St Michael's Church Tonge Middleton: Renovation

Reference           Builder 11 June 1870 Page 470

TONGE.—St. Michael's Church, Tonge, has been renovated in its internal fittings and arrangements, from the designs and under the superintendence of Mr H. Cockbain, architect, Middleton, near Manchester. The old high-backed pews have been removed, and open benches substituted, with reclining seats and backs, and the walls of the nave have been wainscoted with portions of the old woodwork. The arrangement of the chancel and choir has been materially altered. A portion of the nave floor in front of the chancel has been raised two steps, and will accommodate the clergy and choristers. Above this the floor of the chancel has been raised three steps. The walls and ceiling of the chancel have been painted with bands of powdering, diaper, and other designs in colours. These decorations have been executed gratuitously by Mr. John Deane. The wainscot on the east wall of the chancel is, like the other woodwork, of pitch-pine. Other alterations and improvements have been effected. The contractors were Messrs. Welling, Brothers, of Middleton. The ironwork was by Messrs Thomason and Company, of Birmingham and Manchester.  [Builder 11 June 1870 page 470]