bute Street, which is pictured above. This work has revealed the church bell see pictured below.


St Mary of the Angels Church was built for the Franciscans (opened in 1910) by Amy Elizabeth Imrie, who was the adopted daughter of William Imrie (co owner of the White Star Shipping Line). It is claimed to be the finest example of Italian Renaissance architecture outside Rome. Known as the Liverpool Vatican, the marble of the church was brought to life by local Italian craftsmen.

ROMAN PALACE DOORS

There have been calls for a proper inventory of the fixture and fittings inside St Mary of the Angels Church, Fox Street, Liverpool 3. This will enable the promotion of the need to secure a viable and sustainable future for the church to highlight the quality of the church's Italian antiquity.
It is recorded that the two doors which lead to the sacristy once stood in one of the old Palaces in Rome and still bear the 'Coat Of Arms' of the ancient owners of them.

A GLIMPSE OF THE SPLENDOUR OF THE CHURCH

A sight that many former parishioners of St Mary of the Angels Church thought they would never see again, though they hoped they would, was the door of the church open again. Our photograph above shows that on Saturday 26th November 2005 this happened, though not for the reasons hoped for but to allow for the removal and skipping of unwanted furniture, fixtures and fittings.

As is recorded on this webpage and other sections of the website the church doors were closed to parishioners and the general public in 2001 as part of a programme of 'pastoral regeneration'. The brief opening of the doors (November 2005) gave some passers by a chance to have a glimpse of the splendour of the church, which originally opened in 1910.


Our photographs of the church interior show the reasons why a campaign to preserve the church and secure for it a viable and sustainable future, that will open the doors much more regularly still continues.

If you wish to add your support to this campaign contact Kay Kelly by telephoning
0151 207 1830.

CHURCH CHRISTMAS DECORATION

Several times a year Kay Kelly decorates with flowers the railings in front of the doors to St Mary of the Angels Church, Fox Street, Liverpool 3. Kay is pictured putting the finishing touches to her Christmas floral decoration, which as on previous occasions acknowledges that the construction of the church was paid for by Amie Elizabeth Imrie (adopted daughter of William Imrie, co owner of the White Star Shipping Line – Titanic Fame). The flowers chosen were Poinsettias (Flowers of Hope).

Friday 5th April 2005 marked the 93rd anniversary of the sinking - with great loss of life - of the Liverpool registered (White Star Line) R.M.S. Titanic, after she accidentally collided with an iceberg off the coast of New Foundland on her maiden voyage.



For over 4 years Kay Kelly has remembered this anniversary date by placing flowers on the railing gate of St Mary of the Angels Church, Fox Street, Liverpool 3. It was the adopted daughter of William Imrie (co owner of the White Star Shipping) who in 1910 funded for building St Mary of the Angels church, and filled it with treasures from Italy to give the poor of Liverpool a glimpse of the Rome. The church was closed in 2001 as part of a reorganisation of inner-city parishes.



Kay believes that the history associated with the church and the White Star Shipping line should be fully recognised and be included in plans to celebrate Liverpool's Capital of Culture status in 2008.



Kay says that the church could help Liverpool residents and visitors to Liverpool appreciate the Titanic's story as does the Monument at the Pier Head, and the former White Star Line HQ in James Street.

ST MARY OF THE ANGEL'S FUTURE'S GROUP

Kay Kelly is photographed with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Frank Roderick when he officially opened the BBC Radio Merseyside's history festival on Saturday 19th February.

Kay had a stand at the history festival and over the two days (Sat 19th and Sun 20th) her stand attracted many hundreds of people who shared Kay's hopes that St Mary of the Angels Church will have a viable and sustainable future. They also hoped that it's future will be a vital part of plans when Liverpool celebrates its Capital of Culture status in 2008.

Over 200 people signed a letter to the Editor of the Liverpool Echo which asked the Echo to continue its coverage of the efforts made by Kay Kelly to ensure that the history, heritage and culture of St Mary of the Angels Church is promoted and protected for future generations. The letter also asked for the City Council to secure a sustainable future for the church so it can play a vital role in events leading up to and following Liverpool's European Capital of Culture status in 2008.

Kay wishes to thank all who wished her every success and thanks the Vauxhall Neighbourhood Council for their help with the setting up of her display of photographs. These pictured the outside and inside of St Mary of the Angels Church and the history of the Imrie family and their association with the famous White Star Shipping Line.

You can read more about Kay's campaign to give St Mary of the Angels Church a future by visiting our website Projects section, St Mary of the Angel Church webpage.

DID YOU ATTEND THE FRIARY SCHOOL OR WERE YOU A PARISHIONER AT ST MARY OF THE ANGELS CHURCH?

Readers will be aware of the efforts of Kay Kelly to try to secure a viable and sustainable future for St Mary of the Angels Church, Fox Street, Liverpool 3.

As part of her efforts, Kay has embarked on putting together a history of the church and Friary school. Kay would like to include in this work details of former pupils with if possible class photographs, first holy communion photographs, football team photographs and indeed other photographs taken of events at the School. Equally so, Kay would like to include photographs of events that took place at or in the church.

If you would like to help Kay’s efforts, please send your information, photographs etc c/o

LILIES PLACED ON CHURCH RAILINGS IN SUPPORT OF 3 YEAR CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE CHURCH CAN PLAY A ROLE IN LIVERPOOL'S FUTURE

On Sunday 13th June people made individual trips to, or gathered together outside, St Mary of the Angels Church (The Friary), Fox Street, Liverpool to place a Lily on the railings of the church as a show of support for the campaign to secure ways by which this church built in 1910 can play a role in Liverpool's future.

St Mary of the Angels church was closed as part of Pastoral Regeneration in 2001 but has been granted a Grade 2 listing which means that the exterior and interior of the church are protected whilst the campaigning continues.

Former parishioners of St Mary of the Angels (from across Liverpool and Merseyside) were joined by parishioners from St Michael's church in Ancoats Manchester.

Their visit to the church follows on from a trip made by parishioners of St Mary of Angels (Liverpool) and from St Joseph's (Belfast) to St Michael's (Manchester) on 21st March to show support for a campaign by parishioners of this church which has also been closed as part of pastoral regeneration. The same is true for St Joseph's in Belfast, and parishioners from this church sent a message of support.

The campaign for a future for St Mary of the Angels Church has been led by Kay Kelly who was in position outside the church from 9.30am on Sunday to greet everyone who came to place a Lily on the railings.

Kay said that she was delighted with the response which is a testament to affection in which the church is held and to the cherished memories that a great many people have of when they either attended regular services at the church or who may have come to the legendary Tuesday evening St Anthony Novena devotions. Sunday 13th June was the Feast Day of St Anthony and Kay said it was the perfect opportunity for people to show their support for the campaign that hopes to have the church brought back into use.

Kay is keeping the campaign in the public eye by having special posters designed which she will distribute for display. Kay also hopes to travel over to Manchester in July to take part in a 'Walk Of Faith' with parishioners of St Michael's church. Kay will be taking with her a Banner which she has had designed and which is featured in the photograph picturing Kay with parishioners of St Michael's church, Ancoats, Manchester.

For further information please contact Kay Kelly on 0151 207 1830 or visit our Projects section 'St Mary of the Angels' webpage - click here to visit now.

CHANCES THAT CHURCH COULD HAVE NEW LIFE

The campaign to save the invaluable architecture of St Mary of the Angels (Friary) church has been boosted following a decision of the Government's Planning Inspectorate.

An application to extend the tenancy by the Whitechapel Project beyond 2005 has been denied by the Government's Planning Inspectorate and this opens up the chances that the church could have a new life post 2005.

Kay Kelly, leader of the campaign that secured the church's Grade ll listing said she was confident that St Mary's of the Angels (Friary) church will survive and can hopefully be returned in some way to the success the church was prior to its closure in 2001. Kay said that she is delighted by the decision of the Government's Planning Inspectorate to reject the application by the Whitechapel Project for additional tenancy time beyond 2005.

Kay also said that she welcomes hearing from people who may be able to suggest ideas that can assure St Mary of the Angels (Friary) church has a viable and sustainable future and that that future makes full use of the history & heritage of this magnificent church. Mindful that Liverpool will be Capital of Culture in 2008, Kay says there has to somebody who has the vision and ability to see this church used in ways that would be for the benefit of the people of Liverpool and world-wide.

You can contact Kay be telephoning 0151 207 1830.

You can read more about Kay's campaigning to save St Mary of the Angels (Friary) church by accessing the St Mary of the Angels webpage click here.

ST MARY OF THE ANGELS PARISHIONERS
SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR PARISHIONERS
CAMPAIGNING AGAINST CLOSURE OF
MANCHESTER AND BELFAST CHURCHES

Kay Kelly is photographed with parishioners from St Mary of the Angels Church, Fox Street, Liverpool who are supporting parishioners from St Michaels Church, Ancoats, Manchester who are campaigning to seek the reopening of St Michaels Church which closed in January 2004. Also photographed are parishioners from St Joseph's Church, Sailorstown, Belfast who also seek the reopening of their church which in 2001.

The photograph was taken on Sunday 21st when parishioners from the three churches met outside St Michaels Church, Manchester, for an open air service and to register their determination to continue their campaigns against the closure of their churches. The strong show of faith is hoped will encourage others to come and join them.

Parishioners from St Mary of the Angels, Liverpool and from St Michaels, Manchester are planning to travel to Belfast in the near future to show their support.

For more information about the St Michaels, Manchester, Campaign click here For More information of the St Joseph's, Belfast, Campaign click here

KAY TALKS ABOUT THE LIFE OF
AMY ELIZABETH IMRIE

Kay Kelly is photographed with 5 year old Megan Burns at St John Fisher Church in Widnes whereat Kay gave a talk to the Padre Pio Group about Amy Elizabeth Imrie and her involvement with the building of St Mary of the Angels (Friary) Church, Fox Street, Liverpool 3. Kay was invited to give her talk, on Thursday 4th March 2004 by Terry Burns (Leader of the Padre Pio Group) who had heard Kay on Radio Merseyside talking about her efforts to secure a future for St Mary of the Angels Church.

Kay took along to St John Fisher Church a number of photographs of both Amy Elizabeth Imrie and St Mary of the Angels Church. Members of the Padre Pio Group were amazed by the photographs of Amy when she was young and in later life when she became Mother Clare Imrie (Poor Clare Sister). Kay hopes that she will be able to add to these photographs should other people invite her to give a talk about Amy Elizabeth Imrie and St Mary of the Angels Church. Kay told the Scottie Press that she was delighted to be able to speak to the Padre Pio Group about Amy Elizabth Imrie and St Mary of the Angels Church and said that if other church groups or organisations would like to hear Kay she can be contacted by telephoning 0151 207 1830 or by writing to Kay Kelly, 9 Carver Street, Liverpool L3 8DW

PLAQUE HONOURS
AMY ELIZABETH IMRIE

Kay Kelly has successfully ensured that the life of Amy Elizabeth Imrie and her spiritual example to the City of Liverpool will be remembered by future generations with the unveiling of a 'Plaque' sited on a prominent wall of St Mary of the Angels (Friary) Church, Fox Street, Liverpool 3. The unveiling of the plaque, by Doctor Richard Pollard, took place on Friday 13th June. Doctor Pollard is the Great-Nephew of Amy Elizabeth Imrie who was born Amy Elizabeth Pollard in British Guyana in 1870. Following the death of her mother in 1872, Amy was brought to England by her father and was subsequently adopted by Amy's aunt and uncle, Hannah and William Imrie. William Imrie was at this time co owner of Liverpool's famous White Star Shipping Line. Following the deaths of Hannah and William Imrie, Amy Elizabeth Imrie entered into the enclosed order of Poor Clare Sisters (in1907) and gave her family home in Mossley Hill to be the first convent in Liverpool for the Poor Clare Sisters. St Mary of the Angels Church was funded for building by Amy Elizabeth Imrie (in 1910) but by being in the enclosed order of Poor Clare Sisters she was never to actually see the completed church although she did make regular letter communication with the Franciscan Fathers into whose charge and care she gave the church and later the school. It is Kay Kelly's expressed wish that current and future generations of people will be reminded of the life of Amy Elizabeth Imrie who became Mother Clare Imrie (in 1917) and that school children will hold her up as a role model. We will have photographs of the unveiling for the next issue of the Scottie Press.

KAY RECEIVES MERITORIOUS AWARD
IN RECOGNITION OF OVER 20 YEARS
OF CAMPAIGNING

Scottie Press congratulations go to Kay Kelly who was presented with a Liverpool Lord Mayor's Meritorious Award at Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday 4th December. Kay is pictured with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Jack Spriggs who expressed his delight in being able to present the award to Kay in recognition for over 20 years of campaigning an behalf of people involved in a variety of issues. Many readers will recall that in 1979, when battling against Cancer, Kay received 'The City of Liverpool's Gold Medal' for collecting over £1 million in order to build a research laboratory in Clatterbridge Hospital. In 1980 Kay was made Catholic Woman of the Year in a ceremony in London.

Kay has in recent years been actively supporting efforts to deter closure of local churches and is currently very much at the fore of action to include St Mary of the Angels Church within the City of Culture Bid. By doing so the famous church known as 'The Friary' can be kept for current a future generations of people to appreciate it's history and heritage and the Italian culture it reflects. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool fully appreciated and sympathised with the most recent campaigning efforts of Kay as his late wife was baptised in The Friary.

Kay told the Scottie Press that her faith plays a great part in ensuring that her determination continues with her campaigning. Her faith is also at the centre of her wish to see the Friary Church accessible for people to practice their faith and be involved in religious ceremonies.

OUR CAMPAIGN CONTINUES TO ENSURE CHURCH CAN BE BROUGHT BACK INTO USE

Dear Scottie Press, I would like to express my thanks to Councillor Pauline Connolly for all her support given to efforts of the Friary Action Committee to keep the Italian artefacts within St Mary of the Angels Church (Friary), Fox Street. Your readers may be aware that subsequent to my letter in the August issue of the Scottie Press the Liverpool City Council met on Tuesday 20th August and have agreed that the famous religious artefacts should stay in the church. Your readers may however be unaware that whilst this is excellent news there is still much more needed to be done to secure a chance that the church can be brought back into use.

The Friary Action Committee have been campaigning for more than 2 years and have spent a considerable amount of time and money to ensure that plans to have the religious artefacts removed were fought and that the closure/future plans of the Archdiocese were notified to the former parishioners of the church. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported the campaign and indeed all who have expressed hopes that St Mary of the Angel's church will have a part to play in the future of the Everton area of Liverpool.

I have been advised that there is a growing desire for the church to be opened for a special mass in order that the Archdiocese can see just how much this church missed and how much can be done to ensure the church has a future. Many of these people have also shared my thoughts that the church should be opened to enable the spiritual guidance/teachings of the Catholic Faith to be accessible and not just for the fittings and fixtures of the church.

I would be very pleased to hear from people who have a viewpoint/suggestion as to the future of St Mary of the Angels church. Please remember that unless we have discussion about issues such as this we are very vulnerable to events taking place without full and proper consultation. I have been involved in other campaigns and know that unless people have a chance to have their say decisions are made that can have a great affect on their lives. Sadly but truly it's no use having your say once these decisions cannot be changed.
I can be contacted by phoning 0151 207 1830 or email nomad01@judge74.demon.co.uk - I hope to establish a website in the near future and will advise the Scottie Press accordingly.

Yours sincerely, Kay (nee Peeney) Kelly.

FRIARY ACTION COMMITTEE

battle on to ensure right is seen to be done for St Mary of the Angels Church

Dear Scottie Press, Regarding your recent article concerning St Mary of the Angels R.C. church in Fox Street which appeared on page 5 of the July issue(336) of Scottie Press.

You may be interested to know that on the 27th June it gave me great satisfaction to be able to inform an amazed Nunzia Bertali (the Honorary Italian Consul) of the fact that less than 5 minutes away from the location where she had been engaged in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in tribute of the hard working and industrious Liverpool Italian Community of both today and yesteryear, there was in existence a magnificent and breathtaking Italian church (i.e. St Mary of the Angels) whose marble interior the local Italian craftsmen had brought to life with their unique expertise.

I am pleased to announce that following her enlightenment, Nunzia Bertali is now 100% behind our Action Committee in saving this church, which is now also known as the Liverpool Vatican. This battle has been ongoing for the last 18 months and will continue to be fought until right is seen to be done.

Yours sincerely,
Kay (nee Peeney) Kelly - (Chair-lady - Friary Action Committee)
Telephone 0151 207 1830
email nomad01@judge74.demon.co.uk

Ps: your readers might be interested to know that information about the Friary Action Committee and indeed St Mary of the Angels church also features on the Liverpool Architecture & Design Website. www.ladt.org.uk

ST MARY OF THE ANGELS

"Cross its threshold and you enter the gates of Rome"

The Vauxhall History & Heritage Group are mindful that much of Liverpool's history & heritage has been, and is being lost, to redevelopment. The Vauxhall History & Heritage Group are supportive of the efforts being made to secure the future of St Mary of the Angels Church.

The Times newspaper printed an article entitled 'Church of the White Star Line faces Titanic Battle to survive' for its Tuesday 7th May publication. The church being St Mary of the Angels Fox Street, Liverpool. St Mary of the Angels Church, was built on the site of Richmond Fair (also known as Richmond Woollen Hall) in 1910. Richmond Woollen Mill dates back to 1787 and was for the sale of Yorkshire Woollen Goods. It fell into disuse by 1875.

The church was built for the Franciscans in 1910 by Amy Elizabeth Imrie, who was the heiress to the famous White Star Shipping Company which built the Titanic. Amy Elizabeth Imrie said, "Liverpool people could never afford to go to Rome", so she decided to bring a bit of Rome to Liverpool.

The church was run by the Franciscan Order of monks and became known as 'The Friary'. In 1979 the Franciscans gave the church to the catholic archdiocese of Liverpool.
The church which, closed in December 2001 has a Grade 2 Listing and efforts are being made to keep the fittings intact and in place.

The statue figures of St Francis, St Anthony, St Elizabeth and St Clare which are sited in St Mary of the Angels church, were designed by Professor Carisi of Rome. The Cipollino columns as well as the coloured marbles completing the altar are of the rarest kind. The balustrade of alabaster together with the pavement of the sanctuary formerly belonged to the Church of St Nicholas in Carcere in Rome and are regarded as relics of the Eternal City.

The imposing High Altar is of the style which, belongs to the sixteenth century and originally stood in Bologna Cathedral and was dedicated to St Anne. The oil painting pictured is a faithful copy of Perugino's "Our Lady of the Angels" in the famous gallery of Bologna.

The front altar, originally the church pulpit, pictured above is composed of antique marble and is of Roman Gothic design, rarely seen outside Italy. It is stated on the authority of a chronicler whose testimony has never been proved inaccurate, that many saints, including St Ignatius of Loyola, St Philip Neri and St Charles Borrommeo have not only offered up High Mass at the High Altar in St Mary of the Angels but have preached from this pulpit.

There is still however a great concern regarding the church closure and for the future of the fittings and fixtures within the church.
The Times reports the archdiocese is now seeking listed building consent from Liverpool City Council to put the more vulnerable of these fittings - Stations of the Cross, pews, statues, tabernacle, baptismal font, paintings and holy water stoops - in storage in the crypt of the city's Roman Catholic Cathedral.

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