Who are we?

The congregation of St. Elisabeth’s is vibrant and diverse in age, social status and ethnicity. The current incumbent has been instrumental in welcoming people of all backgrounds to find their spiritual home at St. Elisabeth’s.

St. Elisabeth’s warmly welcomes all people, regardless of genders, race, sexual orientation and marital status.

St Elisabeth’s Church is a Grade I listed building, which occupies a central place in the community.  We recognise the responsibility to look after the heritage of the building, and we rejoice that it is a place that still inspires the worship and love of God.  This building is not a museum, but the home of a living, thriving community whose call is to witness to our faith by loving and serving the people of Reddish and beyond.

The History of St. Elisabeth’s

St Elisabeth’s has occupied a place at the heart of the Reddish community since it was consecrated in 1883.

The church was commissioned by William Houldsworth, a devout Christian, was ahead of his time in wanting to create a community which provided for the social, educational and spiritual needs of his employees and their families.  He therefore commissioned the renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse to build the Working Men’s Club, St Elisabeth’s School and the Rectory in addition to St Elisabeth’s Church.

St Elisabeth’s, named after Houldsworth’s wife, is one of the finest churches that Waterhouse built.  The magnificent and exotic interior displays the talents of the finest craftsmen and artists of the time.

Visiting St. Elisabeth’s

Anyone is welcome to visit the Church building.

The Church is always open around service times.

If you would like to visit St Elisabeth’s at any other time, please contact us to make an appointment so that we can ensure someone is there to meet you.

St Elisabeth’s in the media

In 1999, St Elisabeth’s was used as the set for the wedding of Ashley Peacock and Maxine Heavey in Coronation Street.

The Church was also used as the setting for the 2008 BBC TV movie adaptation of David Almond’s ‘Clay’, starring Imelda Staunton.