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St John the Evangelist Church, Hurst

Kings Road, Hurst, Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, OL6 8EZ

  • Multiple dates available
  • | In person
  • | Pre-booking not required
  • | Exhibition

Our unique, Grade II Listed 177yr old church of St John the Evangelist Hurst, with its colourful history, will welcome visitors to celebrate Heritage Open Days 2026.

Consecrated in 1849, the church was built by mill owner Oldham Whittaker and is the only Anglican place of worship in the Parish. It was designed in a Gothic style by E.H. Shellard and built by Eaton and Hollus.
The north and south transepts, Whittaker Chapel, tower and spire, a significant local landmark, were added in 1862. This architect was George Shaw of Saddleworth and the unique dark oak reredos, panelling and artefacts, as well as the stained-glass windows, are all his work.
Many memorial tablets, along with archived records denote the church's history and reflect local life over many years.
The church was presented with a ship's bell from HMS Centaur and the colours of the 3rd (Militia) battalion are preserved in The Whittaker Chapel. Our unique organ was built by George Sixsmith of Mossley, as a thank you for the spiritual comfort given to his wife by the church during the years before her death.
Our churchyard holds the remains of the Whittakers, along with a large number of soldiers, various poets and interesting local folk including PC William Jump who was killed on duty in 1862.
Baptism records will be available and various displays giving details of our amazing history will bring our story to life.

Timings

Friday 11 September:
11am to 2pm
Saturday 12 September:
11am to 2pm
Sunday 13 September:
12.30pm to 3pm

Location & directions

Kings Road, Hurst, Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, OL6 8EZ

Directions:
Disabled parking available in front of the church entrance. Disabled access to church we have disabled toilet facilities. Parking on Kings Road for all and refreshments available. Children's activities.
Contact on day:
David Southworth
Telephone number:
+447912600610

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Wheelchair access to all parts of the church except the Chancel. Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs very welcome

Additional information

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