About Us

The Parish (Population: 735) 

Witherslack is an ancient village, with records that can be traced back to the 12th century. The name ‘Witherslack’ is derived from the Norse meaning ‘wooded valley’. Nowadays, Witherslack is a scattered but tranquil rural village sitting under the limestone hills of Yewbarrow and Whitbarrow Scar. The church and Dean Barwick School sit at the top of the village, while the local pub, The Derby Arms and the community shop next door are down at the bottom, with houses and farms in clusters and dotted between. 

The Church 

There was previously a chapel near Witherslack Hall but by 1664 this St Mary’s Chapel was in a ruinous state according to the will of John Barwick – who was the village’s ‘pious benefactor’ born in Witherslack in 1612. Following his time at St John’s College, Cambridge he later became the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Dean Barwick died in 1664 at the age of 52, just before the Great Fire of London destroyed the old St Paul’s Cathedral where he was buried and a tablet erected in his memory. There is also a tablet to his memory in Witherslack Church, which was built on its present site around 1669 from monies he had bequeathed, and consecrated in 1671 as St Paul’s, Witherslack.

Our Congregation 

St Paul’s is a small but increasingly active church. Tea, coffee and biscuits are now served from the very useful, purpose-built small kitchen area in the baptistry. After the services, many stay to talk and catch up and for fellowship. It is a great way for visitors to meet people and feel welcome.

Our Services

Today we hold services every other Sunday generally according to the following pattern:

1st Sunday 9.30am Morning Worship/Holy Communion (CW)
3rd Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion (CW or BCP)
On 4th Sunday every other month we hold Cafe Church in the Parish Hall at 10.00am

We are part of an evolving Team of 7 parishes and on a 5th Sunday in the month we hold one United Service which rotates around the Benefice. Please see the event calendar for further details.

More information about the church can be found in our Parish Profile in the 'News and Notices' section of the website