  The OpeningDay dawns on Friday 16th September 1887. There is a moderate west to south-west breeze blowing and the forecast is bright intervals with showers. The workers of Cheadle Heath rise even earlier than usual and make their way to the first service at 'their' new church, a celebration of Holy Communion at 4:45 am. This gives the people time to have their breakfast afterwards and not be late for work. Later on that morning, two hundred people crowd into what was nicknamed "the little pocket cathedral" to hear the Venerable Archdeacon Gore of Bowdon preach the first sermon. After the service, lunch is served in the school room. After a hard day's labour the workers return to St. Cuthbert's for a big evening service at 8:00pm. Will the church hold everybody? Only just; extra seating is brought in and it is a tight squeeze. The Rector, Rev. T.H. Beasley, preaches a sermon about the dedication of the House Of God. The little organ is played by the organist of the parish church, Mr. Wilson, who later became the choir master to Charles Halle and Director of Bradford Musical Society. |