Zion Baptist School-Chapel, St John's Street, Halliwell, Bolton

ZION BAPTIST CHURCH - Mr. Richard Hargreaves consulting engineer, of this town was instructed to prepare the plans for the church, which is likely to cost about £750, and the contract for the work was given to Mr. Maginnis of Orlando Street. The building will be plain and substantial in appearance and is expected to provide free pew accommodation for about 350 persons. The dimensions of the structure will be 50 long by 30 feet wide, whilst it is intended to form three classrooms, two twelve feet square at the rear of the church and a third 20 feet long by 12 feet wide. The site is the property of the Corporation, and it is hoped if possible, to have the building, which is situated at the junction of St John's Street and Thwaites Street, completed by the end of this year. The ceremony of laying the corner stone was performed on Saturday afternoon by Mr W. Kay, a prominent member of the body. [Bolton Daily Chronicle - Monday 16 November 1885 page 3]

Bolton Daily Chronicle - Thursday 1 April 1886 page 2
OPENING or NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL IN BOLTON - Yesterday afternoon, the Rev. Dr. Parker, D.D., of the Brighton Grove Baptist College, Manchester, formally opened the new Zion Baptist Chapel which has just been erected at the top of St. John's Street. The new building, which has no other architectural pretensions than those of comfort, has been erected from the plans and under the personal supervision, of Mr. R. Hargraves consulting engineer, of this town, the total cost, including fittings and furniture, being £850. It has a half-open timbered roof; the fittings are varnished and the appearance both inside and outside is one of neatness and solidity. The dimensions of the main building are 50 feet long by 35 feet wide, the sitting capacity being estimated at 300. Besides the main building there are a minister's vestry and two classrooms, the largest being 20 feet long by 12 feet wide, and having a cellar with furnace, etc., for heating apparatus underneath. The work of constructing the building had been in the hands of Mr McGinnis, contractor, and the heating apparatus has been supplied by the Whittaker Heating Company, of Bradshawgate. [Bolton Daily Chronicle - Thursday 1 April 1886 page 2]

Reference    Bolton Daily Chronicle - Monday 16 November 1885 page 3 – foundation stone
Reference    Bolton Daily Chronicle - Thursday 1 April 1886 page 2- opening