Central Chapel, Cleckheaton

Part of the United Methodist Free Church, this magnificent building was also known as the "Cathedral of the North."

In December of 1874, tenders were put out for the construction of this chapel in the centre of Cleckheaton, overlooking the "Green," or what is now the memorial park. It was to have twin towers and seat 1700 people. The cost of the building work had been estimated at £12000. 

9 Jan 1875 - The contracts in connection with the building work were let as follows:
Masonry work - Hart & Brier, Dewsbury; Joinery - George Lyles, Batley Carr; Slating - J & T Rawnsley, Dewsbury: Plumbing - John Coates, Dewsbury; Painting - James Crowther, Cleckheaton. 

Plans prepared by Mr. Reuben Castle of Cleckheaton, were submitted to the Cleckheaton Local Board on the 8th February 1875, they were, however, referred back, as it was unclear as to how the drainage would be dealt with. On 8th March 1875, the Cleckheaton Local Board passed the amended plans for the new Central Chapel. 

The foundation stone was laid 26 Jun 1875 by the Mayor of Bradford, Alderman Mitchell. In addition to the foundation stone, several other memorial stones were also laid by: Mr. W. Anderton, Elm Bank; Mrs. Wadsworth, Broomfield Place; Miss Law, Moorland House; Mrs. Law, The Whitcliffe; Mrs. J. Law, Green Mount Villa; Mrs. Sykes, St. John's Place; Mrs. H. Law, Spen Cottage & Miss Clay, Prospect Terrace.

The opening service was performed on 20 Jan 1879 which was attended by some 2000 worshipers.

In 1882 a new organ, built by Booth & Hepworth of Otley at a cost of £1,100 was installed.

In 1886, following the death of Miss Ann Law, daughter of Samuel Law, founder of the company Samuel Law & Sons, Moorland Mills, a bequest was made to the chapel which was used to clear the debt on the organ along with other debts incurred on repairs etc.

In 1889 extensive redecoration of the chapel takes place based on drawings submitted by Mr Reuben Castle, local architect. The works to be completed by Messrs. James Crowther & Son.

In 1913, a bequest of £1000 was left for the trustees of the Chapel by the Will of Jane Walker, wife of Thomas and daughter of the above Samuel Law.

Details of the War Memorial at this location and some basic information on known ministers.

Baptisms at this location are available from 1879 to 1906. This project is complete.

Marriages at this location commence in 1879. There are no known registers of such marriages and the details of these have been extracted from various newspaper reports and only contain the basic information shown. This project is as complete as possible but further entries may be added if located. 

There are no burials performed at this location