The New Church

The Rev. R.C. Fletcher, who succeeded his father in 1875, advocated the provision of a better church. In 1883 a committee was formed and the collection of subscriptions was taken in hand. From Lord Lilford £300, Mr Rawcliffe £200 (both of whom sent further subscriptions later), Rector £250 and Mrs Fletcher £40, Miss Kennedy £300 and the organ, Mrs Rawcliffe £50 and the Rederos and Miss Fletcher £100, and the parishioners responded according to their means.

On October 23rd 1886 the foundation stone was laid by Henry John Powis. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Manchester on 7th June 1888.

The collection on the foundation day was £380 3s. 7d. and on the Consecration Day £183 7s. 9d.. The entire debt was cleared on 30th June 1897; the total cost of the church was £6,138 15s. 1d.. It was decided to build a tower and spire as a memorial to the late Mrs Fletcher and in 1905 a fund was started for that purpose. Mrs Fletcher promised the church clock. Eight years later the work was put in hand, and now a handsome spire adorns the church.