Brunswick Wesleyan Schools Pendleton

Foundation stone laid Saturday 26 March 1887

In a limited competition for new Wesleyan schools for Brunswick Chapel, Pendleton (as in the case of the chapel competition), Mr R K Freeman was placed first, Messrs Maxwell & Tuke being awarded the only premium of £10 as second on merit. Seven architects were invited to compete viz: 4 Manchester, 2 Yorkshire and 1 Bolton-le Moors. [British Architect 12 June 1885 Page 280]

WESLEYAN METHODISM IN PENDLETON - The foundation stone of new school premises in connection with the Brunswick Wesleyan Chapel, Broad Street, Pendleton, were laid on Saturday afternoon by Mrs Sewell, Mr William Ashton, Miss Keevney, Mr John Nicholls, junior, and Mr D S Walton. Some time ago the building used for Sunday school purposes was acquired by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, and of late the work has been carried on at the Pendleton Town Hall.  Land having been purchased adjoining the chapel, the erection of a school has been begun from designs furnished by Mr R Knill Freeman, architect, Manchester and Bolton, by whom the plans for the chapel were prepared. The expenditure, exclusive of the cost of the site, is estimated at £3,700. The design of the new building, which includes a large central hall with classrooms on each side, and an infant school at the back, have been prepared in accordance with the requirements for day school purposes of the Education Department, and the premises will be made to harmonise with the chapel. Mr John Ramsbottom, builder, Pendleton, is the contractor for the whole of the work, and Mr James Atkinson is to be clerk of the works. The proceedings on Saturday were taken part in by the Rev John Baker, superintendent of the circuit, the Rev J. H. Corson, and the Rev. J. Cross. Mr Baker delivered an address, in which he pointed to the great good effected by the Sunday school organisation, and remarked upon the vexations and tedious delays which had met the congregation at Pendleton in carrying out their wishes in regard to the new school premises.  When the premises were completed, they would, with the chapel, constitute the most imposing block of Methodist buildings to be found, perhaps in connection with any circuit in the Manchester district. [Manchester Times 2 April 1887 Page 7]

The school replaced an earlier single-storey school building by Hayley and Son (QV) which had been acquired by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company. Cost £3,700. 800 children on register.

Reference        British Architect 12 June 1885 Page 280
Reference        Manchester Courier 28 March 1887 page 6 - foundation stone
Reference        Manchester Courier 2 April 1887 page 14 - foundation stone
Reference        Manchester Times 2 April 1887 page 7