The Church of the Saviour (building) was slowly being fitted out as a special place set aside where the living church (the people) could come together to worship. Even small things were not overlooked and nothing was wasted; with the wood left over from building the screen, two wardens staves were created and topped with brass fittings, a crown and a mitre, thanks to the generosity of two anonymous donors.

Although the decade began in the darkest days of the war nothing stopped the work at the Saviour. If there were problems or shortages the folk just worked round them or in spite of them and the war inevitably did have an effect. The Boys Brigade were hampered by the lack of male officers but the work with the boys continued. Social events still took place, often without refreshments as the food shortages and rationing began to bite. In spite of a shortage of paper the magazine continued to appear although reduced in size, and in 1945 the insert changed from the British Messenger to Home Words, because the former was considered too political. After the end of the war there was no heating in the hut at all, and the church and vestries could only be heated once a week because the coke allocation was severely reduced. Throughout the war, if a special evening service was to be held it was planned to coincide with the night of a full moon to make it easier for people to make the journey to church more safely.

The Autumn of 1941 saw a reorganisation of the young people's work. Now designated the Young People's Fellowship, the usual Saturday devotional meeting transferred to Sunday evening after church and Saturday became a games evening in the hut, where badminton quickly became a popular attraction. This group continued as a source of supply for Sunday School teachers, of the 1942 recruits, three went on to be ordained, namely Jack Bell, John Preston and Jack Whittaker.

So successful was the YPF that they were able to hold annual Whit and September House Parties, where great fun was had by all and the usual practical jokes associated with such gatherings occurred. In fact mention the word 'trinity' to Elsie Bell and Peggy and don't be surprised if they still burst into fits of laughter. Heightside 1944 was obviously one to remember.

Typically the Saviour folk seized every opportunity to spread the gospel. Just before the outbreak of war a new estate had been built at Whinney Heights at the top end of the parish. Because of war restrictions a building intended for a shop lay empty and unused. Concerned that these people were being neglected spiritually, the Church of the Saviour began a new work by renting the shop, 40 Old Bank Lane, and establishing a Sunday School under the leadership of Herbert Bell. This work continued until 1950 when the building was required for it's original use as a shop. As no suitable alternative accommodation could be found the work at Whinney Heights had to close.

The 21st Birthday of the consecration as a Parish Church was held during a week of celebrations in June 1943, an occasion which saw the return of the Rev. and Mrs Maddock and the Rev. Ernest Saunders as well as a visit from the Bishop of Blackburn.

During the previous few years the need for an organisation for the girls had become very apparent. After months of preparation and running unofficially, whilst the leaders learned the ropes, Girl Campaigners was officially launched in March 1943. Innovative as ever, clothing coupons were begged from friends to assist in the purchase of uniforms and in February 1944 the very first Campaigner Weekend was held and the clans were officially dedicated by Headquarters Chief Rev. R.R. Minton.

Rev Jenkins

In June 1944 Mr Cragg announced his appointment as Vicar of St. James Carlisle and in November Mr Jenkins returned, this time as vicar. One of the first things he did was to establish a monthly, Sunday Evening 'Popular Service' during the winter months. The first of these was a great success and included the B.B. enrolment service.

Building plans which had been put on hold because of the war, were re-launched in 1945 with plans to build a new church seating 500 and convert the existing church into a Sunday School. An architect, Bernard Miller, was duly appointed. The remainder of the island site, on which the church stands, was bought from the Borough Council for £550.

By the end of 1946, however, the vicar was asking "What is wrong with the Church of the Saviour?" Congregations were 50% less than 10 years previously and the Prayer Meeting was experiencing a similar apathy with a matching 50% drop in attendance.

The Silver Jubilee of the church's consecration was celebrated with a grand reunion party for past and present members, together with Anniversary, Thanksgiving and Gift Services in 1947.

A welcome home service was held for demobbed service men and the hut was packed to capacity. Captain Gregson our Church Army Captain was developing the work up at Whinney Heights, where evening services were now held and the girls had held their first Sale of Work. The design for the new church was on view and Mr Miller the architect was afforded the great honour of having his design hung in the Royal Academy for a year.

The post war rise in prices was proving a heavy drain on our finances and so Free Will Offering Envelopes were introduced for the first time in 1948. A men's discussion group began and an evangelistic "Life for Longshaw Campaign" was planned to be led by a team from BCMS College at Bristol. Among their number were Peter Cartwright who was to become our curate, and Norman Wain who later married a member of the YPF, Marjorie Haworth and went to be vicar of, among other places, St. James Lower Darwen.

The rapid deterioration of the hut and the financial strain on the congregation, together with the new church still being many years away prompted a serious rethink of plans. The decision was taken to keep the existing church and build a brick and concrete hall to be known as the Memorial Sunday School, the entrance to which would contain a suitable wooden memorial engraved with the names of all those from the parish who had lost their lives in the war. In March 1951 building commenced on the new Sunday School.