Our Church History
The Congregational Church at Bretherton was formed and organised on the 30th November, 1819.
The land on which the Chapel stands was given by W Rymer, then of London, afterwards of Manchester, in the year 1837. His widow, Mrs Leah Rymer, gave a piece of land by which the Burial Ground was enlarged.
Ebenezer Chapel was first opened for public worship June 1st 1819. The Revd W Roby from Manchester preached in the morning, the Revd A Steill from Wigan in afternoon & Rev G Greatbatch in the evening.
The ordination of W Bowen took place on 23rd of May 1820. The Revd W M Walker, Preston delivered the introductory discourse and asked the questions. The Revd G Greatbatch offered up the prayer: The Revd A Steill delivered the Charge and the Revd W Hacking addressed the Church and Congregation.
In the year 1833, a floor of wood was laid and pews were erected. The recess at the West end of the Chapel & the School Room one story high, were erected in the same year, 1833. The upper school room and the tower for the Bell were built in 1836.
The Recognition of the Rev J Wilson took place on the 27th of November 1871.
It was the 1st Sunday in June 1895 that the Rev’d Geo. Wood commenced his ministry in Bretherton. He was the minister called upon to deal with a rapid expansion of the cause and to steer the work necessary to the building of the present Church, which was opened on June 10th 1896.
