Welcome to St Michaels
For all enquiries please contact: Revd Jason Powell, revjasoncpowell@gmail.com, 01706 631050. PCC Secretary – Janet Whittles, janet.whittles@sky.com Wardens – Frances Brough wardenstmichaels@rochdalenorthwest.org
St Michael’s Church, Bamford, is set back from and rises above Bury Old Road which connects the centre of Rochdale with Bury. Directly opposite is St Michael’s Church of England School. The church is stone built in a simple Victorian Gothic style. It is unpretentious and has a simple interior. It does not have stained glass. There is no grave yard. Its south side looks downhill to Queen’s Park and Heywood beyond. The north side abuts farm land.
Our church is inclusive, welcoming anyone who wishes to worship here even if it is simply to try it out. Our variety of services cater for all ages, from the very elderly to the new born. They are relaxed and vary in style but for those who wish to have a really traditional prayer book service, it is provided by another church in the benefice. In fact, movement throughout the churches of the benefice is encouraged. Services often end with a warm drink and a chat.
Besides our Vicar, we have Authorised Lay Ministers (trained by Manchester Diocese) who take part in services and other aspects of church life. We have two regular services each week at St Michael’s.
If you wish to join us, for a fleeting visit, a longer stay or just to explore what we have to offer, we would love to see you.
The church can be approached on foot via a western driveway, an eastern sloping pathway from the pavement or central steps. The only access for cars is the western driveway. Parking; There are a few spaces outside the church usually kept available for our more disabled members, and plenty of parking in the school playground opposite (not during the day on a school day)
History
St Michael’s Church and St Michael’s Church of England School share a history and the links are still strong today. Both were necessitated by the number of people largely employed in local woollen and cotton factories and small coal mines. St Michael’s School came first, beginning with an old barn at Gnat Bank in 1854. Lessons included scripture lessons. In 1868 it became a mission school with a Sunday school and evening services. Its dedication to St Michael was adopted at this time.
In June 1874 building began on a new school at the top of Coal Pit Lane. Queens Park Road did not exist at this time. The new school was opened on Ascension Day May 6th 1875. However, the school proved to be too small and was later enlarged to accommodate space for 400 children. On 15th March 1881 the parish of Bamford was legally formed. The school was licensed as the temporary church for all spiritual purposes except marriages and funerals, with the Revd J.C. Butterworth (formerly curate of St James, Heywood) appointed as the first vicar.
The site of the present church was purchased in 1882 and Mr H.C. Charlewood was appointed as architect. The foundation stone was laid on 21st June 1884 by the Dean of Manchester. The building, of the Early English Victorian Gothic style, was completed in April 1885. In 1892, an organ was installed and a small chamber erected for a water engine to blow the organ. A mosaic floor replaced flagstones in the sanctuary. The harmonium was removed and replaced with a clergy prayer desk.
In 1920 a memorial cross was dedicated to Bamford soldiers who had died in WW1. Electric lighting was installed in 1925. The 1970’s saw the widening of Bury Old Road and some loss of church land which required a retaining wall on the south side and removal of the war memorial to its present position. In March 2015, the church suffered a fire which destroyed the vestry. The fire damage was repaired. The church interior has now, in 2017/18, undergone major changes to enhance the spiritual and social functions of the church.