Elim Church, Halifax

The sketch and description are from The Calderdale Sketch Book by JL Berbiers, published in 1973 by The Halifax Courier Ltd. The Elim church in Hall Street, Halifax which succeeded the former building in Bond Street incorporates many striking features of modern design, the most prominent of which is the circular construction of the sanctuary with its copper-clad pleated roof surmounted by a 40ft fibreglass and steel spire. Designed by Mr Colin Oldfield of CFL Horsfall, Son and Partners, the architects, most of the building is of reinforced concrete faced with Portland stone. It is in two main sections, connected by a glass entrance porch, the circular-plan church which seats 300 people being on one side and the church hall, six classrooms, a lounge and kitchen being on the other side. It cost £80,000 and was opened in October 1970. PH/25.