Primitive Methodist Chapel. Irwell Vale near Haslingden

The first Methodist Chapel in Irwell Vale was built of local stone and opened in October 1853 on a site near Hardsough Mill. It was converted into three small cottages (Chapel Row) in 1894, although its datestone and blocked windows in the gable end still clearly proclaim its origins. By the 1880s this congregation had outgrown the chapel at Hardsough and decided to build a larger one at the end of Bowker Street. Work began there in March 1893 with the laying of the foundation stones. Just seven months later the new building was ready, having cost a total of £1,925, including everything from the purchase of the land to the installation of the organ. The chapel opened on 22 October 1893.

Memorial stones of the Primitive Methodist Chapel at Irwell Vale, Haslingden, were laid on Friday. The building will be Gothic in style, semi-octagonal in plan and will be built throughout in stone with pitch pine fittings. Mr J D Mould of Manchester and Bury is the architect and the contract has been etc for £1080 to Messrs Pilling and Halliwell of Edenfield. Accommodation will be provided for 290(?) persons. [Building News 7 April 1893. Page 469]

Reference    Building News 7 April 1893. Page 469
Reference    The Builder 1893: I: 274.
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 15 April 1893 Page 4 (Ecclesiastical Intelligence)
Reference    Building News 21 April 1893. Page 559 - same report