St Paul's Methodist Chapel. Didsbury

Built as a memorial to James Heald, a generous benefactor of the Methodist church who owned extensive lands in Didsbury. Unlike the plain style typically adopted by the Methodists, St Paul's with its broach spire was of the most ornate chapels built in England. The chapel was built in the grounds of the Methodist Training College in Didsbury. James Heald was actively involved in the College and it is believed that he was highly influential in determining its location close to his home.

DIDSBURY - A new Wesleyan chapel has just been opened at Didsbury. The building has been erected from plans prepared by Mr H H Vane, architect Central-chambers, Liverpool but in consequence of the death of Mr. Vale the work has been superintended by Mr. Barry of Liverpool. The material used for the exterior is Yorkshire stone, with dressings of stone from Dunford Bridge. The chapel consists of nave, aisles, transepts, chancel, vestries and organ chamber. The pillars in the aisles are of polished Aberdeen granite. The interior walls are of Hollington stone, and the roof is curved and boarded, between moulded ribs with pitch pine. The chapel is capable of accommodating about 600 worshippers. It is surmounted by a spire132 feet in height. The work has been carried out by Messrs Holme and Nichol, contractors, Liverpool; the masons being Messrs Ellis and Hinchliffe of Manchester. [Building News 26 Jan 1877 Page 101]

Reference    Building News 26 January 1877 Page 101
Reference    British Architect 26 January 1877 Page 58 (descriptive note)