St Paul’s Church, Deansgate, Bolton

St. Paul's Church, Deansgate, Bolton, was built on the site of a former Unitarian chapel. The corner stone was laid in March 1862 and the church consecrated on 16 December 1865. Closed 2003. Converted to residential 2004-2006 – architects Bradshaw Gass and Hope. The church stands opposite the western end of Deansgate om a site bounded by Moor Lane and Garside Street.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ST PAUL’S NEW CHURCH – On Saturday afternoon a large concourse of persons assembled to witness proceedings connected with the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the New Church of St Paul by the Right Rev, the Lord Bishop of Manchester. …. (extensive report on procession* and proceedings) … The style of the new church is Gothic, - and the designs are from the establishment of Mr James Murray, late of the firm of Pugin and Murray, of Coventry. The church consists of A nave, north and south aisles, north and south transepts, chancel and chancel aisle, and tower, underneath which is the vestry. The roof will be open timbered, stained and varnished. The external appearance of the building will be exceedingly fine; and the tower and spire, rising to a height of 150 feet from the ground, will be a prominent and interesting addition to the architectural features of the locality. The accommodation is for 1,400 persons, and the entire cost of the building about £4,500. [Bolton Chronicle Saturday 22 March 1862 page 3] *James Murray was in the procession, carrying a trowel and plans of the church  

OPENING OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, DEANSGATE - The opening of this Church took place on Thursday. The new church may be described as cruciform in plan, having nave, transepts, chancel and aisles, with galleries over the transepts and at the west end. The tower is placed on the north side of the chancel, whence it rises bold and effective; it is surmounted by a fine and elegantly proportioned spire. The style is that of the transitional period of the latter part of the 13th century, usually designated the geometric period. The nave piers are of exquisitely-polished granite, having carved capitals of bold proportions and excellent workmanship. The roof is open timbered. stained and varnished, the lines remarkably fine, presenting from several viewpoints the appearance of almost being inlaid. The ample arches are formed of Yorkshire stone, the interspaces of brick, cement covered. The building is lighted by a series of geometric windows, varying in figure on the respective sides, but all handsome and appropriate. The east window is of large dimensions, and through the liberality of four gentlemen of the town has been filled with stained glass of artistic design and skilful execution, from the establishment of Mr. Abbatt, of London. On the various panels the subjects represented are the infant Saviour, the teaching in the Temple, the first miracle, healing the sick, preaching to the people, the crucifixion, the institution of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, the transfiguration, the ascension and kindred scenes in the life of the Divine Master and his disciples; above are geometric figures of beauty and brilliancy. The entire window, in its clearness and bright, not dazzling, colours is considered superior to any previously placed in the neighbourhood. The west window, though smaller and of plain glass is remarkably elegant and pleasing in outline and proportions. The artificial light is supplied by a number of standards rising from the seats and bearing on the top ornamental work, from which the jets diffuse the light around. These standards and the crowns are of strictly ecclesiastical design, substantial and tasteful in workmanship. They are from the works of Mr. Thomason, of Birmingham; the whole of the fittings in this department were executed under the direction of Mr Green, manager of the Gas Company, and the placing and furnishing of the work are highly creditable to the company's employees. The seats are all open, substantial, and commodious. The woodwork is stained and varnished, and great care has been taken in the construction for its preservation. The whole surface of the ground on which the church stands was covered with concrete. and by means of many apertures at the foot of the timber a supply of air is constantly passing under the sittings. Warmth is diffused by hot water apparatus—ample ventilation being secured by currents of fresh air passing through orifices provided for that purpose. 'The pulpit is placed near the chancel to the north-east. It is of oak with carved panelling, resting upon a capital and pedestal of Bath stone, in admirable keeping with the pillars and arched work of the building. A beautiful font of Bath stone, with carved ornaments, stands at the north-west corner. Both have been supplied from the works of Mr Mault of Coventry. The reading desk is on the south-east side of the church. The building is calculated to seat 1400 persons, including about 406 Sunday scholars, with other free sittings. The choir is placed on each side of the chancel, and there is a recess on the south side for the organ, which it is hoped by individual generosity or united contributions will be placed within it ere long. This fine edifice was designed by the late Mr. James Murray, of Coventry, architect, who unfortunately did not live to witness its completion. The finishing was entrusted by the committee to Mr. J. Cundall, Mr. Murray's late partner, who has succeeded to the business of the firm. [Bolton Chronicle 28 November 1863 page 3]

CONSECRATION OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, DEANSGATE - This church was consecrated by the Right Rev, the Lord Bishop of Manchester, on Saturday. The building, as we have before stated, is erected in the Gothic style of architecture; and the plan, which is cruciform, comprises nave, transepts, chancel and aisles, with galleries over the transepts and at the west end. Sitting accommodation is provided for about 1200 persons. The building was designed by the late Mr James Murray of Coventry, who, however, did not live to see its completion, and it was finished by Mr J Cundall, his late partner. The total cost was about £8000, of which almost £1,500 was expended in purchasing the site and property upon it. The corner stone was laid by the Bishop of Manchester on Saturday 15 March 1862; and the building was opened for divine worship on 26 November 1863, one of the preachers on that occasion being the late Canon Stowell. Since then, the officiating minister has been the Rev Charles Hind. The trustees of the church are the Rev H Powell, vicar, T L Rushton Esq, William Haslem Esq, Nathaniel Greenhalgh Esq, and William Ryder Esq.  …  (report continues with proceedings etc) [Bolton Chronicle 23 December 1865 page 3]

CONSECRATION OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, BOLTON The new church in Deansgate, was consecrated, on Saturday afternoon, by the Bishop of Manchester. Evening service was performed by the Rev. T. Berry of Christ Church, and the Rev. C. Hind, minister of the church and the sermon was preached by the Vicar of Bolton. There was a numerous congregation. including most of the clergy, the Mayor of Bolton, Mr. Peter Ormrod (who has munificently undertaken to rebuild the parish Church at a cost of £30,000), and other gentlemen. The Church has been built at a cost of £8,000, including £1,500 the purchase of the site. Of this amount, £4,000 was subscribed by the congregation of the Parish Church, and the remainder, with the exception of £300 from the Manchester Church Building Society, by the inhabitants or Bolton. It affords for 1,173 persons, 759 being appropriated, and the remainder are free for ever. [Manchester Guardian 18 December 1865 page 3]

BOLTON - The Bishop of Manchester has consecrated the church of St. Paul, at Bolton. The sum of £8,000 has been expended upon it, including the purchase of the site. The whole of the £8,000 has been subscribed by inhabitants of Bolton, except £300, which had been granted by the Manchester Diocesan Church Building Society. The church provides accommodation for 1,173 persons, of which number 759 have seats appropriated to them, and the remaining 414 are free. [Builder Saturday 6 January 1866 Page 17]

Reference    Bolton Chronicle Saturday 22 March 1862 page 3 – foundation stone
Reference    Bolton Chronicle Saturday 28 November 1863 page 3 - opening
Reference    Bolton Chronicle Saturday 23 December 1865 page 3
Reference    Manchester Guardian 18 December 1865 page 3
Reference    Builder Saturday 6 January 1866 Page 17