Christ Church, Macclesfield
Cheshire
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About this Church
An engineering marvel
Built in 1775 by local industrialist Charles Roe, Christ Church was constructed of brick, using innovative cast iron columns to support the galleries. This is a very early use of cast iron in a church and may reflect Roe's innovative and entrepreneurial character.
The east window glass was given in memory of Charles Roe's son, daughter-in-law and grandson, and Roe's ornate monument, in marble, is on the south wall. It lists a detailed description of his achievements and shows in relief his silk mill (with waterwheel), his copper works in Liverpool, and Christ Church itself.
The interior resembles a modern concert hall designed so that the congregation could all see and hear the preacher. The original pulpit was more than 3.5 metres high, allowing the preacher to command the attention of his congregation throughout this large church. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism preached from this pulpit at least 12 times. Though now somewhat altered, the pulpit still survives. The outspoken preacher David Simpson, a radical socialist who championed the cause of the poor and helped found the Sunday School Movement was the much-loved first minister of Christ Church. A window depicting the Good Samaritan, commemorates him.
The church has a fine ring of 10 bells, which are still used regularly.
Please help us to keep our churches open by donating a gift of £5 or £10 by texting the numbers below or visit our donation page here.
Text MAC to 70970 to give £5
Text MAC to 70191 to give £10
Your generous donation will help us to protect a beautiful part of local and national heritage. Thank you!
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Our churches cost on average, £2500 per year
To support our conservation work and maintenance checks
Disabled Access Information
Paved paths within churchyard from highway. Step into church. Step up into chancel. Stairs to gallery. A wheelchair ramp is available.
Facilities & Hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
- Church Available for Hire
History & Further Information
Useful information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Lancashire, Cheshire, Manchester, & Merseyside County Guide 2012
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
Directions
In Macclesfield town centre on Bridge Street.
Transport
Nearest railway station: Macclesfield (0.5 mile).
Bus route numbers 42, 185, 186, 442.
Community information
All our Cheshire churches are in CCT's North region.
Useful local links:
