1961 – The Nave Bridge
On 22nd April 1961, the newly completed Bridge and the first bay of the Nave were handed over to the Dean & Chapter. Sadly, with his death in 1960, the architect had not lived long enough to enjoy the new vistas through his Cathedral.
1942 – Completion of the Tower “All cathedrals should be specially conspicuous by tower and spire”
In bitterly cold weather on 20th February 1942, Sir Giles Scott placed the final stone on the final 'finial' at the top of the tower, three hundred and thirty one feet one and half inches (101 metres) above the Cathedral floor.
1941 – “Keep going whatever you do”
'Solemn Entrance in Time of War' was the name of the first service to take place in the vast Central Space below the still incomplete Tower. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, visited the Cathedral during the blitz and gave encouragement to the Cathedral community to keep building.
1931 – foundation of the Dean & Chapter “The greatest of modern Cathedrals is a church of Resurrection”
In October 1931, Frederick William Dwelly was appointed as the first Dean of Liverpool, a position he was to hold until his retirement in 1955.
1924 – consecration of the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool
Despite the serious delays caused by the First World War, the High Altar, Chancel and Eastern Transepts were completed and, in the presence of King George V and Queen Mary, the Cathedral was consecrated. Albert Augustus David had succeeded Bishop Chavasse in 1923, and Frederick William Dwelly, future first Dean of Liverpool, devised and organised the service.
1910 – completion of the Lady Chapel
On Saint Peter’s Day, 29th June 1910, the Lady Chapel, the first part of the Cathedral to be completed, was dedicated by Bishop Chavasse and Cosmo Lang, Archbishop of York.
1904 – the laying of the Foundation Stone
On Tuesday 19th July 1904 the Foundation Stone was laid by King Edward VII at a great open-air service at the culmination of which the choir of a thousand voices sang Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.
1903 – “the best idea and the finest conception”
The design submitted by twenty-two year old Giles Gilbert Scott was chosen and young Scott and the more senior George Bodley were appointed joint architects.
1901 – “something to speak for God”
On Monday 17th June 1901, at a meeting in the Town Hall, the decision was taken to build a worthy Cathedral for the prosperous City of Liverpool.
1880 - “ugly & hideous”
John Charles Ryle was appointed the first Bishop of Liverpool and was installed in St Peter’s Church in Church Street in the town centre, the Pro-Cathedral, later described by the Rector of Liverpool as “ugly & hideous”.