Alterations: Church of St Thomas Wellington Road Heaton Chapel

ST THOMAS CHURCH, HEATON CHAPEL - The rapid increase in the population of this parish of late years has made the provision of further church accommodation absolutely necessary. The old parish church of St Thomas (of which the Rev E Dudley Jackson is rector) was built 110 years ago, and has been several times enlarged, so that, from being originally of the size of a chapel of ease it is now a goodly parish church, capable of accommodating 1,200 worshippers. The last alterations, which are just completed, consist of two galleried chapels, one on each side of the chancel, by which 236 seats have been added to the church. The ceiling of the transepts has been raised, and a great additional improvement will be effected when, at some future time, the low flat ceiling of the nave is also raised. A new belfry and an elegant new porch at the principal entrance have been erected; and it is also intended to provide a lych-gate. The enlargement by the provision of two chapels, has been a clever solution of a difficult problem, by Mr Medland Taylor, architect of this city; and the best justification of these changes is found in the fact that nearly all the new pews have been let before the church is re-opened. The principal novelty, however, remains to be noticed. Some six or seven years ago we described the beautiful east window erected in the church by Mr Capronnier of Brussels. There is nothing to equal it, in the way of stained glass, in the county. The subject is the Crucifixion, and we are somewhat surprised that it has not ere this been made familiar to the public by engraving or coloured photograph. It was felt as a duty by the vestry to fill all the other windows of the church with stained glass that might not be unworthy of the neighbourhood of such a chef d’oeuvre. Unfortunately there were two inferior single light windows on either side of the transparent altar piece which could not be touched. But the other painted glass in the church, which was crowded into two windows, was taken out, the windows have been rebuilt with stone mullions, and the lights filled with stained glass. Two windows are occupied with figures of the evangelists, of St Peter and St Paul. The other windows in the nave, transepts and chapels have a delicate background of tracery, supporting the arms of the 28 sees of England and Wales, the royal arms, and those of the duchy of Lancaster. We do not know any other church so rich in ecclesiastical heraldry. The effect is excellent. The windows in the large gallery have figures and groups representing St Thomas and Charity. The wheel windows in the transept gables are filled with elegant geometric designs. All the stained glass work has been done in very good taste by Mr J Scott, of the firm Messrs Scott and Company, Oxford Street. The cost of the alterations has been £1,200 towards which £850 has been raised. The church will be re-opened tomorrow (Friday) evening, when the Bishop of Manchester will preach. [Manchester Guardian 6 October 1870 page 6]

Note – See also Bernard Miller (qv) proposed rebuilding of the church in 1935 (sanctuary only completed). 1870 galleried chapels transepts etc demolished to allow construction of sanctuary. Capronnier glass in east window was placed in storage in the nave gallery but was subsequently lost.

Reference    Manchester Guardian 6 October 1870 Page 6 Column 4
Reference    Builder 22 October 1870 Page 852 + notes
Reference    Stephen Shaw: History of St Thomas, Heaton Chapel