Old Chapel

We were established in 1707. The present chapel is a large imposing neo-gothic chapel built of Yorkshire stone, with seats for 200 plus, with many fine features.

Its sandstone pinnacles and impressive west front give it an air of majesty. The main structure was built in 1838 by Robert Tattersall of Manchester on the site of the original 1707 meeting house, and the west front was added in 1893, the architect was Worthington and Elwood.

On the inside a wide porch leads into the main body of the chapel and also has doorways on either side which lead up to the gallery which contains the original 1838 box pews. Here too are the best views of the magnificent Victorian stained glass much of which was made by Comere and Capronnier of Brussels. One later window, the St George window was dedicated in 1921 to the men who fell in the first world war.

The 20ft high ceiling is supported on narrow cast iron pillars which soar above the worship space and are continued with graceful plaster arches across the ceiling. The pulpit at the east end of the chapel has a unique cantilever mechanism enabling the door to also be the seat. The pulpit stands 12 feet above contradiction’ and has a decorative sounding board above it. Higher still on that wall are the choir stalls and the Grade II* listed Alexander Young organ that was lovingly restored in 2005.

In the crypt, which contains the bodies of past benefactors, there is a well which is always full despite its elevated position and the recent lowering of the water table. Nikolaus Pevsner 's book Buildings of England describes Old Chapel as the best building in Dukinfield. We have links with Beatrix Potter, the Gaskell Family and Robert Dukenfield, a Parliamentarian who fought for Oliver Cromwell.

Visits can be arranged to go into the crypt and the roof space where you can see breath taking views of the surrounding area.