St Michael’s New Schools, (St Stephen’s Mission Church Schools) Little Harwood

Little has been found regarding this building. In 1884 St Michael’s church, Blackburn, determined to build a mission church-school at Little Harwood and it is assumed that the architectural competition below, was held as a result. Reports in the local press indicate that the building was opened in 1886. However, another twenty years were to elapse before work commenced on a separate church building (architects Cheers and Smith). Based on OS maps, the school-church may survive as part of Khangah School, Robinson Street, Little Harwood.

LITTLE HARWOOD - Mr. Lowe, architect, Manchester, who was called in to adjudicate upon the plans sent to the committee formed for the erection of schools at Little Harwood, in connexion St. Michael’s Church, has chosen those of Mr F J Robinson, Derby and Blackburn, as the first in order of merit, and those of Mr. J. W. Shorrock and Messrs. Stones & Gradwell as second and third respectively. The design of Mr. Robinson will be carried out. It is only proposed to erect, in the first instance, the infants’ school, to be used also as a mission room on Sundays. The building will be Gothic in style, and is estimated to cost about £1,000. [Builder 21 February 1885 page 289].

Reference        Builder 21 February 1885 page 289