Church History

St. Catherine’s Church was built in 1880 by the generosity of William Milner, a locksmith who moved from Liverpool to Port Erin. He set up many charities to help the poverty-stricken fisherman. In memory of his charitable works Milner’s Tower (in the shape of a lock) was erected on Bradda Head.

A history recounting the first 50 years of St. Catherine’s was compiled by Rev. Ridings in 1930. Writing at the time, Bishop Stanton-Jones said of St. Catherine’s that it has been ‘a centre of worship and beneficent ministry, serving the spiritual interests not only of the residents but also the summer visitors’.

A further history book was compiled in 1980 to celebrate the centenary in the life of the church. It is recorded that it was Mr Milner’s wish that the church should be ‘dedicated to St. Catherine since that Saint’s name had been attached to the first Christian Church in the district – Keeill Catreeney.