Sunday School Independent Methodist Church Barton Road Stretford
For many years the existing Sunday school in connection the Independent Methodist Church, Barton Road. has proved deficient in accommodation, and five years ago the trustees purchased a site adjoining the church containing eight dwelling-houses, the idea being to demolish a portion of the property for the purposes of a new school. Eighteen months ago, Mr Thomas Robinson of Stretford, who has been connected with the school for nearly 60 years, made a handsome gift of £1,000 to the funds and the trustees decided to take down five of dwelling-houses referred to and erect a new school on the site. On Saturday afternoon the foundation stone was laid in the presence of a large gathering. Mr John Bowden is the architect.
The new Sunday schools built in connection with the Independent Methodist Church, Barton Road, Stretford, were opened on Saturday. …. The main schoolroom provides accommodation for about 400?, and there is a lecture hall capable of holding about 250, besides 19 vestries for classes. The total is £3,250, towards which Mr. Thomas Robinson has given £1,000. Mr John Bowden was the architect. [Manchester Guardian 29 June 1903 page 3]
Reference Manchester Guardian 6 October 1902 page 6 - foundation stone
Reference Manchester Guardian 29 June 1903 page 3 – opening