Church of St Peter Halliwell Bolton

St. Peter's Church was built on a site given by Mr. R. R. Rothwell, the chief subscriber being Mr. John Horrocks Ainsworth, of Moss Bank House, Halliwell. Other members of the Ainsworth family were also generous subscribers. The foundation stone was laid by Mr. Robert Gardner on Thursday, 8 November 1838. The building was opened by licence on Palm Sunday, 12th April 1840 and was consecrated by Dr. Sumner, Bishop of Chester, on 11 October 1840, dedicated to St. Peter. Two years later signs of dry rot appeared in the timber, and it was decided to renew the whole of the interior of the fabric and, at the same time, to enlarge the church by the addition of North and South transepts and the building of an apse at the east end of the church. The small tower was taken down and replaced by one of enlarged ground plan and increased height in which was placed a peal of g bells, the gift of Mr. John Horrocks Ainsworth. The new roof was more ornamental, and the pew framing was altered more in keeping with the style of the church. At this time, Mr. Ainsworth also gave an organ, and bore almost the whole cost of the restoration. The architect was Mr. James Whittaker, Of Ripple Dell, who on his death was buried in the churchyard. The church, closed on the 8 May 1843, was re-opened and re-consecrated by Bishop Sumner on 30 November 1844.

CONSECRATION OF HALLIWELL CHURCH – The ceremony of consecrating this beautiful edifice took place on the morning of Saturday last. It was erected at the sole expense of I. H. Ainsworth of Moss bank House, Halliwell. ….  THE CHURCH. About two years ago it was discovered that the dry-rot had not only injured but actually threatening destruction to the whole of the pew-framing; and it was soon afterwards found out that the roof of the Church was in a very unsatisfactory state, being weak in construction, and inadequate to bear the slate covering safely. Under these circumstances, I. H. Ainsworth, Esq. decided upon its being removed and ordered an entire new roof—stronger and more ornamental— to be constructed and put up. This led to the enlargement of the Church, by taking down the chancel, which is also much enlarged, and also adding to the Church north and south transepts; the whole of the tower was at the same time taken down, and very much enlarged upon the ground plan, and considerably in its height. Nearly the whole of the Church, a great part of the porch and vestry, and the entire of the chancel being now done, Mr. Ainsworth determined the pew-framing being altered and renewed in its present form and construction, for the purpose of making it more convenient and more in character with the style of the Church. The ground plan of the building is in the form of a cross, and consists of nave, transepts, chancel, porch, vestry, and tower. The architectural style in which it is built is that which prevailed about the middle of the thirteenth century, generally designated “Early English,” into which was first introduced the pointed arch, with all its bold yet elegant and graceful ornament, which much characterizes the architecture of this age, and which, if purely carried out in ecclesiastical edifices produces the most pleasing and beautiful simplicity conceivable. The Church is very comfortably warmed with hot-water, heated in a boiler fixed in an arched vault under the chancel, from whence it flows through large cast-iron pipes, making a route under the pew floors of the south transept and south side of the body of the Church, to a cistern in the tower; and from thence returns by a corresponding line of pipes to the boiler again, forming continuous circulation,—a system producing  the most pure and agreeable heat of any yet adopted in public buildings, constructed by Messrs. Musgrave and Co., Little Bolton. This mode of heating, as to arrangement, is the same as that in Emmanuel Church, and in Bridge-street Chapel, Bolton, and also in several buildings in Manchester, and was introduced by Mr. J. Whittaker, the architect, who is preparing the same mode of heating in the Astley Bridge Church, which is new erecting under his superintendence. The transept and chancel arches are of richly wrought stonework, supported upon cluster shafts, with capitals and bases; two of the members of the entire arches being elaborately wrought with an ornament technically called  “dog tooth.” In making observations on the beautiful building, we could not avoid noticing several pleasing objects which struck us at the time. The roof is most elegant, particularly the juncture of the nave with the transepts. painted windows are executed in fine style. by Willement, the coats of arms being painted by Gardner, of Manchester. Ie the north and south transept are the coats of arms of the Ainsworth family, and R. R. Rothwell, Esq. The side windows of the Church are peculiarly formed of small pieces of glass, in a style which, we were informed, no one could have executed except Willement, the inventor; the whole cost of the windows is upwards of £300. The reredos, altar, railing around it, and steps, are most perfect specimens of art, so also is the baptismal font; the small shafts in front of the altar are turned in marble, and likewise the stone shafts at the reredos, The painting io front of the gallery, and the screen in front of the organ is highly finished; and the Royal Arms, between the vestry and window, is a fine specimen of Mr. Daggett's skill. In rebuilding and enlarging the Church, we conceive that an admirable improvement has been made by lowering the seats, which affords the auditory a better view of the minister, and likewise renders them more comfortable. We particularly noticed the handsome woodwork on the outside, and the arrangement in the inside of Mr. I. H. Ainsworth’s pew. The pulpit and reading-desk, executed by Mr John Greenhalgh, are fine specimens of workmanship; they cost £230.

The reredos and altar table in chancel will be finished to comport with the organ, and when these ed a fine antique effect will be presented through the whole. This work displays the great skill and talent of Mr. Daggett. Mr. John Greenhalgh of Bolton provided the furniture for the chancel, pulpit, and reading desk; the large clock inside the Church was made by Roberts and Co., Manchester; and that for the tower by Mr. Spencer, of Bolton. Mr. Harrison, of Horwich, executed the stonework, the stone used is from a quarry in the later township. Mr John Greenhalgh completed the woodwork work. The Church will seat 664 individuals; and has cost Mr. Ainsworth about £7,000, ….

The Churchyard is now about to be enlarged. Three yards more on West and South sides are to be added to it; and the whole is to be surrounded by a wall three feet high. We remarked in the Church yard four fine young yew trees, which were planted a short time ago by Mr. Richard Ainsworth, son of I. H. Ainsworth, Esq. [Bolton Chronicle 7 December 1844 page 3