A simple modern church of traditional character, designed by Greenhalgh & Williams and built in 1974-5. Although it is of limited architectural interest, its light-filled, calm and well-ordered interior is valued by the worshipping community, whose care for the building reflects their continued commitment to its future.

The parish of St Brendan, Harwood was formed from St Columba’s, Tonge Moor in 1971, and on 16 May 1974 the foundation stone for a new church was laid by Bishop Holland. The church was designed by Greenhalgh & Williams, and was completed by April 1975 at a cost of £50,000. The presbytery was constructed in 1978.

Description

The building is a simple rectangle with a pitched roof covering the nave and sanctuary, with ancillary accommodation within a flat-roofed section on the north side. The construction consists of loadbearing brick walls with white concrete dressings, and a steel portal frame carrying a tiled roof. Tall, slim windows are arranged along the sides of the nave and the east wall of the sanctuary.

In accordance with the reformed liturgy, the altar was placed facing the congregation, with the tabernacle visible to all. The church was designed to seat 250. The marble altar and lectern are original furnishings and are set on a raised dais. At the west end is an organ loft with timber gallery front, and an enclosed narthex below. The windows are fitted with pale coloured glass and the interior is simple, light and calm.

Heritage Details