Church of St Mary Preston

ST. MARY'S CHURCH. — The first stone of this edifice was laid in May 1836. It was opened for service in 1838 and enlarged in 1853. It is eighty-six feet in length, and the height of the spire is about one hundred and four feet. In 1849, an organ, built by Messrs. Kirtland and Jardine, was erected, the necessary funds being realised by public subscription. This church likewise owes its existence principally to the exertions of the late Rev. R. Cams Wilson. M. A. The land was presented by Mr. John Smith, who likewise contributed two hundred pounds towards the funds for the erection of a school in connection with the church. The structure was designed by Mr. John Latham, and is in the Norman style of architecture, with a curious spire of a somewhat doubtful character. The enlargement was effected under the superintendence of Mr. Shellard, of Manchester. By the erection of this transept additional accommodation for about four hundred persons is obtained. 

Reference    Charles Hardwick:  History of Preston and its Environs 1857 page 477