Park Road Methodist Church War Memorial

Park Road Methodist Church War Memorial is situated within Darwen Cemetery, near the entrance on Bolton Road, directly across from the Darwen Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cross of Sacrifice.

The memorial features a rectangular stone pillar topped with a curved-headed corniced block that has indented corners and egg and dart moulding. A serpent, depicted as devouring itself with its tail in its mouth, is carved in relief on the north face of the block, symbolizing the eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth. The pillar has recessed panels on its east and west faces, along with a stone plaque on the north face. It is set on a deep two-stepped base, with wreath carvings in relief on the north and south faces of the top step. The north face of the top step includes the inscription PARK/ ROAD/ METHODIST/ CHURCH.

The north face of the pillar is inscribed with the words TO THE HONOURED MEMORY/ OF THE MEN OF THIS CHURCH/ AND SUNDAY SCHOOL/ WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR./ 1914 – 1919/ (15 NAMES)/ “THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE”. The bottom step of the plinth carries the inscription CHRIST DIED FOR ALL MEN/ THESE DIED FOR OUR COUNTRY.