History of St. Margaret's Church
In the 1960's Manchester City Council sought to build overspill estates at Langley, Middleton and Darnhill in Heywood to house residents from the City of Manchester whose houses were being demolished due to redevelopment. Building for the new Darnhill estate began in 1962 with the provision of schools and two churches being included in the plan.
By 1964 they commenced building the school, church and vicarage as part of the infrastructure of the new estate. Eventually the estate became absorbed into the local community and then administration was handed over to the the Borough of Rochdale, eventually becoming part of Guinness Trust.
Initially church services were held in the school's main hall, since that building was finished first. Many of the original members of the congregation came from the Parish Church of St. James. This was an existing large parish which, it was felt at the time, could not have fully supported or absorbed the new members.
St Margaret's Church building style is modern, the only non-gothic Anglican building in Heywood. The building incorporates both the church and parish hall/room and is joined on to the vicarage. The church building is located next door to St. Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School with which there are very close links. (see school page)
The building was extended on three sides during the 1990's to accommodate a growing congregation.
By 1964 they commenced building the school, church and vicarage as part of the infrastructure of the new estate. Eventually the estate became absorbed into the local community and then administration was handed over to the the Borough of Rochdale, eventually becoming part of Guinness Trust.
Initially church services were held in the school's main hall, since that building was finished first. Many of the original members of the congregation came from the Parish Church of St. James. This was an existing large parish which, it was felt at the time, could not have fully supported or absorbed the new members.
St Margaret's Church building style is modern, the only non-gothic Anglican building in Heywood. The building incorporates both the church and parish hall/room and is joined on to the vicarage. The church building is located next door to St. Margaret's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School with which there are very close links. (see school page)
The building was extended on three sides during the 1990's to accommodate a growing congregation.
