The Hidden Gem Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary, Manchester
Shrine and Parish Church of St Mary, Manchester
Exterior of the Church of St Mary 'Hidden Gem', Mulberry Street, Manchester
53°28′49″N 2°14′47″W / 53.48028°N 2.24639°W / 53.48028; -2.24639
Location	Manchester
Country	England
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	St Mary's 'Hidden Gem'
History
Status	Active
Dedication	Our Lady of the Assumption
Consecrated	1848; 177 years ago (1848)
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade II* listed
Designated	18 December 1963
Architect(s)	Richard Lane M. E. Hadfield
Architectural type	Church
Style	Italian, Norman, Gothic and Byzantine
Years built	1844–48
Specifications
Number of domes	1
Materials	Stone and brick
Administration
Deanery	St Ambrose Barlow (South Manchester)
Diocese	Diocese of Salford
Province	Province of Liverpool

The Hidden Gem, officially known as St Mary's Catholic Church, is a beautiful church on Mulberry Street in Manchester, England. It's called the 'Hidden Gem' because it's tucked away, but it's full of amazing art and history inside! This church has been around for a long time, with its roots going back to 1794. The building you see today was rebuilt in 1848. It's so important that it's a Grade II*-listed building, which means it's a very special historic place. It's also home to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Manchester.

A Look Back: The Church's History
Outside the Hidden Gem
Inside the Hidden Gem
Gallery
See also

A Look Back: The Church's History

The first permanent Catholic church in Manchester after the Reformation was called St Chad's. It opened in 1774 and served about 600 people. These people traveled from far away places like Bolton and Macclesfield to attend services.

Growing with Manchester

As the Industrial Revolution began, many Catholic families from Ireland moved to Manchester. They came to work in the growing cotton industry. The original St Chad's chapel was used until it was destroyed by fire in 1846. A new St Chad's church was then built in Cheetham Hill.

The First St Mary's Church

In the mid-1790s, Father Rowland Broomhead, who was in charge of St Chad's, decided to open a second church in Manchester. He bought some land near Deansgate and quickly built a new church. This church opened on November 30, 1794, and was dedicated to St Mary.

Why is it Called the 'Hidden Gem'?

Many people think St Mary's was built in secret, but that's not true! Its opening was announced in local newspapers. Mulberry Street was a busy area back then. The name 'Hidden Gem' came much later, in 1872. The Bishop of Salford, Herbert Vaughan, visited the church and said, "No matter on what side of the church you look, you behold a hidden gem."

When the Old Church Fell Apart

In 1833, Father Henry Gillow, the priest at the Hidden Gem, thought the church looked old and tired. He decided to have the roof fixed and the inside redecorated. Sadly, he didn't have a professional builder watch over the work. This turned out to be a big mistake.

On August 8, 1835, at lunchtime, people heard strange cracking sounds. They looked up and saw a crack forming in the dome above the altar. The church was quickly locked up. Later that night, around 11 pm, the entire dome and part of the roof collapsed! This caused a lot of damage inside the church. Services had to be moved to a different location while they figured out what to do.

Building the Church We See Today

Father Gillow passed away in 1837 during a serious illness outbreak in Manchester. Plans for a new church site were put on hold. Instead, they decided to rebuild St Mary's on the same spot. Two famous architects were asked for designs: Richard Lane and Augustus Pugin.

Richard Lane's design was chosen. The architect who oversaw the building was Matthew Ellison Hadfield. He later designed other important buildings like Salford Cathedral. The old St Mary's Church was completely taken down. The new St Mary's officially opened in October 1848. The church's design mixes different styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Byzantine details.

Outside the Hidden Gem

From the outside, the Hidden Gem is made of plain red brick. It has a fancy bell tower and stone-framed windows. The main entrance is a beautiful stone doorway with detailed carvings. These carvings show two angels holding a round picture of the Agnus Dei, which represents Jesus. A hand above them makes the sign of the Ascension of Christ.

There's also an inscription above the door. It says, "Ascendamus in montem Domini. Et adoremus in loco Sancto eius". This combines two Bible verses: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord" (from Isaiah 2:3) and "Praise Him in His Holy places" (from Psalms 150:1).

Inside the Hidden Gem

Inside, the church has amazing Victorian carvings. The High Altar is made of marble and is beautifully carved. It features life-size statues of important figures like Our Lady, St Stephen, St Patrick, St Peter, St John, St Hilda, St Augustine, and St Joseph. In the very center, above the tabernacle, is a statue of Christ holding the Sacred Heart.

The church also has a Pietà Chapel and a Lady Chapel. The Lady Chapel is where you'll find the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Manchester. The Stations of the Cross are a series of paintings created in 1994 by the artist Norman Adams. They are painted in a strong and expressive style called expressionist.