  The Early DaysThe church grew slowly in strength from the day of the opening and it was reported in January 1888 that the average congregation was 100 and that there were 33 communicants on Christmas day. Concern was expressed at the first Parish Vestry Meeting in April 1888 over the finances of St. Cuthbert's. The church could not be consecrated, because the land was still held by Sir W. Cunliffe-Brooks, Therefore it was just an extension chapel of the Parish Church, and thus could not have Church-wardens. Were the Parish Church-wardens therefore responsible for the finances? If Cunliffe-Brooks were to die before giving over the land, the church would have to raise the money to buy the land, or sell the building to the Methodists or Roman Catholics. In December 1888 however, another bazaar was held and enough money was raised to clear the debt on the building. Sir William Cunliffe-Brooks formally handed over the land to the Rector of Cheadle on the 3rd December. St. Cuthbert's continued to grow year by year and by January 1889 there were about 170 children in the Sunday School. As the congregation grew, so the finances improved, and in February 1889 it was decided to erect a brick wall around the Church. The New organ, built by Alex Young & Sons of Manchester, was completed and on Saturday 11th February 1899 Mr. Albert Seddon A.C.O., organist of the Parish Church, gave the first recital.  The Early DaysBy September 1892, the church was so well established that it was invited to hold the annual dedication festival service. In November 1894 Mr. Barford retired as lay reader at St. Cuthbert's, having served in the parish for 20 years. In 1899 money was bequeathed to the church for the erection of a minister's residence and another plot of land was given by Sir William for this purpose. Building was completed in 1901 but due to the poor financial situation of the church, the house was let, and the curate lived in lodgings consisting of a sitting room and bedroom, at 99 Stockport Road (next to the Red Lion). |