St John the Baptist's Church, Smallbridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John the Baptist's Church, Smallbridge |
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St John the Baptist's Church, Smallbridge, from the northwest
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| OS grid reference | SD 914,153 |
| Location | Halifax Road, Smallbridge, Rochdale, Greater Manchester |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | St John, Smallbridge |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Saint John the Baptist |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Redundant |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 29 June 1966 |
| Architect(s) | Lewis Vulliamy |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1834 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Stone, slate roof |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Wardle and Smallbridge |
| Deanery | Rochdale |
| Archdeaconry | Rochdale |
| Diocese | Manchester |
| Province | York |
St John the Baptist's Church is a historic building located in Smallbridge, a part of Rochdale in Greater Manchester, England. It used to be an Anglican parish church, which means it served the local community for religious services. Today, it is a "redundant" church, meaning it is no longer used for regular worship.
This church is a very important building. It is listed on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II building. This special listing helps protect important historical places. St John's was also a "Commissioners' church." This means it received money from a special fund to help build new churches after the Napoleonic Wars.
Contents
History of St John's Church
When Was St John's Church Built?
St John's Church was built in 1834. It was designed by an architect named Lewis Vulliamy. He was known for designing many buildings during that time.
How Was the Church Funded?
The church received a large grant of £3,253 from the Church Building Commission. This commission was set up to help build new churches in growing towns and cities. This money helped make sure the church could be built for the community.
Why Is the Church No Longer Used?
Sadly, the church was declared redundant in March 2008. This happened because fewer people were attending services. When a church becomes redundant, it means it is no longer needed for regular worship.
Architecture and Design
What Does St John's Church Look Like?
St John's Church is built from strong stone called ashlar. Its roof is made of slate. The church is designed in the Gothic Revival style. This style tries to copy the look of medieval churches.
Key Features of the Church Building
The church has a long main hall called a nave. At the front, there is a special section with three tall, narrow windows. These are called lancet windows. Below the middle window is a doorway. On each side of this front section, there is a small porch.
Above the front of the church, there is a tall bellcote. This is like a small tower that holds the church bells. It has columns and openings for the bells. There is also a clock face on each side of the bellcote. At the very top, there is a decorative point called a finial.
Inside the Church
Inside St John's Church, you can see galleries. These are like balconies that provide extra seating. They are supported by strong cast iron columns. Above the arch leading to the chancel (the area near the altar), there is a painting of angels singing.
The church also has beautiful wooden furniture. This includes pews (church benches) with special carvings called poppyheads. There is also a unique priest's chair with a misericord. A misericord is a small shelf that allowed priests to lean during long services. The church also has some lovely stained glass windows, including one from the 18th century.
More to Explore
- List of churches in Greater Manchester
- List of Commissioners' churches in Northeast and Northwest England
- Listed buildings in Wardle, Greater Manchester
