Wesleyan Chapel Southport

This fine edifice erected for the Houghton Street congregation, was opened a few days since, with the usual services. The style of architecture in which the building is designed is the early Decorated Gothic, most educated persons agreeing with all our architects that the simplicity and beauty of the geometric forms of this style demand its adoption, in all cases where there is no special reason to the contrary. Externally, the chief feature that meets the eye is the spire, 130 feet in height, to the top of the foliated and gilt finial by which it is surmounted. About 20 feet below this finial there is a circlet of gabletted storm lights, and there are besides, at intervals, bands of a blue tinted stone, which is also used in the relieving arches of the windows and doors. The main front gable bears on its apex a stone finial of somewhat novel design, and is pierced by a large five light window, whose head is filled with elaborate tracery. Immediately beneath the sill runs a moulded and enriched string, forming a long panel which contains in raised letters the inscription, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise." Below this string and in the centre of the front is the principal entrance a wide door, having three columns in each jamb, and a richly moulded and deeply recessed arch, the head of which is filled with tracery. Above the arch are three moulded and cusped panels filled with carving, the centre one bearing on a ribbon the inscription, "The Lord is in His holy temple." Entering by this door we are in a spacious lobby, from which we reach the chapel through two swing doors arranged so as to prevent the unpleasant rush of cold air which may be felt in some chapels whilst the people are coming in. Besides this door there are two others communicating with the front lobby, and with the staircases to the galleries, and for speedy egress there is also a door in either transept. The chapel is 110 feet long inside by 40 feet wide in the nave, and 70 feet in the transepts. There are sittings provided for about 1200 persons, of which 200 will be free. On both sides in the transepts and at the end next to Mornington road there are galleries, access to which is obtained by means of two spacious stone staircases, situated one in the tower and the other at the south-east corner of the chapel. There is an ornamental iron balustrade up the staircase, with a moulded oak handrail. At the foot of each stands a hold moulded newel. Chiefly for the sake of ladies occupying seats in the galleries the balustrade just above mentioned is not open as is often the ease, but filled in to a suitable height with a screen of ironwork. At the end opposite the main entrance is the chancel, separated from the nave by a bold arch, which springs from two corbelled columns having carved capitals. The chancel window has five lights, and as it is in the full view of the major part of the congregation, special care has been taken in designing the tracery, which is the richest in the building. The chancel walls are all covered with a soft coloured diaper. Underneath the windows is a panel in which is the inscription, in easily read letters, " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Round the window arch is another inscription, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world;" and between the window sill and the communion table are five elaborately designed tablets, the centre one containing the sacred monogram, I.H.S.; one the apostles' creed; one the Lord's prayer; and the remaining two the ten commandments. The communion table, which is of oak, stands on a raised platform, and is divided in the front into three cusped and moulded panels; the communion rail and standards are also of oak, and of a consistent design. From the chancel on the left side, a door leads to a class room of ample size, and on the other side is the minister's vestry, with all suitable conveniences adjacent; below, is the heating apparatus (Walker's, of King street, Manchester), hot water pipes from which run the length of the chapel, under all the aisles. The seats which, in the body of the chapel are of pitch pine, are of ample width and formed with sloping seat boards and backs, so that they are as easy as an ordinary chair. Book boards and rails for seats are in all the pews. Perhaps the most striking object in the chapel is the pulpit, the gift of Lawrence Heyworth, Esq. It stands a little in advance of the chancel arch, and is of Dantzic oak, beautifully figured, and on both the design and workmanship no time or thought has been spared; it is hexagonal in plan, and supported on a strong and substantial pillar, at each angle is a column with moulded base, and natural foliage carved in the cap; on each of the six sides is a richly moulded panel intertwined, filled with elaborately carved natural foliage, amongst which is a ribbon bearing, in raised legible letters, a text of Scripture; as far as possible such foliage has been chosen as might have a connexion with the text of the same panel. All the carving has been executed from the architects' design, by Mr. William Matthews, of Leeds. The chapel is approached from Mornington road, and also from Church street. A minister's house adjoins this last- mentioned entrance, and it is intended to build, immediately, schools on the ground between the chapel and the house. The architects are, Hayley and Son, of Manchester; and the contractors, John Statham and Sons, of Pendleton.[Building News 21 June 1861 Page 525]

Reference           Building News 21 June 1861 Page 525