St Patrick, Roman Catholic, Rochdale

The building-up of this great parish was largely the work of an Irish priest, Father Michael Moriarty, who was here from 1861 to his death in 1897. The mission was founded from St. John's, Rochdale. Fr. Moriarty built church, schools, and a presbytery. He was a man of culture and an attractive personality, and he fulfilled well the task of Dean which the Bishop assigned to him. Fr. Moriarty died of a street accident at Nice and was buried in Ireland, although his body was brought back to Rochdale for a Solemn Requiem.

Fr. Thomas Cusack was Rector until 1903. During that time he beautified the church and installed a new high altar and an organ. Fr. Richard Campion was here for 25 years. His chief task was to finish school extensions required by the growth of the population. He also was obliged to build a larger presbytery. Fr. J. V. Murphy was then appointed and served here for a number of years.

Taken from "Salford Diocese and its Catholic past", a survey by Charles A. Bolton, a Priest of the above Diocese. Published 1950 on the First Centenary for the Diocese of Salford.

This site provides historical information about churches, other places of worship and cemeteries. It has no connection with the churches themselves. For current information you should contact them directly.

Copies of Original Registers

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