Rochdale Baillie Street United Methodist Free Church
Known as the Cathedral of Lancashire Methodism, Baillie Street UMFC was built in the poorest part of the town opened in 1837 it was a single storey building but not big enough so in 1840 the roof was taken off and another storey with a gallery added it is a classic Georgian building, later modernised
It was originally part of the Wesleyan Association, which was one of the smaller branches of Methodism which later became part of the United Methodist Free Churches in 1856 and a uniting Assembly met at Baillie Street chapel, in 1857.
The first interior picture was taken before 1892. It was ‘modernised’ in 1903 with oak pews – the very rare double pulpit shown here was then removed. After 1912 all the pews were solid oak gallery and below and were arranged in a semi circle. The communion chairs and table are now in the porch of Thrum Hall Methodist Church.
The jug pictures are from my old Methodist collection. It is a lovely 19th Century Milk Jug of Baillie Street Methodist Church, Rochdale, with Wesleyan Methodist Association inscription.
From 1878 to 1884 every Mayor was a Baillie Street man two of them were knighted
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My father Sidney Butterworth was the last choir master at the chapel and I have a lot of very fond memories of the building. My parents insisted I attend morning service and attended Sunday School every week. I still retain many of the books I won for church attendance in the late 40’s and early 50:s
Is this building still standing? My great great grandparents got married here in 1872.
I’m pleased to confirm that Paul Chadwick has been able to collect the book “A Centenary History 1837 -1937” from Malcolm Fieldhouse after we put them in touch.
Dear Malcolm Fieldhouse, I’m very interested in the centenary book you mention if you still have it. I’m researching my family history at the moment and it has become clear that Baillie street Chapel was central to that history for about 100 years.
My Granddad Fred Barber was a member of the Chapel and I understand that he and a number of his friends from the Chapel volunteered together into a Manchester Regiment Pals Battalion in 1914/15. I would be very grateful anyone had any insights into this.
I have a copy of the book “A Centenary History 1837 -1937” published by The Centenary Celebrations Committee printed by Thomas Yates Ltd, Rochdale. Is this of any interest to anybody? It came from my aunt who worked in a children’s home in Rochdale during and after the war and attended the church and was a staunch Methodist.
My parentss married here on 05/08/1950 now I can sit on a bench here with many memoris
Hello,
I have a clock that was presented to the choir master Joseph Collinge in 1901. Can you tell me anything about him?
Thank you,
Ms. Malone
I can take a picture the clock and plaque if you like.
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