by Elliot Taylor
A historic monument in the grounds of St Alban’s Church at Bewsey, Warrington, honouring the war dead, was left severely damaged and smeared with offensive spray-painted graffiti in an overnight attack on Halloween.
The highly significant religious statue not only holds important spiritual symbolism, but surrounds graves and tributes to members of the Church community who served in the First and Second World Wars. The monument itself also features a plethora of named tributes physically written on it.
The incident hits particularly hard given its closeness to Remembrance Sunday, however hope remains strong. Cheshire Police inspected the site early on Sunday morning, and are already reviewing local CCTV footage, and are expected to release a statement shortly.
Speaking to parishioners attending Sunday morning mass, Parish Priest Canon Christopher urged the community to stay strong, calling on everyone to “stick together” and maintain strength in their faith.
Founded in 1772, St Alban’s Church on Bewsey Street is Warrington’s oldest existing Catholic parish and holds Grade II listed status, possessing a huge significance in the town’s religious community.
The Church’s history doesn’t stop there as part of its sanctuary area was actually designed in 1893 by Peter Paul Pugin. Peter was the son of Augustus Pugin, who famously designed the interior of the Houses of Parliament.
Speaking to local members of the parish following mass, it felt certain that an unwavering dedication to faith was standing strong.
