Brookfield Unitarian Chapel, Gorton
On Saturday last the corner stone of a new Unitarian Chapel, which is in course of erection at Gorton near Manchester, was laid. The building is designed in the Gothic style of architecture and may be more specifically described as Geometric Decorated. It will be faced entirely with stone externally, having ashlar dressings of Darley Dale stone to doors windows buttresses angles of tower, etc. and the spire will be built wholly of the same description of stone. Internally the walls will be of brick, plastered. Mr Thomas Worthington is the architect; and Messrs Clay and Sons of Audenshaw are the contractors for the building, the amount of their estimate being £5,504. This sum, however, is exclusive of the marble pillars and stone arches to the clerestory, and also of the fittings. [The Architect 6 November 1869 page 231]
NEW UNITARIAN CHAPEL AT GORTON - On Saturday the corner stone of a new Unitarian Chapel, which is in course of erection at Gorton near Manchester, was laid by Mr R Peacock of Gorton Hall. The ceremony was attended by a large number of the congregation belonging to Gorton Old Chapel and the children connected with the Unitarian schools at Gorton. … Upon a plate deposited under the corner stone the following inscription was engraved – “Erected for the worship of God, Anno Domini 1869, by Richard Peacock of Gorton Hall, civil engineer and justice of he peace, and presented by him to the congregation of Protestant Dissenters assembling for worship in an old chapel near the site, called Gorton Chapel, bearing the date 1703.” After the stone had been laid Mr Peacock briefly addressed the assemblage, remarking that a new chapel was fast falling into decay, and did not afford sufficient accommodation for the growing requirements of the congregation. The share which he took in the building was intended as a token of thanksgiving for the restoration to health of some members of his own family.
The chapel will be situated on the Hyde Road about three miles from Manchester on land adjoining the present schools and old chapel, and will consist of a nave, 77 feet ling 21 feet wide; north and south aisles, each 70 feet 6inches long, 10 feet 6 inches wide, making total width of 42 feet(inside); communion space or chancel, 25 feet long 19 feet wide, raised above the floor of the nave by three steps; organ chamber on the north side of the chancel, and vestry on the south side, with heating chamber under. The tower will be on the north side, fronting the turnpike road, the lower part forming the principal entrance to the chapel, and will be surmounted by a plain spire, which rises to a height of 100 feet from the ground. In the upper stage of the tower it is intended to place the bells for which proper provision will be made. There will also be a porch on the opposite side, intended chiefly for the use of the school children. The chapel will afford easy and comfortable sittings for 230 adults, 146 children and 24 singers in the choir, in all 400 persons; but would really accommodate from 500 to 600 should occasion require. The building is designed in the Gothic style of architecture, and may be more particularly described as Geometric Decorated; it will be faced entirely of stone on the outside. Having ashlar dressings of Darley Dale stone to the doors, windows, buttresses, angles to the tower, etc., and the tower will be built of stone of the same description of stone. Internally the walls will be of brick, plastered; the piers between the nave and aisles (which divide the length into six bays) and the shafts to the chancel arch will however, be of polished marble and the arches above of stone. The roofs will be open-timbered, and all internal woodwork, seats, doors, and other joiners’ work of pitch-pine, stained and varnished. The pulpit, reading desk, communion table, font and other fitting are not yet determined; but it is expected that ample funds will be forthcoming to finish them handsomely, and materially enrich the general effect of the building. The chapel will be heated by hot-water pipes, and special attention will be given to render both the warming and ventilation as effective as possible. Mr Thomas Worthington is the architect, and Messrs Clay and Sons of Audenshaw are the contractors for the building, the amount of their estimate being £5,504. This sum, however, is exclusive of the marble pillars and stone arches to the clerestory, and of the fittings also. [Manchester Guardian 1 November 1869 page 3]
BROOKFIELD – A new Unitarian church, at Brookfield, Gorton, was opened on Wednesday week. The church consists of a nave 77ft. long, 21ft. wide; north .and south aisles, each 70.5 feet long. 10.5 feet wide, making a total width of 42ft. inside; chancel, 25ft.long, 19ft. wide. The church contains sittings for 264 adults, 162 children, and 24 singers in the choir, in all 450 persons. Internally, the effect of the building is enhanced by the introduction of polished red granite columns between the nave and aisles, which divide the length into six bays. The arches are built of stone, with labels springing from carved corbels, having the lily, passion flower, and other emblematic foliage. The chancel floor is laid with Minton's encaustic tiles, of a rich pattern. The building has been erected by the general contractors, Messrs. Clay & Sons, of Audenshaw. Mr. Thomas Worthington, of Manchester, is the architect. [Building News 29 December 1871 page 501]
Reference Manchester Guardian Monday 1 November 1869 Page 3 with notes
Reference The Architect 6 November 1869 page 231
Reference Manchester Guardian 21 December 1871 page 7
Reference Building News 29 December 1871 page 501
Reference Builder 30 December 1871 Page 1034