Congregational Church Upper Park Road Broughton Park Salford

Outwardly, the church produced by S.W. Daukes for the Congregationalists in Broughton Park was indistinguishable from an Anglican church of the same period. Designed in the decorated style of the late 13th and early 14th centuries, it comprised a nave, aisles, transepts and, most deceptively, a 'chancel' at the ritual east end (In reality, the main axis of the church is north-south). At the west end of the south aisle a tall and impressive tower and spire, almost 200 feet high, denoted the main entrance to the church. The tower was of four stages with an octagonal spire above. The spire had statues of the four Evangelists beneath canopies on four sides, while spire lights were provided on the alternate four faces. Internally, the arrangement of the church remained typical of Nonconformist worship. With seating for at least 600 people, it comprised the nave, side aisles, separated by arches on clustered shafts, and transepts. The apparent 'chancel' area at the east end was of two storeys and contained vestries on the ground floor with a lecture room above, approached from a stair in the apse at the end of the south aisle.  The lecture hall provided accommodation for 200 persons. Being sufficiently elevated from the ground and separated from the church only by a Gothic screen, in the shape of open traceried Gothic windows, the hall could, by a unique contrivance, be used as an end gallery to the church behind the central pulpit, as occasion may have required. 

The Congregationalists had considerable difficulty in obtaining a site in Broughton Park. Initially, the trustees of the Clowes estate had objected to any religious denomination building within the park boundaries and it was only through the intercession of James Bancroft, the tenant of Broughton Hall that these problems were finally resolved.  Situated at the north end of the Park and bounded by roads on three sides, the site adjoined the property of Henry Lee of Sedgley Park. James Bancroft laid the foundation stone on 27 July 1872 and the church opened on Friday 25 September 1874. Mr Phillips was clerk of works and W. Southern & Son of Salford were main contractors while the Building Committee comprised Henry Lee (of Tootal Broadhurst & Lee), Thomas Rymer, Thomas Roberts, Harold Lee, James Bancroft and Joseph S. Neill. Building costs amounted to approximately ,21,000, excluding the cost of the land. The organ, by Willis of Liverpool, was added later at a cost of ,1,000. In 1879-1881 a Sunday school costing £4,000 was also constructed for the church near the Cheetham Hill entrance to Broughton Park.

In 1972, the Congregational and Presbyterian churches combined to form the Broughton Park United Reform Church. Dwindling congregations led to the church’s eventual closure about 1980. Fearing its possible demolition, a local resident, Barry Parker purchased the building but his attempts to find an alternate use acceptable to Salford Planners met with little success. For many years the empty church was included in the National Register of Buildings at Risk while the its fabric continued to suffer the effects of weather and vandalism. In 1999 a scheme for Peter Loebinger, prepared by Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams of Manchester, to restore the church and convert the site for residential use finally obtained the approval of the local authority. Completed in 2003, nine new houses were built within the grounds, grouped closely together in the manner of a traditional close while the church was converted into flats, the nave forming an impressive communal area.

BROUGHTON PARK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH - The foundation stone of a new church which is to bear this name was laid on Saturday afternoon. Its site is upon a high piece of ground near the centre of Broughton Park and close to the junction of three roads. Mr S W Dankes (sic), London, is the architect, and, although no tender for the work has yet been accepted, the cost of the erection is estimated at about £12,000. The church, which is to be built in the decorated Gothic style will consist of a nave with side aisles and transepts, the north aisle terminating in a tower and spire 175 feet high. At the east end there will be a lecture hall affording accommodation for 200 persons. Being sufficiently elevated from the ground and separated from the church only by a Gothic screen, in the shape of open traceried Gothic windows, the hall can, by a unique contrivance, be used as occasion may require, as an end gallery to the church. Without this additional providence the church will contain about 600 sittings, and there is besides, vestries for the minister and deacons, a room for ladies' meetings, conveniences for social meetings, etc. The organ is to be placed in one of the transepts.[Manchester Guardian Monday 29 July 1872 page 2].

MANCHESTER. - The foundation stone of a new Congregational Church in Broughton Park was laid on the afternoon of Saturday, the 27th ult, by Mr James Bancroft. The structure is designed in the Decorated Gothic style. It will consist of nave, aisles, and transepts; the north aisle has a tower at its termination, the spire being 175 feet in height. Accommodation is afforded for 600 persons in the church proper, and for 200 additional in a lecture hall at the east end of and communicating therewith. The estimated cost is£,12,000. Mr S. W  Daukes is the architect. [Building News 9 August 1872 page 109]

MANCHESTER - The foundation stone of a new Congregational Church, to be erected in Broughton Park, has been laid. The site is near to Broughton Hall, and surrounded by three roads. The church will be in the Decorated style. It will consist of nave and side aisles, with transepts, the north aisle being terminated by a tower and spire, rising to the height of 175 feet. At the east end of the church there will be a lecture-room affording accommodation for 200 persons. There are to be vestries for ministers and deacons, with rooms appropriated for ladies. Accommodation will be provided in the church for 600. Separating the lecture-room from the church a Gothic screen, in the shape of an open Gothic window, is designed, and, as occasion may require, it can be so arranged as to convert the lecture-room into a part of the church proper during divine service. Ample provision has been made in connexion with the lecture-room for the requirements of social gatherings. Mr. S. W. Daukes, of London, is the architect. The arrangements for the building are not yet completed, no tender having been accepted, but it is expected that the cost will amount to about £12,000. [Builder 7 September 1872 page 712]

Reference    The Builder 7 September1872 page 712
Reference    Manchester Guardian Monday 29 July 1872 page 2 - foundation stone
Reference    Building News 9 August 1872 page 109
Reference    Manchester Guardian 26 September 1874 page 7 - opening
Reference    Howell, Peter. Faber Guide to Victorian Churches. London 1989
Reference    Manchester Faces & Places
Reference    Salford Advertiser, 1 March 1990. Letter from Stanley Horrocks.