St. Michael's Parish Church, Macclesfield: Memorial Pulpit and Reading Desk

A new pulpit in wainscot‑oak, from the designs of Mr. J. Stevens, FRlBA, of Macclesfield, and carved by Mr. Harry Hems, of Exeter, has just been erected in St. Michael's Church, Macclesfield. [Building News 24 December 1880 p782]

Manchester Guardian contains a description of the pulpit but gives no names.  The pulpit was given in memory of the late vicar, Rev C A Smith.

NEW PULPITS, MACCLESFIELD —The ancient parish church of St. Michael has just received some additions in the shape of an ornate memorial pulpit, with prayer-desk to correspond, erected, as the inscription upon a small panel tells the reader, to the memory of the late vicar. The new works have been designed by Mr. James Stevens, architect, Macclesfield and Manchester, and under the direction of Mr. Stevens, and from his detail drawings, the whole work has been carried out by Mr. Harry Hems, of Exeter. The new pulpit is octagonal in shape, and is composed wholly of well-seasoned wainscot oak. The style of work is Perpendicular Gothic. Each side of the pulpit is filled with sculptured figures, standing upon corbels, and sheltered by ogee-headed canopies. The figures represent respectively our Blessed Lord, St. Michael, and the four Evangelists, SS. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. [Builder 1 January 1881 page 30]

Reference    British Architect 24 December 1880 Page 272
Reference    Building News 24 December 1880 p782
Reference    Manchester Guardian Tuesday 21 December 1880 Page 5 Col 6