St Thomas' Church, Stockport

St Thomas' Church in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is a beacon of historical and architectural significance that stands proudly in St Thomas's Place, Wellington Road South. This active Church of England parish church is a Grade I listed building, a testament to its importance and preservation within the community. Designed by the notable architect George Basevi, St Thomas' Church is a splendid example of Greek Revival architecture and remains his only surviving Commissioners' church.

The History of St Thomas' Church

The history of St Thomas' Church dates back to the early 19th century. Constructed between 1822 and 1825, the church was built at a cost of £15,611, with a generous grant from the Church Building Commission. This financial support was part of the first parliamentary grant administered by the Commission, making St Thomas' the only church in Cheshire to benefit from this initial funding. The land for the church was donated by Lady Warren-Bulkeley, further cementing its roots in the local community.

Consecrated on 25 September 1825, St Thomas' originally served as a daughter church to St Mary, Stockport. At the time of its construction, the church could accommodate 2,000 worshippers, reflecting the growing population and the need for larger worship spaces. Over the years, the church has undergone several refurbishments, including a significant overhaul by T.H. Allen in 1881 and a chancel remodelling by Medland Taylor in 1890. Despite these changes, the church has retained much of its original charm and character.

Architectural Marvel

St Thomas' Church is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture, constructed from ashlar Runcorn sandstone. The building is rectangular in plan, comprising six bays in length, with a prominent clock tower at the west end and a grand portico at the east. The portico, supported by six Ionic columns, once provided a frontage onto the main road, creating an impressive entrance to the church.

The clock tower is a notable feature of the church, with bell openings and pediments towards the top, and a stage containing a clock face on each side. The tower is crowned by an open cupola, supported by eight plain columns, adding to the church's distinctive silhouette. Basevi, the architect, was reportedly unhappy with modifications imposed by the Commissioners on the towers at St Thomas' and St Mary's in Greenwich, leading him to design no further churches for them.

The north and south sides of the church are adorned with two tiers of windows, the upper ones featuring round-arched heads and the lower ones with segmental heads. This design allows ample natural light to flood the interior, enhancing the church's serene atmosphere.

Inside St Thomas' Church

The interior of St Thomas' Church is equally impressive, with galleries on three sides carried by square columns that extend to the ceiling as fluted Corinthian columns. The chancel, raised and surrounded by a balustrade, was remodelled in 1890. A semi-circular pulpit extends from the front of the balustrade on the north side, with its lower part in stone and the upper in ironwork. On the south side, a brass eagle lectern stands in a corresponding position.

The high altar is adorned with a marble reredos, carved with a depiction of the Annunciation, and above it hangs a copy of part of Raphael's painting, the Transfiguration of Jesus. The south aisle houses St John's Altar, which was relocated from the mission church of St John when it closed in 1941. The east end of the north aisle serves as the Lady Chapel, providing a quiet space for reflection and prayer.

The baptistry features an octagonal font and a mosaic floor depicting fishes, symbolizing the Christian faith. The stained glass windows, dating from the late 19th century, illustrate scenes from the life of Jesus, adding a vibrant splash of color to the church's interior.

The church is also home to a three-manual organ made by Samuel Renn in 1834, with a choir division added in 1868 by Jardine. The organ was cleaned and overhauled in 1890 by Alex Young, ensuring its continued use for worship and concerts.

A Living Church

Today, St Thomas' Church remains an active place of worship, hosting regular services on Sundays and major Christian festivals. The services are often accompanied by a robed choir, adding to the church's rich musical tradition. Recent repairs and restorations have included replacing the roof, repairing the clock faces and upper parts of the tower, and installing new washroom facilities and disabled access in 2014. These improvements have enabled the church to serve as a venue for concerts and recitals, further integrating it into the cultural life of the community. In 2016, the upper gallery ceilings were completely restored, preserving the church's historical integrity.

Standing in the modern catholic tradition of the Church of England, St Thomas' Church continues to be a vital part of Stockport's spiritual and architectural heritage. Its walls echo with the history of the town, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of England's ecclesiastical history.