Alterations: Palatine Road Congregational Church

The Swarbricks were members of this church in Withington, and it was Joseph Swarbrick who persuaded the Congregational Church authorities to establish a church here in 1882, although he was not the appointed architect (cf Roger Fleming Tolson). However, in 1906 John Swarbrick was asked to carry out alterations including the re-arrangement of choir, erection of halls, organ case and the Eadie Memorial Pulpit. (see separate entry) – Richard Fletcher.

MANCHESTER - The Palatine Road Congregational Church has been reopened on the completion of important structural alterations. These have involved the rearrangement of the entire choir. The high gallery, which contained the old organ and the seats for the choir, has been removed, and also the large wooden pulpit. The pulpit was one of the. rostrum type, and could not be re-used in the new scheme. In the new work, the floor of the choir has been raised three steps above the level of the floor of the church. Upon this raised floor positions have been allocated for the choir stalls, the organ, and the proposed stone Pulpit. The space for the Communion table has been placed, in front of the choir and raised one step above the floor of the church. The organ been erected against the east wall, in a central position, with, a detached console in front; On both sides the stalls for the choir have been placed parallel to the side walls of the church. The execution of the new Caen stone pulpit is now proceeding; it is a memorial to the late Mrs. Emilie Eadie, who died at Singapore. The most important feature in the choir, as it now stands, is the lofty organ case in the centre. The organ case, together with the choir stalls and canopies, has been executed in sequoia wood, which is seen to advantage in association with the light-coloured Caen stone used for the low traceried stone screen in front of the choir. The whole of the work, including the case of the organ, has been carried out in accordance with the designs of Mr. John Swarbrick, ARIBA, and under the personal direction arid supervision of Messrs. J and J Swarbrick, architects to the alterations and organ committee. The general contractors for the structural alterations were Messrs. Peace and Norquoy. of Manchester. The organ case has been executed by the builder of the organ, Mr J. J. Binns, of Leeds; while the traceried stone screen, the Verona, red marble tiling of' the Communion space, and the pulpit are the work of Messrs William Hilton and Sons, of Manchester. The wood carving has been executed by Messrs J. Hallwood and Sons and Mr. William Cowen, both of Manchester. The latter carver has been engaged exclusively upon the wood carving of the organ-case. [Building News 28 December 1906 Page 899]

Reference    British Architect 21 December 1906 Page 487
Reference    Building News 28 December 1906 Page 899
Reference    FRIBA nomination paper, 11 December 1918