Church of St Mary St Mary’s Hall Road Higher Crumpsall

The new church at Higher Crumpsall, which is dedicated to St Mary, will be consecrated this afternoon by the Bishop of the diocese. The sermon will be preached by the Rev Canon Stowell MA. [Manchester Guardian 16 December 1859 page 2]

The new church in Higher Crumpsall which was consecrated on Friday last, is a simple edifice, consisting of a central nave and side aisles, in the style technically called “geometric decorated,” or “early middle pointed.” The architectural effect of the interior is happy; but we must be permitted to doubt whether the unusually massive pier, however much they may contribute to the agreeableness of the coup d’oeil, are suitable for the requirements of Protestant congregational worship in the 19th century. Gas has been introduced for the evening services very successfully. The tower is only partially built and will remain in its present state until funds are forthcoming for its completion. [Manchester Guardian 22 December 1859 page 3]

The church was built in 1858 and consecrated in the following year. The architects were Messrs Mangnall and Littlewood (sic) and the contract for its erection was carried out by Messrs Ellis and Hinchliffe. The edifice was fitted with nearly 800 sittings, and the internal decorations wre of a somewhat ornate description. From wall to wall the church measured 87 feet in length and 58 feet in breadth, and it originally cost about £5,000: to which must be added £350 as the cost of the beautiful east window, which was a gift, £40 for the memorial window in memory of the late rector (the Rev Mr Wylde)  and £350 for the organ. About five years ago the spire was added, at a cost of £1,530, which brings the total expenditure upon the church to the amount of about £7,500.

GREAT STORM. CHURCH DESTROYED BY LIGHTNING. – Early yesterday morning the city was visited by an unusually heavy storm of wind and hail, thunder and lightning. Shortly after four o’clock, when the storm was at its height, a flash of lightning struck St Mary’s Church, Higher Crumpsall, and the church taking fire, it was completely destroyed before the flames could be extinguished.  When the fire was finally extinguished, or rather exhausted, only the bare walls of the church remained standing, and some of these, especially the inner ones are not altogether safe.

Destroyed by lightning and fire. Rebuilt by J. S. Crowther in 1875. RIBA. Journal, 1900, p. 456.

Closed 1977 and demolished

Reference    The Builder 1859:831.
Reference    Manchester Guardian 16 December 1859 page 2
Reference    Manchester Guardian 22 December 1859 page 3
Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 January 1872 page 3 - destruction
Reference    The Critic – description of damage in 1872
Reference    Building News  6 January  1872 page 67-68
Reference    Building News 25 February 1872 page 150 – failure of lightning conductor

ICBS 03876     New Church, Grant approved
Reference     Minutes: Minutes: Volume 16 pages 99, 277. Includes printed circular
Drawings     Ground plan (after work);
Notes:        Joseph Clarke (1819-1888) of London conducted inspection only, 1858.