1905 to 1909

In 1905 Mr Wilmer's wife, Emma, who had been in failing health for many years, died. In the following year he took twelve months leave of absence for health reasons and visited his aged mother in New Zealand.

During his absence the Rev Sidney Hawthorne was the priest in charge. He was a man whose amiable attitude once more filled the Church to capacity.

This revival was apparent in the spring of 1907, when 140 young people were confirmed and on Easter Day when there were a record 430 communicants.

An inscription on the altar tells us that:

This altar is presented by the candidates confirmed in this church by the Lord Bishop of Chester on the 19th February 1907.

When Mr Hawthorne's term of office ended in the September of that year, the parishioners were loath to see him go.

Despite the lukewarm reception he received on his return from the Antipodes, Mr Wilmer marked the occasion with a grand firework display on the vicarage lawn. Over 270 pieces illuminated the night sky. There followed parties for the children and the grown-ups. Professional artists were engaged to entertain the audience on both occasions. He also brought a set of musical instruments for the Church Lads' Brigade, which had been formed during his absence.

In 1909 he married Ada Dent of Grimsby, but to the disappointment of his parishioners, none of whom were invited, the wedding took place at one of the more fashionable churches in Woburn Square, London.