St Paul
Grange over Sands, Cumbria
The parish church is an attractive building in a prominent position next to the clock tower in the centre of Grange over Sands.
A chapel was built of wood, on the present site in 1891. This soon became too small and the present church was opened for worship in August 1895.
This building was begun in 1894, the foundation stone (which is on the north side wall) was laid in September of that year. The architect was Mr EH Dawson; the builder was Mr Garden of Dalton, the total cost was £2.500. In the minutes of the time, the church is described as early French with some Gothic style.
As you enter the church, you come into a light airy vestibule, with a partition on your left separating it from the main body of the church. In front of you is the original minister’s vestry, with its unique folding wash basin. As you enter the worship area, you will see its proper proportions.
The pulpit is directly in front of you, being placed centrally. Above the pulpit is some scrolling, with these words ‘enter his courts with praise’.
There was originally seating for 330, but with alterations it is now around 280. On each side there are columns topped with carvings (these carvings were donated by the architect, in memory of his mother). The door to the left of the pulpit, goes into the minister’s vestry, which was built in 1908, while the door on the right goes into the hall. Also on the left is the present day organ, which replaced the old organ in 1996. The old organ console no longer exists, but the housing does.
As you stand with your back to the pulpit, and look up to the back of the church, you will see the large rose window, which has recently been reset.
