Dr MacFadyen Memorial Church, Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy

Congregational church services were held in a school-chapel built in 1883 at a cost of £2,000. However the population of Chorlton-cum-Hardy continued to increase and in 1891 a movement was begun to build a new church. Named in memory of its first minister, the foundation stone of the new Congregational church was laid on 30 September 1893 by Mrs MacFadyen.  Providing seating for 700, the church was formally opened for worship on 25 October 1894. Cruciform plan with octagonal ended transepts and apse in a Decorated/ Perpendicular Gothic style. The pulpit was placed in the centre of the apse with the organ behind. The ceiling was treated in the form of a Gothic four-centred arch, lined with wood and divided into panels with moulded ribs. Organ by Brindley & Foster of Sheffield. On the main gable an open recessed porch surmounted by a traceried window. Octagonal staircase turret. Externally the church was of smooth red brick with sandstone dressings, Roof red clay tiles. Schools adjoined the church. Total cost of the church and schools, including fittings was approximately £8,000..

THE DR MACFADYEN MEMORIAL CHURCH, CHORLTON-CUM-HARDY A service to open this new church was held last night. The church has been built and furnished at a cost of about £5,200 ..... The church has been built by Mr H Matthews, Manchester, from designs by Mr F W Simon, Edinburgh. The style adopted is late Gothic. Spacious vestibules and porches give access to the interior, which is seated for 650 persons. The pulpit, choir and organ are placed in an octagonal-ended apse and the same form is used for the transepts. Externally the walls are of pressed bricks with Runcorn stone dressings. One angle of the main facade is emphasised by an octagonal turret, the spire of which is covered with red tiles, which are also used for the roof. [Manchester Guardian 26 October 1894 page 7]

Foundation 16 September 1893; Opening 25 October 1894

Reference    Manchester Guardian 26 October 1894 page 7 - opening
Reference    Manchester Faces & Places Vol 8 Page 57