St Mary’s church began life on 30th October 1918 above a 5 stall stable in Boome Street, Blackpool and was initially called “The Loft”. At the same time, all over Europe, the lamps that Sir Edward Grey spoke about in 1914 were beginning to come back on as the world was starting to recover after the 1st World War.

A church for, and of, its community, “The Loft” joined in the highs and lows of the people in the area such as having a tea party for the Armistice celebrations in November 1918. Closing in 1920, it was replaced by “The Wooden Hut” on Highfield Road, a new mission church that met in a former army hut. As membership increased, more solid foundations were needed and the foundation stone was laid in May 1932 of a larger church building in Stonycroft Avenue, which is the current site. Made of the distinctive Accrington brick, it stood out in the community and was dedicated by the Bishop of Blackburn in September 1932. A Parochial Hall was added in 1937 to meet the need for more space.

During the bleak years of the 2nd World War, the church kept going, with its Sunday School numbers swelling from the evacuees from larger cities.

After the war, the church continued its role in reaching out to its South Shore community, teaching and preaching the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ in a changing world, where many were healing after the effects of 2 world wars. It has continued its mission to communicate the hope of the gospel into the present day.

Much of St Mary’s history has been collated by Gladys Rawcliffe in the 1970s, and then further updated by Alan Shelley in book format.

If you would like to know more about the history of St Mary’s Church, Blackpool, you are welcome to use the form in our "Get in touch" page.