Congregational Church, Belper

A design has been prepared by Mr Woodhouse, architect, of Bolton for a new Congregational Church at Belper. The church will be built in the Gothic style, with tower and spire, at a cost of about £3,000. Upwards of £1,000 has been already raised by local efforts towards the carrying out of the scheme.

BELPER - Tenders have been received for the erection of the new Congregational Chapel by the architect, Mr George Woodhouse, of Bolton. The estimates vary from £4,800 £3,403. The latter tender, that of Messrs. Walker and Cash, of Dronfield, has been accepted. The chapel will be built in Gothic style of architecture, and will seat from 500 to 600 persons. A new school and class rooms were recently erected. The total cost, including the chapel, will be £3,500. [Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 10 June 1871 page 6]

THE FORMER Congregational Church, which was derelict for many years, is being restored and converted into a family home, assisted through a Heritage Lottery Fund grant within the THI  scheme. Good progress has been made, with the roofing work, drainage and various internal works complete. The Stained Glass Windows are being installed and work is expected to be complete by the end of March. Page 9 WORLD HERITAGE NEWS from the Derwent Valley CONSERVATION .

Builder – Walker and Sons, builders, Wirksworth and Charles Cash, joiner Duffield . Cost £4,200 {Derby Mercury]

Reference    The Architect Volume III 22 January 1870 page 85
Reference    Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald 10 June 1871 page 6
Reference    Derby Mercury 13 September 1871 page 3 – memorial stone