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Holy Trinity and its Roots - Part 2

In 1881 The Rev. Sandy Burgess Bradshaw, aged 46, became Vicar of Holy Trinity Church. Within a few months his wife Martha died and the pulpit we now have was given in her memory. East of the chancel are two small windows given by the Rev. Bradshaw in memory of his first wife and Martha, who was his second wife. The Rev. Bradshaw oversaw the building of the new church. Last month I told of the building of the first phase and there was then a pause in the building work. In April 1894 the original western part was demolished. On 21st. July 1984 the foundation stone was laid by James Parrott and the completed church was inaugurated in November 1895.

During the next few years work on the interior of the church continued with new windows and a new organ fitted. In 1897 there was a change in hymn book to "Ancient and Modern". In 1904 Harry Haworth, the treasurer, told the Easter vestry meeting that the new organ had cost £1702, decoration £616, lights £167 and a new boiler £146-4s-5d (£146.22 currently).

James Parrott, who laid the foundation stone, was born in London but moved to Manchester to an engineering career. His health was not good so he frequently visited Blackpool. The Preston and Wyre Railway opened in 1840 with a line to Blackpool and, because of his health, James Parrott was given a free ticket for life. However, he lived to 94 and living in Blackpool, though working in Manchester, he was known as the Great Old Man of Blackpool. He lived in Rawcliffe Street for fifty years and was active in public life. He served on the building committee for the church, giving about £200 towards the £14,000 cost and also presenting a clock for the tower, setting up a trust to keep it in good repair. He bought land for the building between Lytham Road and the Promenade and helped St. Pauls, Blackpool Hospital and Marton Institute. He died on 5th. February 1897, aged 94.

In the north transept is a memorial to James Parrott and his family. It reads: "In memory of Mary Parrott who died December 2nd. 1878: also of James Parrott who died February 5th 1897, aged 94 and of Henry the beloved and affectionate son who died November 18th aged 41 years."

"The God of my rock: in him will I trust. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high tower and my refuge, my saviour. 2 Samuel 22,3

Written by Mrs R. Bradshaw