Congregational Chapel and Schools, Cheadle Hulme

The memorial stone of a new chapel for the accommodation of the Congregationalists resident in Cheadle Hulme, was laid on the 27th ult. The chapel consists of a nave, with an apsidal, and semi hexagonal in plan. The nave is in seven bays, with traceried windows on the sides, the two bays next the centre of the sides having three-light windows. The other windows are of two lights each, and all have traceried heads under Gothic equilateral arches. A semi-detached building, with an apsidal end, forms a vestry and porch to the chapel, and beneath this is a cellar for the heating apparatus, which will warm both chapel and schools. The contractor is Mr G Atkinson, of Stockport. The cost of the building will probably be about £3,000. Mr. Henry Littler, of Manchester and Cheadle Hulme, is the architect. [Building News 4 June 1869 page 511]

CHEADLE HULME - The memorial stone of the new Congregational Church at Cheadle Hulme, has been laid. The edifice consists of a nave with an apsidal end, semi hexagonal in plan. The nave is in seven bays, with traceried windows on the sides, the two bays next to the centre of the sides having three light windows. The other windows have two lights each, and all have traceried heads under Gothic equilateral arches. The chief entrance is at the north-west angle by a porch beneath a tower, about 11 feet square at its base. The tower is carried up square, with buttressed angles for about 40 feet when it slightly diminishes by stone weathering courses, on which the tower assumes an octagonal form, with two light windows on each face, the angles of the weatherings being surmounted by pinnacles about 12 feet high from base to apex. The tower is to be roofed with timber, and covered with slates on green and blue bands. From the ground to the apex of the tower will be about 95 feet. At the north eastern angle of the church is another porch, with gabled roof. The roof of the chapel (open-timbered) is of one span, the principals of which spring from stone corbels about 8 feet from the floor, and assume the form of a pointed arch. The windows at the apse end are a considerable height from the floor, so as to admit of an organ being placed beneath them. Preparations are being made for a gallery to be added at a future time if required. Externally, in the south-west elevation, comprising the chief entrance and tower, each bay is marked by a buttress between the windows. The elevation to the north-west comprises the tower at the angle, the secondary porch at the opposite angle, and a broad gable, divided into three bays of buttresses. The centre bay is filled with a five-light traceried window; the two others with similar windows, but of two lights only. The two other elevations are somewhat less ornate, though of a similar character. The chapel will be covered with blue slates, and the straight line of roof will be broken by dormers. The school building communicates with the chapel by means of the secondary porch, and comprises a room 40 feet by 25 feet, and about 17 feet high to the centre of the waggon-headed ceiling. Adjoining are two class-rooms. The cost of the building will probably be about £3,000, the site for which has been given by Mr Storey. The architect is Mr Henry Littler, Cheadle Hulme and Manchester. Mr George Atkinson is the contractor, Mr George Roy supplying the mason’s work. [Builder 19 June 1869 page 491]

Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 5 September 1868 Page 8 (Contracts)
Reference    Building News 4 June 1869 page 511
Reference    Builder 19 June 1869 page 491