is erected on a beautiful site near the Quarry, and, considering the
disadvantages of form which preclude the possibility of much
architectural effect, it may be looked upon as an ornamental building.
[Picture: New St. Chad’s Church]
The church is formed by the intersection of two circles, with a tower and
portico attached; the smaller of the circles forming the grand staircase,
and the larger one the body, chancel, and side staircases leading to the
gallery. On each side of the tower is a square wing 24 feet by 19,
appropriated for a vestry and robing room.
The exterior is divided into two stories, the lower one being rusticated,
and the upper springing from a moulding displaying a continued Ionic
entablature, supported by coupled pilasters of the same order; above the
cornice is a well-proportioned balustrade.
The windows are circular headed in the upper, and square in the lower
story, and, with the exception of that in the chancel, are uniform; the
latter is Venetian, the divisions being formed with Corinthian pillars.
The portico consists of four Roman Doric columns and entablature in full
order, and is considered a very fine specimen.
The steeple is divided into three parts, and, like the body of the
church, is rusticated at the base, which is square; on this rests the
second division, or bell chamber, octangular in shape, and decorated with
Ionic pilasters, cornice, &c.; above rises eight elegant Corinthian
columns, surrounded with an iron railing, and surmounted by a dome and
cross.
THE INTERIOR carries with it an air of importance, grandeur, and extent,
derived mainly from that form which in the exterior has so much shackled
the efforts of the architect: dazzled for a moment by the first
impressions, the detail is lost in the general effect; but from the whole
the eye is directed to those parts which constitute that whole, and here
defects may be discovered that will not stand the test of architectural
scrutiny.
The seats are well constructed, every individual being able to see the
officiating minister. The gallery is not thrown too forward, but is in
every respect in unison with the size of the church; it is carried round
the whole area with the exception of the chancel, and is supported by a
double row of ill-proportioned Ionic columns, painted porphyry. A
continued balustrade finishes the front of the gallery, from which rises
slender fluted columns (surmounted with entablature) for the support of
the roof, the frieze being decorated with cherubs.
The ceiling is enriched with a glory and cherubs in the centre,
surrounded by a wreath and other devices.
The chancel, contrary to general custom, is towards the north, and is
separated from the body of the church by a handsome arch springing from
an entablature supported by coupled composite columns, elegantly
proportioned, the capitals of which are richly gilt.
The altar-piece is plain oak wainscot, with panels inscribed according to
the canon of the church, above which is a Venetian window, containing a
painting in enamelled glass of the Resurrection of our Saviour, by the
elder Eginton. This window is shortly to be replaced by another, our
townsman, Mr. David Evans, having been directed by the munificence of the
Rev. Richard Scott, B.D. to exert his talents in the execution of a
splendid and faithful copy of the celebrated chef d’ouvre of Rubens,
painted for the cathedral church of Antwerp, THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS,
with the VISITATION, and PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.
The pulpit and reading desk stand in the centre of the area in front of
the chancel.
The organ is placed above the south or great entrance of the church; it
is in a mahogany case, with a small painting of David playing upon the
harp. The instrument was built by Gray, of London, and cost 400 guineas.
Between the piers of the gallery-windows are hatchments; and the
building, although of modern date, contains several tasteful memorials
which indicate,
“All that virtue, all that wealth e’er gave,
Await alike the inevitable hour—
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.”
Among these may be mentioned a large panelled tablet, having a bust of
the deceased by Chantrey, within a recess, commemorative of Mr. John
Simpson, “who superintended the building of this church; the bridges of
Bewdley, Dunkeld, Craig, Ellachie, and Bonar; the aqueducts of
Pontcysyllte and Chirk; and the locks and basins of the Caledonian
Canal.” He died 1815.
On each side of the entrance leading to the chancel are tablets, highly
enriched with sculpture, recording the decease of the Rev. George Scott,
of Betton Strange, in this parish, and of Ann Lucretia, his wife; also of
Richard Scott, of Peniarth Ucha, Merionethshire, and Underdale, in the
county of Salop.