Christ Church, Macclesfield

This is a large and impressive town church built in 1775-76 at the expense of Charles Roe, a local industrialist who was prominent in the development of the silk industry in Macclesfield.

The church is built of brick, with cast-iron columns supporting the galleries inside. This is a very early use of cast iron in a church and may reflect Roe’s innovative and entrepreneurial character.

The church is very plain inside and originally had clear glass in all windows. In the 19th century, however, some of these were replaced with fine stained glass by some of the best known manufacturers of the time. The east window glass was given in memory of Charles Roe’s son, daughter-in-law and grandson.

Another window, depicting the Good Samaritan, commemorates David Simpson, the much-loved first minister of Christ Church. Roe’s own ornate monument, in marble, is on the south wall. It lists a detailed description of his achievements and shows in relief his silk mill (with waterwheel), his copper works in Liverpool, and Christ Church itself.

The original pulpit was more than 3.5 metres high, allowing the preacher to command the attention of his congregation throughout this large church. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism preached from this pulpit at least 12 times. Though now somewhat altered, the pulpit still survives.

The church has a fine ring of 10 bells, which are still used regularly.