St John the Baptist, Cragg Vale

In 1813 they laid the foundation stone of a small church at Marshaw Bridge. The building was completed 1815. There was accommodation for 250, but it soon became inadequate and was in a state of disrepair. 1838 New church commenced. 1839 Church of St. John the Baptist-in-the-Wilderness was consecrated on 2nd October. They could seat 800 as there were galleries around three walls. They held a party at (Old) Cragg Hall as the weather was very unfavourable. 1886 The church had a new organ, pulpit and font. It was re-pewed and had some new windows. 1901 A new vicarage was built. (The vicarage can be seen in the photograph.) 1938 Abolition of Pew Rents. Extracts from “Cragg Vale and its Church ” compiled by Samuel G. Hellowell 1939.