Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Atherton

ATHERTON PARISH CHURCH – The foundation stone of St John the Baptist’s Church, Atherton, was laid yesterday by Mr Thomas Lee. The building will be on the site of the old brick structure which has been pulled down. The chancel, vestry and two bays of the nave and aisles, now in course of erection, are estimated to cost £9,500, and to complete the church a further sum of £4,500 will be required. [Manchester Guardian 23 April 1878 page 6]

ATHERTON - The new church of St. John the Baptist was consecrated by the Bishop of Manchester on Saturday last. The building is Late Decorated in style, from designs by Messrs. Paley and Austin. The present portion has been built at a cost of £10,000, and an additional £10,000 will be required to complete the nave and tower. When finished, the former will be 137 feet long and the latter 20 feet square. The church is constructed of Runcorn stone outside, with an inside facing of Stourton stone. The font is made wholly of polished alabaster, executed by Mr. John Roddis, of Birmingham. Mr. W. Winnard, of Wigan, was the contractor, and Mr. E. Potts acted as clerk of works. [Building News 2 January 1880 page 29]

ATHERTON (MANCHESTER) - The new parish church of Atherton has been consecrated by the Bishop of Manchester. The architects are Messrs. Paley & Austin, of Lancaster, and the style chosen is Late Decorated. The building will, when finished, cost about £20,000; but at present only £10,000 have been expended, and that upon parts most needed for immediate use. When complete, the nave will be 137 ft. long, and the chancel 45 ft. long by 28 ft. wide. The roofs are of pitch-pine, open timbered. Mr. Winnard was the contractor, and Mr. E. Potts was clerk of works. The font is executed from a single block of alabaster, and was supplied by Mr. Roddis, of Birmingham. [Builder 17 January 1880 page 84]

Reference        Manchester Guardian. Saturday 28 April 1877. Page 1 (Contracts)
Reference        Manchester Guardian 23 April 1878 page 6 – foundation stone
Reference        Building News 2 January 1880 page 29
Reference        Builder 17 January 1880 page 84