Parish Profile for St Paul’s Church, Stalybridge
At St Paul’s we seek to:
 Develop our faith through worship, prayer and learning.
 Grow together in love and service.
 Share God’s love with the wider community.
 Welcome others into the Church family
About the Parish
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St Paul’s church is located in the town of Stalybridge; in the Deanery of Mottram, and is a mixed
rural and suburban area situated about eight miles east of Manchester.
At present the parish population is just over 11,000 and rising. The church is proudly centred
amidst a number of residential estates, with a healthy mix of local authority and private housing.
There is a fairly even mix of families from high and low income background. At St Paul’s, we have
the privilege of welcoming families from all backgrounds, many of whom enjoy the benefits that
St Paul’s has to offer the community.
The town of Stalybridge lends itself to a broad range of traditional and modern buildings, from
public facilities to private houses.
Perhaps our claim to fame can be best summed up: in the 1970’s, Stalybridge town centre was
featured in the making of the film “Yanks”, starring Richard Gere and Vanessa Redgrave. The
production company took full advantage of the traditional shop frontages and scenery of the
Tameside Valley. One of the scenes in the film was shot inside St Paul’s church.
Recently, Stalybridge has seen an increase in the development of modern housing estates as well
as new apartments situated along the Huddersfield Canal system that flows through the town
centre.
We regard St Paul’s as a place where the community can experience our church not just as an old
building. Our aim is to be a church that reaches out to our local community to provide a resource
to build on faith, love and service to all.
Yes! There are lots of challenges, but there’s also lots going on and the church is at the centre of
some of them. We want to become more and more a part of our community so that people see
the church as being at the heart of things rather than just an old building that they used to go to.
The Building
The land upon which the church was built and the original
burial ground – a total of 20,627 square yards – was donated
by the Earl of Stamford in 1836. The wall fronting on
Huddersfield road is built in dressed stone and the remainder
of the perimeter is of rough fence walling.
The church was built in 1839 and celebrated its 175th
anniversary in 2014. It is a traditional church building that
boasts ample parking space on the grounds.
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The interior offers fixed congregational pews, offering space for approximately 300 people with
additional seating in the balcony with space for an additional 100 people. At the rear of the church
are located two rooms, one of which is accessible via a stairwell and a lift. The ground floor area
consists of lounge and a fully equiped kitchen. The upper room area consists of a small hall area with
access to a kitchenette. Wheelchair access to the church is available via the main entrance for
services located on the north face of the building.
The tower boasts a peal of eight bells. Our heaviest bell, the tenor, weighs 18cwt and the lightest is
the treble. The bells ring for morning services, weddings and any special services that take place.
Restoration
Although extensive repair work was carried out in the early 1980’s, by 1989 investigation of dry rot
problems in the chancel and north and south transept areas became necessary, which involved the
removal of plaster adjacent to the ceiling to reveal the stonework underneath.
This marked the beginning of a huge restoration programme for the congregation of St Paul’s.
In 2009, the final stage of the restoration work was due to start and
it was known that the organ would have to be removed to deal
with dry rot in the organ chamber. Following the advice of the
Diocesan Architect, the firm of David Wells of Liverpool were
engaged and the work began in September 2010. Most of the organ
was removed at least to the sound board level and the existing
capture system scrapped and a new and much improved system
was installed.
During this extensive restoration work, it was decided to replace
the church boilers and temperature controls with more modern
and economical models. In keeping with today’s health and safety
regulations, emergency lighting, smoke alarms and a modern
surveillance system was also installed.
The work achieved in the past 20 years has meant a cost of over £900,000, some of which was
secured through English Heritage and the Lotteries Charity. More importantly however, it has
reflected the deep faith, commitment and fellowship of the congregation of St Paul’s. We believe we
have been blessed with this beautiful church building so that we may look to the future with the sure
and certain hope that we can continue to serve the people and community of the parish. We believe
that the foundations for the future of this church are deeply rooted in the love of Christ, and we have
a wonderful resource for our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the people of our
community for the future.
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Pictured – 7th Stalybridge Brownies –
Advent Charity Function in 2013
Rose Queen & Retinue
About the Church as People
WORSHIP:
The pattern of services at St Paul’s is traditionally as follows:
1st Sunday – 10:30 Parade (All Age)
2nd Sunday – 10:30 Holy Communion (Common Worship)
3rd Sunday – 10:30 Morning Prayer (Common Worship)
4th Sunday – 10:30 Holy Communion (Common Worship)
5th Sunday – 10:30 Holy Communion (Common Worship)
In addition: every Thursday at 10:00 – Holy Communion BCP.
Every Sunday at 08:00 – Holy Communion BCP
We are also looking at developing other patterns of worship
Being involved in worship
At St Paul’s we embrace the importance of encouraging the involvement of lay people in our services. We
are blessed with people of all ages who are committed to assisting with the flow of worship in different
ways and according to their gifts and strengths.
At present, we have two Lay Readers, Colin Ashworth who was licensed in 2008, and John Clements who
is Reader Emeritus. Helen Whitelegg has recently been selected to train as a Reader beginning in
September 2015
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During worship, the Bible readings are delivered by volunteers on the
Reading Rotas, as are the Prayers of Intercession, the Sides-people and the
welcoming team. Our Parade or All Age service is usually on the first Sunday
of the month, and present opportunities for the involvement of children
with the Bible readings and prayers.
In recent months, we have enjoyed some of the children leading parts of
these services, and this is something we hope to continue to encourage.
Our worship is complimented by our four-part choir, who are
very diverse and have built an impressive repertoire that can
be used in complimenting the different types of services that
we hold. As well as preserving the much loved and traditional
hymns, we are always happy to welcome new ones in an
appropriate setting.
The overall churchmanship of our church is typically Anglican
with a “Middle of the Road” approach that allows our services
to be accessible to a broad spectrum of people. Whilst we like
to embrace our worship with the traditional elements we
have preserved, we also enjoy the breadth of the structure of our services which allows us to explore our
faith in different ways through worship.
About the Church and the Community
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St Paul’s continues to be a popular church for weddings, funerals and baptisms. In 2014 we held
61 baptisms; 7 weddings and 11 funerals. At the time of writing, we have 14 weddings booked for
2015. We are also looking forward to hosting the Confirmation service on 10 th June this year.
Our Lay Reader, Colin Ashworth is licensed to conduct funeral services, and regularly extends this
area of ministry to the assistance of the incumbent.
The Bethany Group was set up in 2009 as a support group for those who have suffered
bereavement. The present membership consists entirely of widows and widowers, although it is
open to anyone who has lost a loved one be it spouse, partner, child or sibling. Whilst it started
with people from St. Paul's it is not exclusive to church members and we currently have members
from other churches.
The format of meetings does not include worship, prayer or Bible readings. The group is open to
non-Christians. Thus far, the group has been very successful in its primary purpose i.e. to offer
support for those who find themselves feeling, sad, lonely and isolated through personal loss.
The group meets every Wednesday morning in members' houses and members talk, tell jokes and
have refreshments. When appropriate, the group may discuss the problems of being alone and
dealing with grief. The average attendance is fourteen members.
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A small and informal group of secondary age students known as The Eternal Group meet on
Sunday during worship, excluding parade services. The group has a religious focus and they
discuss moral dilemmas and issues, relating them to the group.
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An active Pastoral Team of around eight volunteers visit and support the elderly, housebound and
sick members of our church in various ways such as help with shopping.
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The Fund Raising Committee comprises of a small group of committed, enthusiastic and
hardworking people, dedicated to raising much needed money for St Paul’s Church. The events
planned are diverse, fun, entertaining and reach out to the local community.
The committee meet about 4-5 times per year. At the January meeting the committee discuss and
arrange the programme of events for the coming year. In 2014 the committee held 7 coffee
mornings, usually on the 2nd Saturday of the month. They sell bacon sandwiches, toast and lots of
lovely homemade jams and cakes; each morning making on average £250-£300. They also
organise 2 fairs per year, a summer fair (last year's raised around £1800.) It included various stalls,
a car wash and outside games for children. The school are sent flyers and they always support the
church.
The 2014 Christmas fair raised £3775, including £900 in the Grand Draw. As well as the various
stalls and cafe, there was also a Father Christmas Grotto and entertainment was provided by the
brass band.
The Fund Raising and Development Committee also organise 2 stalls per year on Hyde market.
The September stall raised £460. The Manchester Airport Choir performed in September as well.
There have been other entertaining events including All Our Yesterdays films; choirs; brass bands
and organist Nigel Ogden. There was also a bag packing day at Morrison's which raised £746. All
events are supported by the congregation and local community. The events do not just raise much
needed funds but they also reach out to the wider community.
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St. Paul’s Brass Group was established in April 2012 and is conducted by Vicky McLarnon who is a
member of St. Paul's Church. The brass group practice on Monday evenings and currently has 10
members.
The brass group have performed at many community events including the Christmas light switch
on in Stalybridge; a lantern parade and Christmas market in Ashton; an annual St. George's Day
parade; Church Christmas Fairs and various concerts. They have also taken part in various Church
services. Vicky also played a duet with the organist Steven Robinson in the 175th anniversary
concert and has played the last post and rouse at the annual Remembrance Sunday service for the
past few years.
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Since the crowning of our Rose Queen and her retinue,
Jessica has raised much needed funds via two cakes
sales and a successful chocolate tombola at the
Christmas church fair.
The retinue, which consists of five members, also
organized a Movie and Munchies night on Friday
5th December, showing Disney’s Frozen, complete with
popcorn, bags of goodies, free raffle and to complete
the package hot dogs and pizza.
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Jessica also had the privilege of laying the wreath in St Paul’s on remembrance Sunday. Jessica
does understand what it symbolises as generations of her family have served in Armed services
including Royal Navy, RAF and her great-Granddad served at Dunkirk during 2nd World War.
Further fundraising from Rose Queen Jessica will
include further bake sales, another Movie night at
Easter and ladies can also look forward to an
intoxicating tea party in June, with Ladies Day at Royal
Ascot as the theme for this splendid Saturday
afternoon delight.
In addition to this, Rose Queen Jessica and her retinue
will continue to represent St Paul’s as young
ambassadors, accepting invitations by visiting other
Churches in Ashton, Mossley and Oldham Churches at
their “At Home” events throughout Spring and
Summer 2015. Jessica will also continue to meet and
greet on Sunday mornings, read bible verses and prayers and also assist the wardens during
collection and communion.
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Every two years Stalybridge Patchwork Group holds a day’s exhibition of quilts and patchwork
items within the church and lounge. The quilts displayed on the balcony are left for the
congregation to enjoy on the Sunday. A few times a year the group rent the lounge for a ‘work
day’ together. Some members of the group have been involved to help make new banners and
altar cloths.
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The Lunch Club began 18 years ago this January. It's function was originally pastoral, to give
older people, especially people living alone, a two course cooked meal, which could be eaten in
the company of others, and to give them a chance to chat. Not only for members of the
congregation, but others who become known through various means. This year we are still in
business. We also have a special Christmas and Easter lunch, which are full meals. In addition, at
the moment, we are trying to earn enough money to buy a dishwasher for the church
kitchen. (This is not taken from the money received for meals).
The committee also serve refreshments after such events as the Christmas Carol Service, the
Advent Carol Service, meals for Alpha Courses, and a lunch for Wedding Couples, etc. We also do
two meals a year for Christian Aid and Water Aid. We send out letters for the Remembrance Day
Evening Service etc. Part of our Pastoral care is the Bread of Life Food Bank, organised by local
churches to which we contribute.
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The Sunday Morning Groups are held during the Morning Service and are for children from three
years old to year six. When they reach year seven they move to the Eternal group. The older
children read the lesson and prayers at Parade Sunday Services, and take part in the Nativity. The
aim of all the Leaders is to give Christian teaching in a friendly and fun way. On average we have
25 children each week.
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Girlguiding Units at St. Paul’s:
1 x Rainbow Unit (aged 5 – 7)
2 x Brownie Packs (aged 7 – 10)
1 x Guide Company (aged 10 – 14+)
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3rd Stalybridge (St. Paul’s) Brownies
Our pack opened in March 1968 (the original leader is
still with the unit) and have 4 experienced Guiders, all
of whom are committed to the Church, plus 1 Leader-in-training (presently at University), 2 Young Leadersin-training (previously having completed their D of E service with us and now having joined Girl Guiding)
and one young person (previously one of our Brownies) in the middle of her D of E service with us.
The unit consists of 33 girls (several of whom also attend Sunday
School) and there is a waiting list. The pack takes it in turn with
Sunday School to lead the prayers and do the bible readings at the
monthly All Age Church Service. We also join with our Sunday
School in filling shoeboxes at Christmas for Samaritans Purse. In
addition to the weekly meetings we have a ‘Sleepover’ in the Church
Lounge in November and a Pack Holiday weekend away.
The Guiders do their best to encourage the girls and their parents to
support Church fund-raising activities where possible, particularly at
the Summer Fair in helping to equip a stall and/or supply prizes for
games. We organize and run Santa’s Grotto at the Christmas Fair.
A yearly looked-forward to task for our Brownies (with the help of some parents), is to assemble the
oranges ready for the Christingle Service (with a large number of sweets disappearing on the way of
course). Every year since opening, the last meeting is given over to our own presentation of the ‘Nativity’ in
the presence of parents, 2014 being “A Christmas Window”.
Special to this unit is the choosing of a “Brownie of the Year”,
instituted many years ago to officially recognise at the end of
each year, a specific brownie considered to have ‘grown’ above
and beyond what was expected of a member of our Pack.
In December 2014 the Church was packed with Rainbows,
Brownies, Guides, Senior Section and Guiders from every unit in
Stalybridge as St. Paul’s units organised and hosted the District
Carol Service, the recipient of the collection being ‘Mummy’s Star’
our Church’s Advent Charity in 2013.
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A branch of the Church of England’s Children’s Society was opened at St. Paul’s in March 1990,
following which the introduction of a yearly Christingle commenced and has continued. The
number of house box holders in the congregation fluctuates yearly depending on individual
circumstances and or bereavements, but has seen an increase this year to 19.
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Local School Links
In recent years we have enjoyed very close links with St Paul’s Church of England primary school, which is
located directly opposite the church building. Our previous vicar, Rev. Dr. Tim Robinson describes the
importance of preserving and developing this important link:
It has been a great pleasure to be associated with St Paul's School in the two years since Norma,
my wife, and I moved to Stalybridge. Being a Vicar of a busy church, which is at the heart of the
local community, takes me into some interesting places, no more so than this school. The working
relationship between the church and the school is, however, one of the more important aspects of
my ministry. In a world where we can all feel marginalised at some time or another, it is important
that our children (and parents for that matter) are valued and loved as individuals. Knowing that
God is always there for them, in the good times and the bad, it is essential to their self-esteem.
By working closely with the staff in St Paul's School, I hope to be able to instil in all our children a
feeling of self-worth, whilst at the same time, respecting others and affirming their importance in
the school community.
Assemblies, the Year 6 Christian Union and special events and services, in either the church or the
school, are all very important in forging links between the school and the church. I also value my
role as a school governor.
Looking Ahead
What we can offer
 A vibrant church family committed to honouring God through our worship, witness, service and
fellowship.
 An appreciation that ministry belongs to the whole church community and that we do not expect our
Incumbent ‘to do everything’, but rather to enable and encourage ‘the body of Christ’.
 An understanding that the new Incumbent will come with his/her own strengths and gifts which may be
different from our former Incumbent.
 An openness to engage in new things that will help us to expand our ministry and grow as a church for
the glory of God.
 A prayerful, supportive and friendly church fellowship within a happy and thriving community.
 A comfortable 4-bedroom Vicarage, well-sited and with ample space inside and out.
 Full re-imbursement of expenses incurred in the course of carrying out his/her duties.
 A very warm welcome to whoever God sends us to be our next incumbent
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Our GAP Initiatives and Goals
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Continue to lower the age profile of the church by taking worship into the school and for example
“Messy Church”
Provide greater advertising for church events
Help children’s groups to encourage other children to come to church – form a Youth Club
In discipleship – targeting people in the community and parish through Alpha Course and similar
schemes – taking advantage of social media such as Facebook
Continue to improve communications by appointing a communications assistant
Regular review of the use of the notice boards both inside and outside of church
Equip and encourage the Welcome Team to communicate information to new families
The Characteristics and Qualities of our Vicar
What the PCC is looking for in a new Incumbent
• A person who is pastorally sensitive, who enjoys meeting people and has the ability and concern to
nurture a diverse congregation.
• A minister who has a clear and deeply rooted biblically based faith, secure and confident in their
spiritual and personal life.
• Someone who will undertake and encourage outreach to the young through contact with the schools
and youth groups.
• A person who is strong in their support for marriage and family life.
• Someone who is wholly aligned with the church’s Mission outlook, who enjoys a variety of worship traditional and modern, formal and informal.
• Someone with a good sense of humour who has skill and passion for engagement in the local
community, both by meeting those from the community and by taking our mission out into the parish.
• A person with leadership, organisational and IT skills, willing to delegate and to encourage people to
become actively involved in the life of the church and its activities in the parish, thereby utilising all the
various gifts which our church members have to offer.
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Over time, we have developed a strong connection with St Paul’s primary school which directly
faces the church. We would like our next incumbent to further develop our relationship with the
school, and to encourage and support our church members who are currently active in their roles
as school governors.
A financial overview of St Paul’s church is available on request
Other publications & further information available at: http://www.stpaulstaley.co.uk
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