# Founding Fathers of Merseyside Football

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Series of oil paintings

Founding Fathers of Merseyside Football Artist Wasan Suttikasem Medium oil paint Location United Kingdom [edit on Wikidata]

The ***Founding Fathers of Merseyside Football*** is a series of oil paintings which celebrate the contributions of the men who kick-started and shaped the game in the nineteenth century.

## Background

The artwork came about after the discovery of a Sepia tone photograph of Ben Chambers in a long-lost album containing those of the [Methodist](/source/Methodist) ministers who had served the St Domingo congregation. On behalf of the Everton Shareholders' Association, [David France](/source/David_France) commissioned Wasan Suttikasem to produce a formal portrait of Rev Chambers and subsequently added the other individuals who influenced the direction of Merseyside football.[1][2][3][4]

The six pioneers are Rev Ben Chambers, [John Houlding](/source/John_Houlding), [Dr James Baxter](/source/Clement_Baxter), [George Mahon](/source/George_Mahon_(accountant)), [John McKenna](/source/John_McKenna) and [Will Cuff](/source/Will_Cuff), none of whom ever kicked a competitive football.

The six paintings will be exhibited together and rotated around different venues on Merseyside and beyond to promote stronger links between the two clubs.[5]

## Pen Pictures

### The Godfather of Merseyside Football

**Ben Swift Chambers (1845–1901)** By 1877, Rev Chambers' career in the Methodist ministry brought him to the New Connexion Chapel in Liverpool. Once settled at St Domingo's he became an avid supporter of the [Band of Hope](/source/Band_of_Hope) movement, a temperance organisation for working-class youngsters, and formed a cricket club to provide local youngsters with healthy exercise as well as the opportunity to develop the qualities of Christian sportsmanship. To that end Chambers persuaded the members of Young Men's Bible Class to start [St Domingo Football Club](/source/St._Domingo's_F.C.) in 1878.[5]

### King John of Everton

John Houlding

**John Houlding (1833–1902)**

The prosperous brewer was active as a [Conservative](/source/Conservative_Party_(UK)) councillor for the [Everton](/source/Everton%2C_Liverpool) & [Kirkdale](/source/Kirkdale%2C_Merseyside) ward and eventually as [Lord Mayor of Liverpool](/source/Lord_Mayor_of_Liverpool). As the first president of Everton Football Club, he ushered the club from [Stanley Park](/source/Stanley_Park%2C_Liverpool) to the [Anfield](/source/Anfield) ground adjacent to his Sandon Hotel and masterminded the 10-year transformation from amateur enthusiasts into League champions. It was as an [Orangeman](/source/Orange_Order) and Anfield landlord that he gained notoriety. He sought to charge more rent after the club became successful. This brought Houlding into conflict with the Everton committee before he served them with a notice to quit in 1892 and recruited a new squad of players for his new club. Within nine seasons [Liverpool Football Club](/source/Liverpool_Football_Club) was anointed League champions.[5]

### The Good Doctor of Robson Street

**James Clement Baxter (1857–1928)** His dedication to the welfare of his patients, Irish migrants, the poor and local orphans, is legendary. It was almost matched by his devotion to [Everton Football Club](/source/Everton_Football_Club). Dr Baxter provided substantial funds to finance the construction of [Goodison Park](/source/Goodison_Park). James Baxter was a passionate Evertonian who served as a director, chairman and club doctor for nearly four decades. Born in Liverpool, the devout Roman Catholic also took an active part in local politics, serving as a [Liberal](/source/Liberal_Party_(UK)) councillor for the St Anne's ward from 1906 until 1920. His son Cecil succeeded him on the board and as the club doctor. This resulted in an unbroken link of 65 years between his family and his football club.[5]

### Blue Moses

**George Mahon (1853–1908)** Liverpool-born son of Dubliner parents, partner at the accounting firm of Roose, Mahon & Howard, organist at Great Homer Street [Wesleyan](/source/Wesleyan) Chapel and a [Liberal](/source/Liberal_Party_(UK)) politician, George Mahon was elected to the Everton committee in 1889. He clashed with John Houlding on the proposed improvements to the rented ground at Anfield, the term of the lease and also the size of the rent. Also he opposed the use of the Sandon Hotel as the club's headquarters and, anticipating expulsion from Anfield, arranged to lease Mere Green from Mr. CJ Leyland. In his role as Everton's first chairman, Mahon oversaw progress to two FA Cup finals before capturing the trophy in 1906. However, he will be always be celebrated as the man who led the club to the promised land in 1892.[5][6]

### Honest John of Liverpool

**John McKenna (1855–1938)** John McKenna was one of the many [Ulstermen](/source/Ulster) who came to Merseyside in search of work. A [Freemason](/source/Freemason), Orangeman and Tory, he sided with John Houlding after 'The Split'. Subsequently, he was appointed secretary-manager and recruited the famous 'Team of Macs' which facilitated Liverpool's admission to Division 2 and eventual elevation to the top flight. Afterwards, McKenna concentrated on his administrative duties and served his club faithfully for four decades or so, during which time it captured the League title on three occasions. He retired in 1922 to devote his energies to the [Football League](/source/Football_League). His friendship with Will Cuff created deep bonds between the Reds and the Blues.[5]

### Mr Everton

**Will Cuff (1868–1949)** While respected as the choir-master and trustee at St Domingo Chapel, Will Cuff (1868–1949) was venerated at Everton. The local solicitor served as secretary, director and chairman and effectively ran the club for four decades. Cuff's first tastes of success were the 1906 FA Cup win and the 1914/15 League title. As chairman, he led the club to the 1926/27 and 1931/32 League titles and the 1933 FA Cup triumph. Cuff stood down at the start of the successful 1938/39 season in order to replace his friend John McKenna as the President of the Football League but is still remembered as the man who demanded ‘[School of Science](/source/School_of_Science_(Everton_Academy))’ style of play.[5]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["David France takes Everton and Liverpool founding fathers back home"](http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-news/2009/06/30/david-france-takes-everton-and-liverpool-founding-fathers-back-home-100252-24022872). The Liverpool Echo. 30 June 2009. Retrieved 9 January 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** David Prentice (1 July 2009). ["The father figures who helped shape Merseyside football"](http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-news/2009/07/01/the-father-figures-who-helped-shape-merseyside-football-92534-24038903). *The Liverpool Daily Post*. Retrieved 9 January 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** David France (2 July 2009). ["The Founding Fathers of Merseyside Football"](http://www.toffeeweb.com/season/09-10/comment/editorial/article.asp?submissionID=12217). Retrieved 9 January 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** *Merseyside Six Appeal*. LFC Magazine. 5 July 2009.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ESA-booklet_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ESA-booklet_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ESA-booklet_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ESA-booklet_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-ESA-booklet_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-ESA-booklet_5-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-ESA-booklet_5-6) "The Founding Fathers of Merseyside Football". David France & Peter Lupson. Everton Shareholders' Association booklet (2009)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-George_Mahon_Biography_6-0)** [George Mahon Biography](http://georgemahon.webs.com).

v t e Everton Football Club The club History Players Managers Seasons Reserves and Academy Records and statistics Player of the Season International players In Europe Home stadium Anfield (1884–1892) Goodison Park (1892–2025) Hill Dickinson Stadium (2025–present) Training ground Bellefield (1946–2007) Finch Farm (2007–present) Miscellaneous David France Collection Supporters St Luke's Church EvertonTV Former Players' Foundation Kirkby Project Prince Rupert's Tower Founding Fathers of Merseyside Football "Johnny Todd" Spirit of the Blues Gwladys Street's Hall of Fame Rivalries Merseyside derby Affiliated academies Chang–Everton Football Academy Affiliates Everton Women Everton Tigers Category

v t e Liverpool Football Club Honours Managers Seasons Records and statistics Reserves & Academy Current season History 1892–1959 1959–1985 1985–present European record List of matches Founding Fathers of Merseyside Football Home stadium Anfield Training ground Melwood The Academy Players 100+ appearances 25–99 appearances 1–24 appearances Player of the Season Awards Rivalries League record by opponent Chelsea rivalry Manchester City rivalry Manchester United rivalry Merseyside derby Tragedies Heysel disaster Hillsborough disaster 2025 Liverpool parade attack Controversies 1915 British football match-fixing scandal 2022 UEFA Champions League final chaos Supporters Spirit of Shankly Fans Supporting Foodbanks Media LFC TV Being: Liverpool Liverpool (video game) The Anfield Wrap Well Red magazine Fearless Books 43 Years with the Same Bird Red or Dead Films Fifteen Minutes That Shook the World (2009) Will (2011) One Night in Istanbul (2014) Chants "The Fields of Anfield Road" "You'll Never Walk Alone" "One Kiss" Singles "We Can Do It" (1977) "Liverpool (We're Never Gonna...)"/"Liverpool Anthem" (1983) "Sitting on Top of the World" (1986) "Anfield Rap (Red Machine in Full Effect)" (1988) "Pass & Move (It's the Liverpool Groove)" (1996) Related articles A.F.C. Liverpool The Boot Room Fenway Sports Group Liverpool F.C. Women Respect 4 All Spice Boys Spion Kop Prenton Park Stanley Park Stadium Superleague Formula team Category

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