The History of Our Parish

St Peter’s Church, Stalybridge

St Peter’s Church is a fine example of early nineteenth-century Catholic church architecture. Constructed in stone between 1838 and 1839, its design reflects the restrained, slender forms of the Early English Gothic style that preceded the more elaborate Gothic Revival associated with Augustus Pugin. The church was designed by the distinguished architect Matthew Hadfield, who would go on to undertake numerous significant commissions for the Catholic Church.

The Catholic community in Stalybridge was already establishing its presence before the church was built. A Catholic priest founded a ‘night school’ in the town in 1834, and four years later construction began on the new church. The foundation stone was laid by Matthew Ellison, agent to the Duke of Norfolk’s northern estates and uncle of the architect. The building was completed at a cost of £5,000 and opened in 1839.

Although the church has undergone several alterations over the years, it retains a number of significant architectural features. Most notable is the high altar and reredos, installed in 1869 to designs by the renowned architect Edmund Kirby. The intricate carving was undertaken by T. R. E. Williams, with metalwork by Hardman. The chancel is framed by a series of striking relief arches, which were once enhanced by elaborate stencilled decoration. This decorative scheme, illustrated in Plumb (p. 50), has since been painted over.

The church underwent refurbishment in 1929, when various improvements were made and the confessionals rebuilt. Further changes followed during a reordering in the mid-1980s, when the altar was brought forward to reflect changing liturgical practice. A pulpit dating from 1891 was dismantled, with elements reused in the construction of an ambo and a font.

Other alterations have included the reglazing of most windows, changes to the gallery, repairs following a fire, and the addition of an external access ramp. The blocking of the eastern windows may also have been associated with the installation of Kirby’s altar and reredos, although the precise sequence of these changes is uncertain.

Architecturally, the church is characterised by its stone construction and Early English Gothic detailing. An attached presbytery stands on the south side. The symmetrical west front features a triplet of slender lancet windows above the entrance, flanked by single lancets and framed by pinnacles. Tall, narrow lancet windows continue along the sides of the building, while the east end features a central blocked triplet of lancets, with pinnacles providing emphasis at the centre and to either side.

Despite the changes made over nearly two centuries, St Peter’s remains an important expression of the development of Catholic worship and architecture in Stalybridge, retaining the distinctive character of its early design alongside the craftsmanship of its later additions.

St Raphael’s Church, Millbrook

St Raphael’s Church is a striking example of experimental church architecture from the 1960s. Designed with a distinctive modern character, the building retains much of its original form and interior detailing, offering a glimpse into a period when architects were exploring new ways of shaping spaces for Catholic worship.

The parish of St Raphael’s was established in 1958, following its separation from the neighbouring parish of Stalybridge. The new church was intended to serve the Millbrook community, where industry remained a defining presence in everyday life. Designed by Edward Massey and Alan Burton of Massey & Massey (Plumb, p. 50), the building reflected the architectural experimentation and changing approaches to church design that characterised the period.

The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Murphy on 14 October 1961, and the church was solemnly opened by Bishop Grasar on 25 April 1963.

Inside, several distinctive features contribute to the church’s architectural and artistic significance. These include a stained-glass screen by Pierre Fourmaintraux, an original corona, and ceramic Stations of the Cross and holy water stoups by Alan Boyson. Together, these elements create a memorable interior in which contemporary design, craftsmanship and religious symbolism are brought into close relationship.

In 2011, an estimated repair bill of £250,000 led to the decision to close the church. The final Mass was celebrated on 14 July of that year, leaving the building’s future uncertain. Its architectural significance was recognised later in 2011, when it was listed at Grade II in December.

The United Parish

On 31 March 2012, the parishes of St Peter’s, Stalybridge, and St Raphael’s, Millbrook, amalgamated to form the present parish. The union brought together two churches with very different architectural histories: St Peter’s, rooted in the Gothic traditions of the nineteenth century, and St Raphael’s, representing the innovative spirit of post-war church design.

Together, they reflect the changing character of Catholic life in the area, preserving the architectural, artistic and spiritual heritage of the communities they have served.