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This page highlights some of the internal and external elements of the Church building. They can be accessed by clicking the links below, or by scanning down the page
Separate pages give further detail about the Church Bells and the Church Organ. Links are shown on the Navigation Panel, or you can click the links below:. The Architecture of Oldham Church The Parish Church of Oldham is a building representative equally of its period and locality. Though in the North of England, and Lancashire particularly, there are others built about the same time and not dissimilar in general character, few have escaped some degree of unsympathetic treatment. Oldham, designed by Richard Lane, is an outstanding example. Not only a big church on a fine site, it is a building with an arresting individuality — evident externally and even more so internally. Here fine proportions are complemented by the symmetrical balance of the plan; now, too, by what is more infrequent, perfect balance of lighting. Its windows show again the pattern of clear glazing that Lane intended and the only stained glass, that in the East window, is contemporary with the building — as remarkable a work of its date as any to be found in the country. For good or ill, buildings make an impression on us at a first glance: if this is favourable we wish to know them better. Oldham will richly reward any who look closely at it. Outside we shall observe the fine masonry and note the skill that must have gone into executing, in so hard a stone, the carved Gothic ornament round the west door. Inside we shall discover roof bosses not inferior to what might be expected in a medieval cathedral. The present church is not the first on the site, and in a general survey, the eye will light with pleasure on survivals from its predecessor— the splendid 18th century mural tablet near the east end of the south aisle and the old chests at its west end. It will discover Lane's handiwork in the cast-iron balustrades to the gallery windows and staircases, as well as in the altar rails. There is now some reason to think that the organ-case, that until very recently seemed dull if not ugly as a result of maltreatment, may have been designed by him. Written following the internal restoration he supervised in 1976
The Triptych, painted by Sydney Watkins in 1908, is after the Pre-Raphaelite School and depicts the risen and ascended Christ seated on the Throne of Heaven, surrounded by the heavenly orchestra and saints both pre and post reformation. In the north aisle lies the Lady Chapel dedicated to Dr. John Lake, Vicar 1550 – 1554 who later became Bishop of Chichester. In this chapel the triptych is also painted by Watkins and represents the Adoration of the Shepherds flanked by representations of St. Chad. Bishop of Lichfield in the 7th Century, Sir Ralph Langley holding a model of the church, Dr. Lake and St. Elizabeth. ORGANISED TOURS. Mr. John Dunkerley 23 Cooper Street, Springhead, Oldham. OL4 4QS Tel: 0161 626 6216. THE CRYPT. Entry is by a staircase in the south porch. The first section is now a Columbarium opened over 40 years ago and is the only one in Oldham. The 3 sections of the crypt contain a number of family vaults in which repose sealed lead coffins, some covered in wood and leather. Some vaults are bricked up or gated with cast iron doors. The last internments were in 1850 and many vaults are unused.
From the top of the tower there are excellent views of the town and as far as Manchester, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Cheshire.
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Ascent of the tower, situated at the west end of the church, is by a narrow, spiral staircase of 155 steps.