Here at St. Edward the Confessor, we find ourselves standing before a testament to faith. This church has served the Rusholme community since its founding in 1861. Imagine Rusholme back then. It was a largely rural area.
Father Thomas Fox was sent to take charge of the new mission in early 1862. He built the church. It quickly became clear that the church’s size was not designed to cope with the growing population.
Let’s step back and appreciate the architecture of St. Edward the Confessor. Edward W. Pugin designed it. The foundation stone was laid on April 11, 1861 and the church opened on February 27, 1862. Yorkshire stone and Hollington stone form the exterior. The style is Geometric Middle Pointed with original details.
Notice the tower at the southwest angle. Plans included an octagonal spire reaching 130 feet but it was never completed. The church accommodates about 600 worshippers. Its construction cost about £3,200. Two brothers, Messrs R and P. O’Connor, gifted £1,000. John Eaton of Ashton-under-Lyne was the builder.
Inside St. Edward the Confessor, the nave and aisles are separated by six cylindrical piers. They are made of polished Aberdeen granite. These rest on octagonal bases of white Sicilian marble. Internal flying buttresses of brick support the aisle roofs.
Originally, the high altar was made of Caen stone. It had pillars of serpentine with a tabernacle and canopy. Two stained glass windows by R B Edmundson & Son added to its beauty.
Significant changes occurred in 1963. Geoffrey Williams of Greenhalgh & Williams oversaw a reordering. New roof lights were installed. The sanctuary was redesigned with a new predella and marble floor. Marble lining was added to the wall. The high altar and communion rails were replaced. The Lady Chapel was similarly altered. The gallery was strengthened. A new timber front and screen formed a narthex. New benches were provided. A new font was added. A wrought iron gate was fitted to the baptistery. The church was extended to provide sacristies and confessionals.
Today, the baptistery has been converted into a piety stall. The altar has been moved forward. The communion rails have been removed.
St. Edward the Confessor stands as a landmark. It reflects the enduring spirit of its parish. The church serves as a testament to the evolving faith of the community.