St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church

Did St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church always stand here, a beacon of faith in the heart of Manchester? The answer, etched in the very brick and stone of St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church, is a tale of two structures and two locations. Our journey begins not here on Textile Street, but a few miles away in Wythenshawe. There, in the burgeoning post-war housing estate of Newall Green, stood the original St. Francis of Assisi Church. Designed by the acclaimed Sir Basil Spence, this modern marvel was conceived in 1956 and consecrated in 1961. A striking concrete cross, reaching 73 feet towards the heavens, marked its presence alongside a brick tower in the landscaped courtyard. Another cross, equally prominent, rose from the church’s front wall, a symbol of hope visible across the neighborhood. Inside, the church embraced both grand ceremonies and intimate moments of reflection. A congregation of 250 could gather in the main space, while a sliding screen revealed a small chapel for private prayer. The gallery above the entrance held not one, but two organs, their melodies filling the air during services. Embroidered art by Anthony Blee and crafted by Beryl Dean and Associates adorned the interior, complemented by communion silver specially designed by Gerald Benney. Even the font cover, lettered by Ralph Beyer, and the east wall painting by William Chattaway, added to the church’s unique character. Four stones, including one rose-hued stone from Assisi itself, were embedded in the walls and floor, connecting this Manchester church to the legacy of its namesake. The construction was spearheaded by the Reverend Ronald Pitcher, whose fundraising efforts even preceded the Bishop of Manchester’s broader appeal for new churches. Yet, this vibrant community dwindled over time. By 2012, only two members remained, and the cost of repairs became insurmountable. St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wythenshawe closed its doors. But the story doesn’t end there. The spirit of St. Francis found a new home here on Textile Street in Gorton, where a new church now bears his name. While the original building in Wythenshawe transitioned into a community center, the name and the mission of St. Francis of Assisi live on in this new location, continuing to serve the people of Manchester.