Celebrating the consecration of St Edmund’s Church

The Vicar of Rochdale, Reverend Mark Coleman conducts a blessing at the celebration of the consecration of St Edmund’s Church

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On 7 May 1873, St Edmund’s Church on Edmund Street, Falinge was consecrated for worship. Today (Saturday 9 May), the church celebrated the consecration with an open day and blessing.

Church volunteer Howard Bowden said: “Today has been all about celebrating the consecration of the church. That took place on 7 May so we have had the event as close to that date as possible.”

The Vicar of Rochdale, Reverend Mark Coleman conducted a blessing and Middleton Band provided music throughout the afternoon.

Face painting was available from Jen's Creations and children could take part in the Albert Royds Hudson Heritage Trail. Cream teas were also available.

Mr Bowden added: “It is also about getting people into the church and letting them see this beautiful building we have and letting them explore the heritage we have in Rochdale.”

Completed in 1877, St Edmund's was built as an experimentation of industrial banker and freemason Albert Royds identity and status and is one of only two Grade One listed buildings in Rochdale.

The church is now under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.