St Thomas' Church, situated on Lancaster Road in Preston, Lancashire, is a remarkable testament to the architectural and cultural heritage of Great Britain. This Grade II listed building, constructed between 1837 and 1839, stands as a beacon of history and faith, drawing visitors with its unique blend of neo-Romanesque design and its storied past.
The church was designed by the architect John Latham and built at a cost of £4,500. Upon its completion, it had the capacity to accommodate 1,100 worshippers, making it a significant landmark in Preston. One of the notable features from its early days includes a curtained pew near the entrance, which was occupied by Edward Hermon, a local Member of Parliament, as recorded in 1869.
St Thomas' Church has undergone several transformations over the years. Declared redundant on November 1, 1983, it found new life in civic, cultural, and community uses by May 1987. Since February 6, 2001, it has been used for the worship of other Christian denominations. In 2014, it became the Preston Elim Pentecostal Church, and as of 2018, it was known as the St Thomas' Centre, utilized by the City Church of Preston.
Constructed from sandstone with slate roofs, the church is predominantly neo-Romanesque in style, characterized by its round-arched openings. The structure comprises a six-bay nave with a clerestory, north and south aisles, and a chancel with a five-sided apse flanked by north and south vestries. The three-stage tower, situated above the chancel, features a window on each side of the middle stage and two-light bell openings on the top stage, crowned by a broach spire.
The west front of the church is particularly striking, with a window set in a Norman-style frame flanked by two levels of windows. Above this is a three-light window, and the gable is adorned with a rose window. The church also has entrances on either side of the west bay of the aisles, with the north door featuring a gable. The bays along the sides of the aisles and the clerestory are separated by pilasters, each containing a window. Additionally, there is a window on each side of the apse. Inside, the arcades rest on cylindrical columns, and the interior has been divided by the insertion of an upper floor.
Visitors to St Thomas' Church are often struck by its robust and somewhat austere appearance, a characteristic noted by A. Hewitson in 1869, who described it as a small, strong, and hard-looking building. Despite its somewhat severe exterior, the church's architectural details and historical significance make it a fascinating site to explore.
The church's designation as a Grade II listed building on September 27, 1979, underscores its national importance and special interest. The Grade II status is the lowest of the three grades of listing, but it still signifies that the building is of significant historical and architectural value. The architectural historians Hartwell and Pevsner, in their Buildings of England series, have commented on the church's unique character, noting that while it is primarily Norman in style, the broach spire is not a typical Norman feature, and the placement of the tower and the polygonal apse are also unusual for this style.
Today, St Thomas' Church serves as a vibrant center for the community, hosting a variety of religious and community activities. The City Church of Preston, which now occupies the building, continues to uphold the church's legacy of faith and service. The church's adaptation to modern uses while preserving its historical and architectural integrity is a testament to its enduring significance.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious visitor, St Thomas' Church offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Preston's heritage. Its blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and community spirit makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this charming part of Lancashire.
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