HENRY GREGSON died on September 2nd 1885 aged 85. His Ghost reputedly still haunts the rooms of his memorial building: the Gregson Centre, Lancaster, Lancashire UK. Henry was strictly temperate and as his picture now adorns the walls of the Centre's successful bar it could be suggested that he perhaps objects to the membership revelry; on the other hand given the continuing role that his centre continues to play within the community perhaps he's just enjoying himself - the staff keep a wary eye on the spirit levels!  

HENRY was fourth son of Samuel Gregson (senior), who also gave us Samuel Gregson (Junior) Mayor of the City of Lancaster & Liberal MP 1847, co-founder of the Natural History Museum and the one of the Victorians responsible for giving the world the word “Dinosaur”. Following in the family tradition Henry himself was elected Mayor of Lancaster in 1850.  

THE GREGSON Memorial Institute was built with funds raised by Christchurch Vicarage. The memorial fund brought a response from many popular and/or influential local figures such as the Storey Brothers and James Williamson (later Lord Ashton). The letter sent out in October 1885 announced "the building (of the Gregson) seems a fitting object to associate with his name, as one that meets a crying want, and promises to be of great benefit to the Parish with which he has been so long identified and the interests of which he took so much to heart." 

[Henry purchased the land for the building of Christ Church itself and laid the foundation stone in 1855 of the church that was … "to serve the needs of the people of the Freehold and Golgotha areas and inmates of the workhouse" (now the site of Lancaster Royal Grammar School, Quernmore Rd).]  

DESIGNED by the renowned architects Austin & Paley, responsible for so many of Lancaster's finest buildings, the Gregson opened its doors in 1890 and was completed in 1894 with the addition of the Bartlett Hall (named after the first Vicar of Christchurch).

CHRIST CHURCH Parish sold the Gregson in 1983 to the Freehold Community Association Charity (FCA) to run as a community centre for the local area of benefit. The modern day Gregson Arts & Community Centre hosts a variety of community functions serving the Freehold, Golgotha, Moorland, Primrose and Ridge areas of Lancaster, from public performances and meetings to private clubs and events.  

THE CENTRE is run on a commercial basis unsupported by any regular supply of public funds. Professional managers are employed to run the centre on a day to day basis, whilst the operations of the FCA charity which owns and maintains the centre itself are organised and looked after by an elected committee of nine.  

THE AIMS of the Gregson Arts & Community Centre are to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the local community, without distinction; to advance education and to provide facilities for recreation and leisure time activities.

 

 

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