Church Incumbents:

Reverend John ‘Roger’ Ian Wikeley

The first Church of the Ascension vicar was Roger Wikeley, former curate at Holy Trinity Church, Southport.  Born in Yorkshire, he studied at King’s College, London and St. Boniface College, Warminster before his ordination in 1965.  He arrived in Woolston in October 1969 and moved into the School House (now renamed the Vicarage).  In October 1974 he married Geraldine Beard, a teacher at Woolston CE Primary School.  They moved to Liverpool and have two ‘children’, Jonathan and Katherine.

Reverend Geoffrey Baulcomb

Geoffrey Baulcomb was inducted as the second vicar of Woolston in February 1974.  He was previously a curate at St. Hilda’s Church, South London.  He married Vicki and their first child, Sarah, was born in Woolston.  In 1979 the family moved to a parish in Whitton, Sussex.

Reverend Richard ‘Dick’ James Allen

Dick Allen was born and educated in Devon and studied at Wells Theological College.  From 1971 Dick served as a curate at Up Holland, then team vicar in Digmoor, Skelmersdale, until October 1979 when he was inducted at the Ascension.  Dick arrived with his wife, Pam and 2 sons, Edward and Robert.  Whilst in Woolston, Pam gave birth to Jennifer in 1982.  In 1984 Dick launched the church roof appeal and sacrificed his beard to help with the fundraising.  In 1985, the Allen’s moved to St. Andrew’s Church, Bournville, Weston-super-Mare.

Reverend Paul J Ormrod

After a long interregnum our fourth vicar Paul Ormrod arrived in July 1986.  Born and brought up in Liverpool, he was educated at Liverpool University and Westcott House, Cambridge prior to his ordination in 1983.  Before coming to Woolston, Paul was curate at Prescot Parish Church.  In October 1986 he married Jill and their 2 sons, Jonathan and Gregory were born in Woolston.  Paul saw several events taking place, including completion of the new church roof in 1988, change of church status from team to group ministry, installation of the new heating system and the 25^th Anniversary celebrations in 1995.  Paul and his family moved to St. Peter’s, Formby in June 1995.

Reverend Robert ‘Bob’ Lyon Pearson

In 1996 we were introduced to our fifth vicar Bob Pearson.  His path to ordination began after working in a bank, a dairy and a warehouse.  Bob arrived in Woolston with his wife Alison.  They have 4 children, Nicola, Matthew, Richard and Nikisha.  During his time in Woolston, Bob guided us through the change from ASB to Common Worship services.  The introduction of his ‘All Age’ services was well received and he was instrumental in the major on-going fundraising to renovate and refurbish the Mission.  After 6 years in Woolston, Bob made the difficult decision to leave us in August 2002 and continue his ministry as vicar of St. Matthew’s, Highfield, Wigan.

Reverend Barry Dryden

Born in Nelson, Lancashire, our current vicar, Barry Dryden was licensed at the Ascension in May 2003.  Barry is married to Janet and their ‘children’ Nikki and Claire are both married with families of their own.  Barry enjoys playing golf and painting with watercolours.  Prior to being ordained he had spent 40 years working in Industry from being an Apprentice through to managing many large projects throughout the world.  He spent many years working overseas in places like Poland and Libya, even becoming embroiled in the bombing of Tripoli in 1986.  God has been very much part of his life and so the golf had to take a back seat.  He experienced being a Church Warden then Reader before being ordained in Liverpool Cathedral in July 2000 – a moment in time that will always be special.  He has often said over the years that he could not have done the job without the support of his wonderful wife Janet, and he has paid many tributes to the work that she has shared with him.