Primitive Methodist Chapel and Schools, Redearth Road, Darwen

NEW PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL AND SCHOOLS. OPENING SERVICES YESTERDAY - The New Primitive Methodist Chapel, Redearth Road, Darwen, was opened yesterday afternoon ….  The chapel is a Gothic structure of stone, consisting of nave 72 feet long by 36 feet wide, with transepts on each side 15 feet long by 24 feet wide, the whole covered with a massive open timbered roof. The seats are open benches of pitch-pine, varnished, and provide accommodation for 700 worshippers. At the end of the nave opposite the main entrance are the minister's and singers' vestries, the organ chamber and choir seats being above.  Underneath the chapel are two schoolrooms measuring 68 feet 6 inches by24 feet and 63 feet 6 inches by 36 feet respectively and each being 12 feet in height. Beneath the vestries and vestibules are four classrooms. The public entrance is from Redearth Road by means of two large doorways in the front gable of the nave and over the vestibule is a commodious gallery intended for the younger school children. The building is remarkably well lighted. Mr Edward Radcliffe of Darwen was the contractor, the architect being Mr John Wild of Oldham. [Darwen News - Saturday 20 April 1878 page 2]

Reference    Darwen News - Saturday 20 April 1878 page 2