Congregational Church-School, Ashley Road, Hale

A building committee to build a new Congregational church in Hale first met on 31 May 1897 and subsequently issued a statement as follows: "The rapid growth of the residential district lying between the Hale Road and the Ashley Road, Altrincham, and the great increase of the population during the last few years have obliged the officers and other members and friends of the Bowdon Downs Congregational Church to consider the question of providing for formation of a New Church there. ...An eligible plot of ground has been secured on the right-hand side of Ashley Road, near to Park Road. It is proposed to erect at once a School-Church; leaving ample space in front for the main building which is to follow."

The School-Church, consisted of a large hall, with four classrooms, which could be made part of the auditorium if needed together with an Infants' room which could also serve as a Church Parlour. The total cost was £3,700, of which £780 was for purchase of the Chief Rent of the land to avoid an annual cost. The foundation stone of the new School Chapel was laid on 21 May 1898 and the building opened on 4 May 1899.

THE CHURCHES - Ashley Road New Congregational Church, Hale, Altrincham, was opened for public worship yesterday afternoon with a service of dedication presided over by the Rev. Dr. Mackennal. ….. The present building forms part of a larger scheme, which includes the erection of a more important church, the site occupying a prominent position in Ashley Road. The school church will have accommodation for about 350 sittings. A large lecture room is provided, with vestry and service room, etc. The work has been carried out by Messrs William Lambert and Son, of Bowdon, from the designs of Messrs William Waddington and Son, of Manchester. [Manchester Guardian 5 May 1899 page 5]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 21 May 1898 page 7 – foundation stone
Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 May 1899 page 5 - opening