The organ console is just South of the lectern. The organ, which dates from 1730, was originally on the West Gallery. It has grown over the years and is now a fine instrument with 54 speaking stops on which recitals are given every week. It was rebuilt by George Sixsmith & Co of Mossley in 1996. [Photo Credit: Taken from Church video by Vic Stefano] INDEX
42. ORGAN PIPES
The golden organ pipes form a fine display on the North side of the chancel. [Photo Credit: B Sandrs Portsmouth, Trip Advisor]
43. APSE
The three apse windows are separated by dramatic columns. The lower walls are lined with wooden panelling forming a contrasting background for the altar.
44. EAST WINDOWS
The East Windows were designed by Frederic James Shields (1833-1911) and made by Heaton Butler & Bayne. Shields drew out a complete scheme for the stained glass windows of St Ann’s based on the theme of a Shepherd. These windows behind the altar all have this theme.
45. EAST WINDOW I
This Northernmost window of the apse is a Memorial Window to Hugh Birley (1817-1883), MP for Manchester 1868-83. The text at the top reads: ‘Thou leadest Thy people like a flock’. The window shows Moses dividing the waters of the Red Sea with the pillars of cloud and fire behind.
46. EAST WINDOW II
The central window of the apse is a Memorial Window to the Rt Rev James Fraser (1818–1885), Bishop of Manchester 1870–85. It has an obvious shepherd theme.
47. EAST WINDOW III
The right apse window is a Memorial Window to Henry Boddington, brewer (1813-1886). The text reads: ‘The Lord knoweth them that are His’ (from 1 Timothy 2:19). The allusion is to the shepherds of former days who knew each of their sheep by name. • There are some musical treats in these windows!
48. ALTAR
The altar has three carved panels with a leafy theme. On the altar stand a Cross and two candles. Behind the Cross is an effective star-burst panel. The red altar cloth embroidery shows lilies on either side of a crown.
49. MATCHING LILIES
Here are close-up views of the ‘falls’ on either side in the choir stalls, where the clergy sit.
50. ALTAR SETTING
Here is the altar in a different mood, with an Easter embroidery. And in front is an Easter garden featuring the garden tomb, while at left is a small hill with the remnants of a crucifixion scene.
51. ALTAR CROSS
We finish an enjoyable tour of St Ann’s Church with our eyes on the Cross of Christ.
CONCLUSION
It hs been a joy for me to revisit St Ann’s Church in Manchester. I hope you have enjoyed visiting it with me.
Most of the photographs on this site come from ‘Glass Angel’. Her original photographs can be found at the following links:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/47859152@N05/albums/72157707198364274
and
https://www.flickr.com/photos/47859152@N05/albums/72157676850412477
It is always a great pleasure working with Glass Angel!
There are also a small number of photographs on this site taken by other photographers and acknowledged in the text, often with links. Four photos (11A, 26, 27, 42) come from TripAdvisor who make it impossible to find the source! I take no personal credit for any of the photos on this site, and am happy to more fully acknowledge the photographers if asked.
I also take little credit for the text which comes from a variety of different sources.
I express my thanks to my wife Margie who dutifully reads through all my websites and checks the typing.
Information about St Ann’s Church can be found on the website with link:
https://www.stannsmanchester.com
Site created 08 / 2021
Paul Scott
