Religious Institute Corporation Street Manchester

The Religious Institute, which forms the subject of our illustration, is now in course of erection in Corporation-street, Manchester. The site was purchased by subscription and the building is being erected at the sole expense of Mr John Fernley of Claireville, Southport and it is expected to be ready for occupation by February next. The object has been to provide suitable depots for the Bible ands Religious Tracts Society and offices for the City Mission; and in addition a spacious room occupying the whole of the two floor, about 40 feet by 60 feet, and accommodation for 400 to 500 persons is provided for the purpose of holding prayer meetings, tea meetings and other meetings of a strictly religious tendency; it being expressly stipulated by the donor that no political or semi-political meeting shall be allowed to be held there. Rooms for a porter's residence are provided in the basement. The front and sides as shown in the view are being executed in stone. The pilasters, shafts and spandrels of the entrance doorway are of polished Perterhead granite. In the design the aim has been to give a quiet dignity to the building by breadth of surface, deeply recessed reveals, and simple detail relieved by carving. The latter is by Messrs T & R Williams of Manchester. The Bible, an appropriate enrichment, is made to form part of the keystone of the front entrance doorway. The architects are Messrs Horton and Bridgford of Manchester and the contract is let to Messrs Swindells and Little of the same city for £4,051. [Builder 6 August 1870 Page 624]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 April 1870 Page 1 (contracts)
Reference    Builder 6 August 1870 Page 624 and illustration Page 627
Reference    Manchester City News, Saturday 1 July 1871, Page 3 Column 4 -opening