56 A HISTORY OF LOXGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. 



On July 16tli, 1875, matters came to a crisis, wlierL the following 

 letter was received from the Bishop of Manchester, through his secre- 

 tary : — "The Bishop has not replied to the letter, and with Patrons 

 and Incumbent opposed, is in a difficulty how to do so." 



In consequence of this reply the Committee decided to abandon the 

 scheme; and, in doing so, stated "that they willing recognised that 

 the defeat of their project was due to the action of the Vicar of Long- 

 ridge, and they presumed that as a consequence of his success, that 

 gentleman would accept the reponsibility of himself providing further 

 church accommodation." So this scheme, which had been projected and 

 prosecuted with remarkable skill and persistence, failed, while the 

 Vicar and his almost solitary supporters enjoj'ed a great triumph. 

 But looking back on the history of this movement, we are forced to 

 acknowledge that Mr. Bache and his friends were wholly wrong in 

 their opposition ; and present events, viz :— the building (nearly com- 

 pleted) of a new Church, on almost the identical spot chosen in 1873 — 

 have amply justified the promoters of Church extension at that time 

 in Longridge. 



In 1882, a determined effort was made to make a commencement of 

 a new Church at Longridge. Since the advent of the present Vicar, 

 service has been held in the School, as well as in the old Church, and 

 so the want of a new Church was not so much felt as in the time of 

 Mr. Bache. After protracted discussion, and the adoption of an infinite 

 number of schemes, it was finally decided to build a new Church close 

 to Berry Lane, on a site given by Mr. Robert Smith. Subscriptions 

 came in rapidly. In July, 188(5, corner stones were laid by Lady 

 Constance Stanley, and the Bishop of Manchester (Dr. Moorhouse), 

 amid general rejoicings. The work has been steadily progressing 

 until the present year, and is now within a reasonable distance of 

 completion. Mr. Christian, an eminent London ecclesiastical architect 

 designed the plans ; the style of architecture used being of a mixed 

 kind. The Church presents a handsome appearance, and is well and 

 centrally situated.^ 



'I am unable to give a full description letter — one of the very few exceptions 



of the building ow-ing to Mr. Christian's to the ready willingness shewn by 



want of courtesy in replying to my all whom I have aslced for information. 



