FOR men who risked their lives fighting for their country, it was a symbol of safety and hope.
Locally, it became one of Wirral's finest landmarks towering above the New Brighton skyline and visible across the Mersey.
Now SS Peter and Paul church has received national recognition for its historical importance and architectural merit.
English Heritage has announced the dome-topped building has been awarded Grade II-listed status, ensuring it is preserved for future generations.
The successful bid was put together by Wallasey Civic Society and has taken 12 months to complete.
Joy Hockey, a chartered architect and the group's planning adviser, said: "There are a few listed buildings in the area and we thought it strange that this one wasn't.
"It is such an important building, both architecturally and historically, and it is vital that it is protected.
"We are delighted that it has now been listed. With church congregations generally getting smaller and smaller, we wanted to seal its future."
Bui lt in 1935, it was designed by E Bower Norris after the existing parish church became too small to cope with the growing congregation. It was the dream of then priest-in-charge Father Thomas Mullins who wanted the people of New Brighton to have a church fit to be a cathedral.
During his time studying in Europe, he was inspired by the Renaissance architecture and wanted the design to reflect that.
The reinforced concrete shell was dressed with mixed red bricks and Ashlar limestone. The dome was clad in copper.
Because it sits on the summit of the hill 170ft above sea level, it began to be cited as a navigational reference.
The church earned the nickname "the dome of home" from returning seafarers in the Atlantic convoys and became a symbol of their safe arrival home.
Today the imposing building is still included in the marine chart for the Liverpool bay.
The church is still in use, attracting weekend congregations of more than 400, and the grounds also house a primary school.
Father Michael Wentworth, who has been at the church for seven years, said: "It is a very special building and holds a lot of memories for the families who come here."