Church of St Mary Nuthurst Road Moston

MOSTON - The new church at Moston, dedicated to St. Mary, has been formally consecrated. The land upon which the church is erected was given by the daughters of Mr. Samuel Brooks. The church has been built, licensed, and the services conducted for some ten months, but owing to difficulties that have arisen the consecration has been so far delayed. The edifice which is seated to accommodate 450 persons— 210 appropriated seats and 240 free—is built in the Early Gothic style of architecture, and consists of nave, 66 feet by 37 feet; apsidal chancel, 24 fee. 6 inches by 16 feet; organ chapel, and vestry on the south side. There are two entrances at the west end, with inner porches, separated from the church by a glazed traceried screen. The font, situated at the west end, between the two entrances, is of Caen stone, consisting of a circular bowl, with inscription round the edge, and supported by a red Mansfield shaft, with foliated capital of lilies. The pulpit, situated at the north-east angle of the chancel, is also of Caen stone, supported similarly to the font. There are seats provided in the chancel for the choristers. The chancel is raised two steps above the level of the church, and the part appropriated to the communion one, and both are laid with Shaw’s tiles. The lighting is effected by standards in the chancel, and corona on each side of the nave. The gas-fittings are by Messrs. Skidmore. Externally the building is of red brick, with blue brick bands, and the dressings to the windows and doors, which are of stone, are set in brick reveals. The west gable is surmounted by a simple little bell-turret. The roof is open timbered, and plastered between the rafters. The architects were Messrs. Horton & Bridgford, Manchester; and the contractors, Messrs. Bowdon & Edwards, also of Manchester. The cost, including heating, lighting, extra foundations, fittings, and boundary walling, has been £2,600. [Builder 30 October 1869 page 871]

Reference           The Builder 30 October 1869: page 871.