Chancel: St Thomas St Thomas' Place Wellington Road South Stockport

ST THOMAS’S STOCKPORT – At a cost of some £1,200, a chancel has been erected in this church under the direction of Mr Medland Taylor, architect, Manchester. The material is stone, with balustrade, and steps and floor of variegated marble. Carved oak benches are provided for clergy and choir, the whole being of handsome design, in keeping with the massive proportions of the building.  ….. Yesterday the new chancel and pulpit were used for the first time. The alterations, from the designs of Mr Medland Taylor of Manchester, include the formation of a chancel within the church by marking off a raised platform, enclosed by a low wall and balustrade. There are nine steps in all leading to the Lord’s Table, this elevation alone giving much dignity to the east end; while a new reredos of alabaster and marble greatly enhances the effect and value of the pre-existing fine picture of the Ascension. Triple oaken sedilia with stone canopies north and south of the chancel and a credence on the east wall have been provided. The new pulpit projects from the west wall of the chancel, the projecting part being carried by two stone pillars, while its oak rails supported upon wrought iron standards. There are three rows of choristers’ seats on each side. They are of oak and handsomely carved. The organ has been taken down from the west gallery and put up at the east end of the north gallery, after having been altered and improved by Messrs Young at a cost of about £300. The old three- decker pulpit has been converted into a screen, which partitions off the east end of the south aisle, making it into a choristers’ vestry. [Manchester Guardian Monday 7 April 1890 Page 7]

Reference           Manchester Guardian Monday 7 April 1890 Page 7, Column 2 -Ecclesiastical Intelligence