Description
Set in an elevated position, its spire pointing 196 feet to the sky, the Unitarian Church at Todmorden symbolises man’s earnest attempts to glorify God, while at the same time demonstrating a desire to perpetuate man’s achievements. Designed by John Gibson in a Decorated Gothic style, it was commissioned by Samuel, John and Joshua Fielden in memory of their father, and built between 1865 and 1869. Constructed of pitch faced stone with ashlar dressings, it has a superb oak hammer-beam roof with Westmorland green slates. Effective use is made of Sicilian marble and there are stained glass windows by Capronnier of Brussels. No expense was spared; even the organ had the unique feature of being powered by a water-wheel housed underground.
Text from: Calderdale Architecture and History.