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St John the Baptist's Church, Smallbridge
St John the Baptist Church, Smallbridge - geograph.org.uk - 467639.jpg
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.

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.

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