Christ Church, Macclesfield

Christ Church in Macclesfield stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of 18th-century Britain. Nestled on Great King Street, this redundant Anglican church is not just a place of worship but a beacon of historical significance and architectural elegance. Though it ceased regular services in 1981, Christ Church remains consecrated and occasionally hosts services, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore its storied past.

The Origins of Christ Church

The origins of Christ Church are deeply intertwined with the growth of Macclesfield during the 18th century. By the mid-1700s, the town's population had outgrown the capacity of St. Michael's, the existing parish church. Enter Charles Roe, a local industrialist with a vision. In 1772, Roe invited David Simpson, an evangelical preacher, to Macclesfield. Simpson's fiery sermons quickly gained a following, but his beliefs led to his removal from St. Michael's. Undeterred, Roe decided to build a new church for Simpson. Construction of Christ Church began in 1775, and remarkably, the main body of the church was completed in just seven months, opening its doors on Christmas Day of the same year. The towering structure, reaching 107 feet, was added the following year, designed to rival the height of St. Michael's tower.

Architectural Marvels

Christ Church is a stunning example of Georgian architecture, constructed from brick with stone facings. The church's layout includes a prominent west-end tower, a spacious nave, and a short chancel. The tower boasts west and north doors, with an elegant elliptical window above the west door. As you gaze upward, you'll notice the third stage of the tower adorned with elliptical windows, some of which are blind, and clock faces above. The belfry windows, with their two lights and louvres, add to the tower's grandeur, which is crowned by an embattled parapet above a cornice.

The nave and chancel are expressed as two storeys, separated by a cornice and topped with a parapet. At the east end, a Palladian window takes centre stage, flanked by round windows and doors. The north elevation features a striking door with a pediment above, surrounded by rusticated stone that extends up to the parapet, culminating in another pediment. Although the original pinnacles atop the parapets are no longer present, the church's exterior remains a sight to behold.

Step Inside

As you step inside Christ Church, you'll be greeted by a continuous gallery that curves around the north, west, and south sides. This gallery is supported by columns of cast iron encased in wood, an early and innovative use of cast iron in church construction. The west gallery houses the organ, a magnificent three-manual instrument built by Gray & Davison in 1875. The ceiling, with its plain plaster panelling, adds to the church's serene ambiance.

Among the church's notable features are its box pews and a small marble font. The east window showcases stunning stained glass by William Wailes, while a window on the south side features glass by Morris & Co. The south wall also hosts two significant monuments: one to Charles Roe, crafted in black and white marble by John Bacon in 1784, and another to David Simpson. The Roe monument, in low relief, includes a bust of Roe and images of his church, silk mill, and copper works.

The Bells and Beyond

Christ Church is home to a ring of ten bells, which are still used regularly. The bells, cast in 1777 by Rudhall of Gloucester, have a storied history. In 1815, the two lightest bells were sold, and the ninth bell was recast by William Dobson of Downham. The tenor bell was recast by Taylors of Loughborough in 1902, and in 1947, two trebles were added to restore the ring of ten. While the church no longer rings for Sunday services, a regular practice takes place on Monday evenings, a tradition that continues to this day.

Preservation and Future Prospects

In 1985, Christ Church was vested in the Churches Conservation Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Roe-naissance Project, established in 2012, is working with the Churches Conservation Trust and Cheshire East Council to find a new, sustainable use for this historic building. Their efforts aim to breathe new life into Christ Church while respecting its rich heritage.

Visiting Christ Church in Macclesfield is more than just a journey through time; it's an opportunity to connect with the town's vibrant history and architectural splendor. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, Christ Church offers a captivating glimpse into the past and a promise for the future.