The St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Project: A Journey of Faith, Heritage, and Community
The St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Project is an exciting initiative designed to breathe new life into a historic Victorian church, transforming it into a vibrant hub for the wider community. Located in a Grade II-listed church, this project brings together people of all ages—children, young people, and adults—through a unique blend of cultural, educational, and historical experiences.
Our vision centers on expanding our community outreach while preserving the rich heritage of this beautiful church. The project features an enhanced community hub and a dedicated heritage centre, focusing on four key themes:
- Music and Culture: Organ lessons and ecumenical programmes
- History and Tradition: Bell-ringing tuition and demonstrations
- Local Heritage: Uncovering the unique history of the church’s war memorial and the story behind the iconic Lusitania
- Our Legacy: The history of St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church and its support for the church building
We’re reaching out to around 50 schools and colleges within a three-mile radius, inviting them to join us in exploring these themes and becoming active participants in this journey.
Reviving Music Through the Historic Organ
Installed in the late 19th century, our fully functional organ is at the heart of our musical outreach. We aim to address the nationwide shortage of young organists by offering both basic and advanced tuition for children and young adults. By doing so, we’re not just preserving a musical tradition but also inspiring the next generation of church and concert organists. Our program will also include programmes to showcase the newly acquired skills of our participants, bringing the sounds of this historic instrument back to life.
Rediscovering the Art of Bell-Ringing
Alongside our organ lessons, we’re offering bell-ringing tuition, taking advantage of the six bells cast by Mears and Stainbank of London in 1859. Ranging from a 5 cwt treble to a 12 cwt tenor, these bells have rung out for generations and will continue to do so with the guidance of expert bell ringers from Liverpool Cathedral and the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers. This is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in learning this traditional skill and becoming part of a centuries-old practice.
Exploring the Rich Heritage of Our Church
Our Thornton Chapel will be transformed into a captivating heritage center, featuring displays curated by the West Derby Society and others. These exhibits will tell the intriguing story of how St. James’s Church was built by the Thornton family and highlight the influential role of Victorian women patronesses during a time when women’s property rights were limited. The heritage center will also celebrate the arrival of St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church and our ongoing commitment to preserving this historic space.
In the adjacent area, you’ll find the beautifully restored war memorial, where we delve into the mysterious connection between this church and the tragic sinking of the Lusitania. Displaying models of contemporary ships loaned from National Museums Liverpool, this section will explore the fascinating history surrounding the memorial and its unique imagery.
