Mornington Presbyterian Church, Schools, etc., Somerset Road, Bolton

Built to the designs of the prolific Cardiff architect William Beddoes Rees and one of only a handful of chapels to his plans executed in England. The design is similar to those for galleried chapels he designed in South Wales from 1901 onwards. Gothic in style with a large traceried gable over the entrance, and a tower or turret placed to one or both sides, containing the stairs to the gallery. Especially frequent is the use of an hexagonal turret. Externally the local blue Pennant stone was used for the walls with contrasting cream Bath stone used for the tracery and dressings. Even where these materials were not readily available, a similar colour combination was used. Roofs were generally of Welsh slate from a number of quarries.

CHURCH AND SCHOOLS, BOLTON - The erection of the new Mornington Presbyterian Church, Schools, class-rooms, etc., Somerset-road, Bolton. Plans etc. may be seen by with the Rev. D. E. MacInnes, 11, Wyresdale-road, Bolton, or at the office of Mr. W. Beddoe Rees, 3, Dumfries Place, Cardiff, where bills of quantities may be obtained on deposit of £3 3s. [Builder 11 April 1908 page 438]

In 1900 a mission hall was built in nearby Mornington Road by the St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Bolton, initially to teach children. With the success of the mission, a church and hall were built on Somerset Road, and in 1910 Somerset Road Presbyterian Church was opened. The congregation grew, apparently attracting people of mainly Scottish origin until the congregation was able to support its own minister independently of St Andrew's Church. All the children's uniformed organisations flourished and there were meetings for men, young wives and women, and a drama society.

Reference     Builder 11 April 1908 page 438 – contracts
Archive        Bolton Building Regulations No 19785/1908/04/22