Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 77 



ALSTON LAKE CHXJECH. 



The present chapel, called Alston Lane Eoman Catholic Chapel, is 

 about li miles from Longridge on the high road to Preston. The old 

 chapel, which was erected in 1765, was situated about 200 yards south 

 of its present site 



In 1857 the present neat and pleasing edifice, capable of holding 

 400 persons, was built. It is of the Gothic style of architecture. The 

 present priest is the Eev. Thomas Walton. The old chapel, now used 

 as a school, is attended by an average of about 80. 



The following list of the priests has been kindly given to me by Fr. 

 Walton. Priests at Alston Lane Church ' : — 



1782 to 1785, Thomas Caton. 



1785 to 1814, Richard Edmondson. 



1814 to 1849, Richard Cowban. 



1849 to 1874, Henry Sharpies. 



1874, Thomas Walton, present Incumbent. 



" The Eev. Henry Sharpies," says "Atticus," " is a homely, quiet, 

 fatherl}' gentleman, a good, genial, pre-eminently fat priest, with a 

 mind made up of contentment, and with a face with as much radiance 

 in it as an ocean sunset. We should thiuk he will be 4,000 ounces in 

 weight. His height is in proportion to his weight. His brother was 

 the late Eev. J. Sharpie.-, coadjutor of Dr. Brown, bishop of the 

 Northern Catholic District. Father Sharpies is, for his years and size, 

 an industrious priest, and to aU he is kindly and courteous. He sits 

 often whilst reading in church, and preaches short sermons." 



The Eev. Thomas Walton, formerly at St. Ignatius's, Preston, is a 

 fine, iDortly, old gentleman ; and is much beloved by his people. He 

 is fond of literature, has an excellent library, and is very sociable and 

 genial. 



He preaches in a plain and homely fashion, and is listened to by his 

 flock with much attention. He has an excellent choir, and generally a 

 good congregation. 



The other religious bodies having places of worship in Longridge 

 are the Independents and Wesleyau Methodists. 



•There were pi-iests here earlier than record of them exists. 



the above, but it is not known where the 



