Welcome To Linacre Methodist Mission

Press Story of Linacre and where we are at present.

Vision

In 1997, Linacre Mission Church Council appointed a Renewal and Redevelopment working party, to look at the possibility of modernising the premises and renewing the vision of Linacre Mission for the future. The groups work concerned itself primarily, with trying to determine the facilities needed by the church and community. In the year 2000 various alternatives were considered regarding the future use of the large premises and acknowledging that a Grade II Listed building was a real challenge. Throughout the process, the wider work and vision of Linacre Mission has remained the vocal point. Much effort has been directed towards forging new links and strengthening existing links between church and community, with the Church Trustees adopting the present scheme called the ‘Beacon Project’.

History

Old Litherland

Litherland was an important hamlet mentioned in the Domesday Book. Until the late 19th century, it was a country place with farm land, country lanes, houses belonging to the gentry, cottages and workmen’s dwellings. The Leeds & Liverpool canal separated the rural area to the north around Wilsons Lane, from the rapidly developing area to the south. Litherland was beginning to lose its green fields and to become a place of industry, with tanneries, rubber works and tin smelting.

Linacre Mission

When the Mission Hall was opened one hundred and three years ago, the community it served was very different from today. It was a time of gas-lit streets and houses, cobbled roads, trams and horse-drawn vehicles. There was neither television nor any of the modern conveniences of the twentieth century, which we take for granted. Many people lived in poverty, with primitive schooling, harsh working conditions and little in the way of modern social services. The people of Linacre Mission, motivated by their Christian belief, were willing and able to provide desperately needed social care as well as offering spiritual guidance. One well remembered community activity was the ‘Penny Pictures’ on a Saturday evening, attended by hundreds of people coming to enjoy a social evening with lantern slides, silent films and artistes. Many children attended Sunday School which from 1914 operated from the adjacent building and at its heyday served 3000 scholars. This dedicated building gave young people opportunities that they would otherwise never have experienced.

Community Activity

The church community organised sports teams and clubs including football, hockey, cricket, tennis, rounders, cycling and Uniformed Organisations for girls and boys. There were also rambling and camping trips. The fully equipped gymnasium was well ahead of its time. Instruction for both boys and girls was semi-professional. Many local people testify to their lifelong friendships being forged through these activities and indeed many marriage partnerships. After the war Linacre was as determined as ever to develop opportunities and set up a weekly programme for all young people. Every year, members raised money for charity and worked together to produce pantomimes and concerts. During the summer, visits were made to local venues such as Liverpool Cathedral and the Mersey Tunnel. Barbecues were held on the beach at Hall Road, and rambles were organised for Bank Holiday weekends.

War Years

Both the 1st and 2nd World Wars had a huge impact on the whole country, Linacre Mission and it’s people were affected like anywhere else, yet they responded with positive support through the ‘Soldiers’ Home’, providing a place of comfort and safety for serving men and women who were away from their homes. The Linacre Ladies Regiment (a group of Linacre ladies ) organized themselves to serve, making clothing, hospital bags and bandaging, bedding and many other essential items. In addition to these, countless letters were sent and Christmas parcels, bringing cheer to all the men and women from Linacre, serving in his Majesty’s forces. Yet again this led to some wonderful marriages- one couple recently celebrated their diamond wedding.

Beacon Project Today

The continuing vision of the Beacon Project in 2009 is to bring the premises into full use, refurbishing and modernising all the community rooms/halls to meet the needs of church and community in the 21st Century. We are very encouraged by the number of people who have used the building in the last 18 months, as a result of the completion of Phases 1 & 2, making the ground floor accessible to everyone and installing a new heating system to the renovated areas. Phase 3 will make the first floor levels accessible enabling all groups to have access to all community areas. Linacre Mission is returning to its roots of finding ways to serve the local community and its present day needs. We are indebted to the people of Linacre Mission and the Methodist Church for their generous financial support, along with Sefton European Regional Development Fund who gave us a grant of £216,000 towards the full cost of £511,000 for Phases 1 & 2. Activities led by the worshipping community are continuing to expand in areas of youth provision, family support and activities for older people and alongside these an enhanced programme of support and activities, provided by partner agencies, will be able to meet many of the present needs of our community.

The community rooms of the building have been renamed ‘Linacre Mission Neighbourhood Centre’. As a church we have committed ourselves to reaching out and serving our neighbourhood, to being good neighbours and to seek to build bridges across generational and social boundaries in the name of Jesus.