Everton and Liverpool to honour city's football founder
Story by Luke Traynor
LIVERPOOL and Everton top brass are attending a ceremony to honour the founding father of football in the city.
An amateur historian discovered the dilapidated grave of the Rev Ben Swift Chambers, which had lain undiscovered for years in the quiet village of Shepley, near Huddersfield.
Now, a concerted campaign by a Merseyside football researcher has prompted Anfield and Goodison officials to rededicate the grave.
Bill Kenwright and Rick Parry are backing the scheme to give recognition to the former St Domingo chapel minister.
The stonework and engraved words on the headstone will be cleaned up and undergrowth cleared around the plot.
This Wednesday a service will take place at the church. Former Blues chairman Sir Philip Carter will speak on behalf of the club, and Rick Parry will attend as Liverpool's representative.
Club reverends Bill Bygroves and Henry Corbett, along with some academy players, will also attend.
The Rev Chambers's neglected grave was discovered thanks to the tireless efforts of writer Peter Lupson.
The head of English at Kingsmead school in Hoylake has researched the Christian influence on the game since the 2006 publication of his book, Thank God for Football!
Mr Lupson told the ECHO: "The grave was a total wreck when I found it, but it's only right it's being restored to its original state.
"I feel the grave should retain the simplicity that it already has because clearly he was a humble man.
"At long last, thanks to Everton and Liverpool, he will receive a lasting tribute to his memory."
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An Everton spokesman said: "This is an integral part of the club's history and a right and proper tribute to Rev Chambers.
"An Everton contingent led by Sir Philip Carter will be present, one of the elder statesmen of our hierarchy.
"I'm sure many Evertonians will find their way over to Shepley to pay tribute to the man who set Everton on their way."
A Liverpool spokesman said: "We are pleased to help to honour the memory of Rev Chambers and everyone at Liverpool was keen to get involved."
Genesis of clubs
IN 1877, the Rev Chambers joined St Domingo Chapel and persuaded members of the bible class to start a cricket club.
To keep fit during the winter months, the same contingent formed a football team who played on Stanley Park.
They changed their name to Everton FC and opened a new stadium at Anfield in 1884, turning professional the following season and winning the Championship in 1891.
Money rows led to a split which saw Liverpool FC born, and Everton move to Goodison Park.
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hi could you tell me what time service is,
and adress please.
thank you p. sutherland
Church service at 2 pm and down to the grave around 4. The church is Shepley Methodist Church and the grave is two minutes away on Church Close.