Todmorden Unitarian Church is a Grade I listed building and is one of the finest examples of the Gothic Revival style in the north. The Church was built in 1865 and retains its original Victorian design features including a richly decorated oak, stone, and marble interior. The rose window above the main entrance contains over thirty thousand pieces of stained glass.
The Church closed in 1987 and fell into disrepair. Following lengthy and expensive renovation schemes, first began in 1994, the Church now provides family services, weddings, concerts and a wide range of events. The building is operated by a charity run by local volunteers - pictured are Esther, Sam, Netty, Jim, Marie and James at one of their many management committee meetings (fuelled by tea and biscuits).
Marie -‘I use to hang out in the porch with my friends when we were young. I was always desperate to get inside and see the building. When I moved back and finally had the chance to see inside the Church I had to get involved. The building has so much character. I notice a new detail every time I come here. So much work and detailed craftsmanship went into its construction, its stunning – we have to look after it.’
According to Esther - ‘Calderdale is a sleeves-rolled-up ‘doing’ kind of place’ and describes the building’s personality as- ‘Joyful, showy and ornate. There is a striking beauty to it’.
