St John's Church Facit near Rochdale

The foundation stone of a new church at Facit, near Rochdale to be dedicated to St John, has been laid. The design for the church comprises a nave, transept, baptistry, south-west tower and spire, vestry and organ chamber. The building is to be of stone, mainly from an adjoining quarry. Although by the same architects - Messrs Medland and Henry Taylor of Manchester - the design differs essentially from the other Rochdale churches [Builder 2 July 1870 Page 531].

ST JOHN’S CHURCH FACIT ROCHDALE – This church, which was consecrated yesterday by the Bishop of Manchester, is at present only a portion of the original and complete design. The part now built comprises a chancel, 28 feet by 19 feet, with north and south chancel aisles; a nave 72 feet by 38 feet; a western porch, 25 feet by 6 feet; baptistry 14 feet by 8 feet; and a south-west porch, which is the basement for the future steeple. The present accommodation is for 467 adults, but when completed the church will have 156 additional sittings, making a total of 623. The architectural style is early Decorated Gothic, the tracery and other ornamental features being of geometrical forms. The cost, including between £300 and £400 for foundations, has been £3,500. The contractor for the work was Mr W Storrs; the foundations being put in by Messrs Longworth and Company. The architects are Messrs Medland and Henry Taylor, of Manchester. [Manchester Guardian 2 December 1871 page 8].

Reference    Builder 2 July 1870 Page 531
Reference    Manchester Guardian 2 December 1871 page 8 - consecration