Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/352

 which is separated from the nave and transepts by a richly decorated and moulded arch, contains four side windows in addition to a large one at the east end. The nave is divided into five bays of fifteen feet each, with massive arches ornamented with deeply cut mouldings. The tower is of great solidity, and rises to a height of one hundred and twenty-four feet. Almost the whole of the windows are filled with richly stained glass; and the altar within the chancel is beautified with elaborately carved groups, designed by J. H. Powell, of Birmingham, of the "Agony in the Garden," and the "Last Supper;" whilst that in the lady chapel is adorned, from the pencil of the same artist, with illustrations of the "Assumption of the Virgin," and the "Annunciation," all of which are exquisitely carved by Lane. This church is dedicated to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and was the first one ever erected in Blackpool for members of the Roman Catholic Faith, service having been previously celebrated in a room in Talbot Road. In 1866 an excellent peal of cast steel bells was added to the tower; and ten years afterwards a magnificent organ was opened in the main building. Attached to the church, and within the same enclosure, were placed day and Sunday schools, as well as a residence for the officiating priests. The cost of this magnificent pile, without the internal decorations, amounted to £5,500.

The foundation stone of the Union Baptist Chapel, in Abingdon Street, was laid on the 9th of April, 1860, and on Good Friday in the following year it was opened for divine worship by the Rev. Dr. Raffles. The main building, 80 feet long by 49 feet wide, is of brick, and finished with moulded and polished stone dressings in the Grecian style of architecture. The principal or west front is surmounted by a bold cornice and pediment, and contains the two chief entrances, which are approached by a long range of steps and a spacious landing. The interior is fitted with substantial open pews of red pine in the body, and similar seats are placed in the two end galleries, the whole being capable of providing accommodation for about 650 persons. The communion floor, under a portion of which is the Baptistry, is enclosed with an ornamental balustrade. The edifice is well supplied with light through plain circular-headed windows. A Sunday school was added in 1874, and an organ also purchased during that year.