Union Chapel and Schools Edge Lane Stretford

TO BUILDERS AND OTHERS – Persons desirous of Tendering for the various works required in the ERECTION of a CHAPEL and SCHOOLs, Edge Lane, Stretford, may see the plans and obtain quantities by applying at my office, 26 Cooper Street, Manchester. ERNEST BATES, Architect. [Manchester Guardian 5 March 1867 page 1]

NEW UNION CHAPEL AND SCHOOLS AT STRETFORD - The memorial stone of a new a new chapel and schools was laid on Saturday afternoon, in Edge Lane, Stretford, by Mr. John Rylands, Longford Hall. The want of another place of worship in Stretford having long been felt, a meeting was held in January 1864, at which a few friends resolved to seek the establishment of a church on the Union principle. Under the advice of the Rev. Alexander M'Laren the Rev. F. Bugby, late of Preston, was appointed to preach in the Town-hall, He did son for some weeks, and in February 1866, some members of the church and congregation thought the time had arrived when an effort should be made to erect a chapel and schools suitable to the wants of the increasing congregation. They met together and subscriptions were promised to the amount of £800, on condition that the church and congregation should at once unite in endeavouring to obtain the necessary funds. The result was the laying of the foundation stone of a new chapel and schools in Edge Lane. The new buildings will cost some £2,500. Sittings in the chapel will be afforded for 450 persons.  The style of architecture is to be Corinthian, and the structure when completed will be similar in external appearance to Zion Chapel, Stretford Road. Hollingworth stone will be used in the construction. The schoolroom, which will be behind the chapel, is to be a plain building on the ground floor, and having several classrooms, besides an infant school. Many ladies and gentlemen witnessed the ceremony on Saturday. In laying the stone, Mr. Ryland8 said : "This memorial stone is intended to form part of a building which will be dedicated to the highest and noblest purpose for which man can meet his fellow man. It is for a place to be called a Union because those who are to meet together in it agree in the inspiration of the scriptures, believe that they are the word of God, that Christ died for sinners, and that those who believed and were baptized with the Holy Spirit shall be saved. [Manchester Courier 24 June 1867 page 3]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 March 1867 page 1- contracts
Reference    Manchester Courier 24 June 1867 page 3 - foundation stone
Reference    Manchester Courier 29 June 1867 page 9 – repeat text