The Original Design...
This amazing photos are Copyright of Derek Hyamson
The original church consisted of the Nave, aisles and west tower (1835-37). The west tower was designed with octagonal turrets and pinnacles, and an embattled parapet and needle spire. This elevation has a Tudor arched entrance; and the tower houses the 3-face clock.
The main entrance (on the West elevation) led to baize covered doors to stop the draught; and this led to a panelled screen from floor to ceiling beneath the west gallery (balcony) –forming an inner porchway. Doors in this panel would lead to the different aisles.
The whole central section would have been filled with pews, possibly with a door to each. The Organ was in the original West Gallery.
The pulpit was referred to as ‘three decker’ – meaning there was an erection in the middle of the nave at the east end (with two decks for minister and clerk) above which reached a spiral staircase to the pulpit. This had thick cushions flanked by two candelabras.
Around 1845 – Side galleries were added, as there were not enough ‘free’ pews for the poor of the parish.
In 1890 – Under guidance of Canon Powell the church was extended and the new chancel, Organ chamber and Lady Chapel (to the south) were erected (Aldridge and Deacon)
A new organ was purchased and the side galleries removed
Dry rot was discoveredin the main floor and some of the pews – Therefore all the floor and pews had to be renewed along with the heating system.
26th April 1890 - The new chancel was consecrated
The Organ was moved to the Chancel – It was agreed that a new organ was to be built (by voluntary subscription)
Miss Thompson of Thingwall paid for the elaborately carved organ case
31st March 1898 – A New organ was dedicated
1967 – The Organ was rebuilt
Much of the above information taken from the book 'Knotty Ash' by Gordon Radley.
Edited by S. Thorpe and R. Southern