St Helens Parish Church will officially become St Helens Minster on Sunday 24th May, marking a major new chapter in the life of one of the town’s best loved landmarks.
The redesignation reflects years of work to create a church that serves the community every day of the week – a vision first championed by former Vicar Rev. Martin Hunt. Fondly remembered across the town, especially among mining families, Rev. Martin envisioned a “7 days a week ministry” before his untimely death in a mining accident. Those words were later engraved on a memorial plaque inside the church; and for the past six years, Team Vicar Rev. Rachel Shuttleworth, has quietly whispered the words: “I am trying my best Martin,” each time she walks past it.
St Helens Parish Church will officially be redesignated as St Helens Minster; a change of name reflecting a change of focus – reflecting a renewed mission built on years of nurturing a church that is open, welcoming, prayerful and hopeful. Becoming a Minster is truly “the end of the beginning” as it looks ahead to the next chapter of its journey serving the town.
Now open Sunday to Friday, and regularly on Saturdays, the church hosts concerts, events and community initiatives including the #LoveStHelens campaign, while working closely with the local community, civic and voluntary organisations. Celebrations will include a brass band fanfare, a specially written hymn and a community day, which is taking place in the square after the ceremony.
The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, said:
“Today is Pentecost often seen as the birthday of the Church when many heard the disciples tell the story of Jesus and chose to follow him themselves. Today is a moment of great joy for the people of St Helens. The redesignation of St Helens Parish Church as St Helens Minster recognises not only the rich history of this much-loved church, but also the desire of those who worship here to live and tell the story of Jesus more effectively across the town, in partnership with all within Church St Helen’s, the deanery, and ecumenical partners. As we look back to those early 12 disciples we also remember the faith and dedication of more recent ones, like Rev. Martin Hunt, whose dream of a ‘7 days a week ministry’ 40 years ago, was a source of inspiration for this new chapter. We look forward to all that is to come!”
Rev Rachel Shuttleworth, Team Vicar at the redesignated St Helens Minster, said:
“Becoming St Helens Minster is about honouring the vision of those who came before us while continuing to serve the town with hope and openness today. Rev. Martin Hunt believed the church should be part of everyday life, and this next chapter is our commitment to carrying that vision for future generations.”
