  ProblemsBy the autumn however, problems had arisen. According to a report in the Stockport Advertiser, there was hope that "perhaps the Baronet's hands might be untied", but it now seemed unlikely that the proposed church would occupy the commanding site on Stockport Road. This was a frustrating time for the people, who so earnestly desired to get on with the building. In fact, the delay caused one irate person to write a letter of complaint to the local paper saying that the money had been donated for nearly a year and yet there were no signs that the church would be built! Negotiations with Sir William continued into 1887, and eventually agreement was reached on a plot of land at the corner of Stockport Road, and Brook Road (now Cuthbert Road). The plot was called Walker's Corft, and according to the Indenture dated 1889, was situated in Cheadle Hulme. The land was given to the Rector of Cheadle, subject to the church being able to pay for the erection of the building, and was therefore held in trust until all debts had been cleared. Work CommencesMr William Goodwin, a well known Cheadle Tradesman, was appointed as the builder. The site was prepared in February 1887 - building work was to commence as soon as the weather permitted. It was reported that the work was progressing well and Mr. Goodwin felt that the Church would be ready for use by the first Sunday in August. Questions were already being raised as to whether the building would be big enough! There must have been delays in the building work as the church was not completed on schedule and it could not have been the weather as the summer of 1887 was long and hot. The people were still trying to raise money towards the balance of £100 and in August they held a Children's bazaar which rasied £3.50. The church was finally completed in September and was fairly simply furnished. Seating consisted of rush-bottomed chairs, on a wooden floor. There were choir-stalls and an organ, but no pulpit, font or lecturn. The most ornate part of the church was the oak altar which was made by Mr John Briscall. Mrs Mould, the wife of the then medical Superintendent of Cheadle Royal Hospital, painted five altar panels with designs of three sacred flowers, the lily, rose and passion flower. |