A Brief History of Greenacres Congregational Church

Greenacres Congregational Church. Drawn by Mr Bill Mason for our 325^th Anniversary Celebrations in 1997. The first licensed place of worship – 1699 – taken from a drawing by Mr Bill Mason. The second licensed building and first purpose built Church – erected in 1785 and taken down in 1854 – taken from a drawing by Mr Bill Mason. The 1854 Church building, which is still used for worship today – taken from the Church History book of 1983. An architects drawing of the Church with Church Hall and Kitchen added in 1982 – taken from the Church History book of 1983.

Greenacres Congregational Church has a very long and proud history, a history which spans virtually the whole period of non-conformity in this country. The beginnings of non-conformity can be traced to the Act of Uniformity in 1662, which set out the beliefs and practices to which all Ministers of the Church had to subscribe. There were many whose consciences would not allow them to do so, and they were summarily ejected from their livings. One of those ejected in 1662 was the Rev Robert Constantine, the Minister of Oldham Parish Church. In 1672 he began preaching to the people of Greenacres in a thatched cottage. After a short time they moved to a larger building nearby, and in 1699 yet again. In the 1780's, as the cause flourished, it became evident that those premises were inadequate and a decision was made to erect a larger and better Chapel suited to the requirements of the Congregation and the surrounding neighbourhood. This was opened in 1785. The Church continued to grow and in 1822 major alterations were carried out to provide larger and better facilities. A Sunday School had been operating in conjunction with the Church since 1812 but had outgrown its premises. Plans were made for the building of a new Sunday School, which was completed and opened in 1851. In August 1853 the Church Meeting decided that a new Chapel ought to be built containing 800 seats and at a cost of £2000. The new building was opened in August 1854, and is the one still in use today. The Church had never been inward looking and during the previous 100 years had helped to spread Congregationalism throughout the surrounding area, assisting in the establishment of the new Churches at Delph, Hope and Waterhead. The 1854 Church was soundly built and has served well for over 100 years. Minor extensions were completed in 1903, and electric light was installed in 1913. In the 1970's it became clear that the struggle to maintain two old buildings (the Church and Sunday School) was adversely affecting the health of the Church, and after much heart searching it was decided to sell the School and convert the Church into a dual-purpose building. This work was completed and the first service in the altered and renovated Church was held in August 1976, and coincided with the first service conducted by the Rev. Gordon Taylor. Ironically, after disposing of the Sunday School it was found that more room was needed for Church activities! In 1982 a stone extension was added to the Church, followed in 1990 by a new kitchen to permit adequate catering for social and other functions. In 1991, a major reconstruction and renovation of the Church premises began after a severe infestation of dry rot was found. The Church was completely renewed, a new first floor was added, a lounge and Minister’s office replaced the old vestries and a new entrance tower constructed. The reconstruction continues to take shape, as work on the Church roof and first floor is yet to be completed.