Church of St John the Baptist (RC), Ivy Street, Burnley

The new church of St John the Baptist, Burnley, was opened on Sunday 2 May 1909, (Feast of the Patronage of St Joseph), by the Right Rev Dr Casartelli, Lord Bishop of Salford. The design of the church is based on the early decorated period of Gothic architecture, and the general effect is one of simplicity yet grace. The church consists of a nave 71 feet long by 28 feet wide, with apsidal chancel 24 feet long by 28 feet wide; two side aisles 71 feet long by 10 feet wide, terminating in chapels at the east end. Two confessionals are provided in the south aisle. A feature of the church is a large west tracery window in which is used portions of the glass from the old St Augustine’s Church, Granby Row, Manchester. There is accommodation for 550 people, and the cost, inclusive of heating, lighting and benching, is £3,400. The contractors are Messrs Smith Brothers, Burnley, and the architect is Mr J B Holt, 17 St Ann’s Square, Manchester.