Saddleworth St Chad
Church Road, Uppermill,
Oldham
,
History: There has been a place of Christian worship on the Parish Church site since 1215 AD, when the first Saddleworth Church was established as a chapel of ease as part of the Rochdale Parish, but in time became the possession of Whalley Abbey. Under the suppression of the churches by Henry VIII, the Abbey had to submit ‘Quick Chapel’, as it was then called, to the jurisdiction of Rochdale and more recently in 1866, patronage was transferred to the Bishop of Manchester.
The current grade 2 listed re-build, which stands in it's own conservation area, is late Georgian, and possesses a rather austere exterior which suggests something of the darkening influences of mill industry which was abundant in the Saddleworth villages at the time. However the interior, which includes the original gallery, has a pleasant warmth to it emanating a surprising light and colour. The stained glass with its half-washed off detail tells the tale of the wildness of the weather in that high place, though the church does possess a fine Capronier depiction of the Visit of the Magi.
The parish has two other worship centres:
Kilngreen Mission Church, situated in Diggle, was originally established in 1785 as a non-denominational school funded by public subscription. This building was demolished in 1870 and replaced by the present building, again paid for by public subscription. Although built as a day school, it has been used for Sunday School for over 100 years under the Parish of St.Chad. The dual purpose building serves as church – with screened off sanctuary, added in the late 1950s – and community focus for many groups and events. It is also used on occasion for weddings, funerals and baptisms.
St. Chad's Parish Centre, Station Road, Uppermill, originally the Church day and Sunday school is situated in a conservation area. Since the 1970s a congregation and Sunday school have met there. The hall is also much used by community groups during the week and the Saddleworth Team Ministry office is also situated here.
