Manchester Road Wesleyan Methodist Church: Manchester Road Burnley
Built between 1903 and 1905, this church had a prime position on Manchester Road just south of the town centre. Surrounding it were some very grand houses – Spring Hill, Carlton House, Healey Mount and Green Hill. The building was largely financed by the daughter of George Barnes, a local cotton spinner, and the opening ceremony took place on 26 October 1905. Due to dwindling congregations, most of the church was demolished in 1974, but the 120-foot spire was retained and is now a Grade II Listed Building. A plaque on the spire reads: "This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Thomas Cook JP 26th August 1909 to 22nd June 1972, who desired this steeple be preserved as the landmark it is, a symbol of the former use of this site as a place of worship to God and the enduring craftsmanship of times past." [RF]
WESLEYAN CHURCH, BURNLEY - This church is in the course of erection on an elevated site in the Manchester Road, Burnley. The plan is arranged on the principle of the broad nave which is specially suited to Non-conformist worship, with transeptal projections to the north and south and a spacious chancel. The buildings external to the church itself comprise a large Church room, vestries etc. The walls are to be faced with Yorkshire stone throughout and the cost will be about £7,500. [British Architect 15 January 1904 Page 60]
Reference British Architect 15 January 1904 Page 60 and illustration
Reference British Architect 22 January 1904. Illustration.
Reference Manchester Guardian 23 July 1904 Page 4 - contracts for carpentry and joinery
Reference Building News 8 July 1904 Page xiii (Tenders)
Reference British Architect 3 November 1905. Page 321.