Liverpool
a Liverpool Story
The beloved great grandparents of Morgan, Margaret and Jack Smith, were born in Liverpool in 1910. They married on Christmas Eve 1933 in All Saints' Church Childwall, and soon after, baptized both of their children in the church as well. Jack's father-in-law, Arthur Owen, owned a butcher shop in town, where Jack worked, while Margaret was a librarian.
It is well known that Margaret and Jack were more than life partners, but truly best friends. Together, they lived a long, beautiful and adventurous life, with over 70 years of marriage and 60 years spent in Liverpool. What was once a quaint port town has become the setting of many cherished family stories, a vibrant music city, and a symbol of long lasting love and friendship. On August 2, Morgan and Kyle will stand where Margaret and Jack stood over 90 years ago to marry in All Saints' Church—with their whole lives ahead of them and the perfect example of marriage before them.
Kyle and Morgan are incredibly grateful to their families and the many stories that could have been honored and told through their wedding day, so thank you for letting them tell this one. Thank you in advance to those who are able to travel overseas for the wedding celebration. Kyle and Morgan recognize and appreciate the investment and commitment required to attend and they hope to ensure a wedding weekend full of celebration and one that will hopefully spark an adventure. Cheers to celebrating life and love with you all soon!
Jack & Margaret Smith
Liverpool: Nashville of the North
In the 1960s, Liverpool had the biggest country and western scene in Europe. Country music was part of the fabric of Liverpool; as ingrained as the Irish influence and a bowl of Scouse. Country music influenced every group.
Seen here is a recent photo of Mathew Street in the heart of Liverpool. This street was home to the Rock ‘n’ roll scene and The Cavern Club, made famous by The Beatles. Today, it looks a lot like the honky tonk streets of Nashville and almost feels as if you've wandered down Printer's Alley just off Broadway. Funnily enough, Liverpool has also become the top destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties in the UK and beyond, just like our beloved Nashville.
Growing up in Nashville, Kyle has deep Tennessee roots through his mother's side, with family extending from Knoxville to Memphis. On his father's side, The Gray family originated in Pensacola and today, is dispersed between Nashville and Houston, TX, another thriving country music city!
All Saints' Childwall Church
“Four Radmans held Childwall as four manors. There is half a hide. It was worth eight shillings. There was a priest, having half a carucate of land in frankalmoign.”
- Earliest reference of Childwall found in the Domesday Book, compiled by William The Conqueror in 1086.
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Childwall is the only medieval church in the Liverpool metropolitan area and was officially founded in 1557. It is known that John Newton, an English Evangelical Anglican cleric, reformed slavery abolitionist, and songwriter of the famous hymn, "Amazing Grace," preached in the church in the 1700s. Today, All Saints' Childwall stands as a parish Church in the Diocese of Liverpool and part of the Global Communion of the Anglican Church.
Childwall Abbey Hotel
Just across the street from the church, sits the Childwall Abbey Hotel. The precise age and former role of this fascinating old building is uncertain, but parts of the structure are certainly almost half a millennium old.
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Fans of The Beatles will enjoy learning that the fab four performed in the hotel under their former band name, The Quarrymen, for George's brother Harry Harrison's wedding.
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It's also well known that the hotel is home to a 15th century ghost that wanders the halls and haunts the pub.
