Church Building
First built in 1847, the church of St Mary’s the Virgin, Riddlesden, was consecrated in 1851.
Windows
East Window
This window was installed in memory of Frederick Greenwood of Ryshworth Hall, Bingley who died in 1862.
It depicts Faith, Hope and Love in the form of the Cross carried by Peter, the Anchor carried by John and the Lamb carried by Christ. The three angels are said to represent Gabriel, Michael and Raphael.
South windows
Two of the windows are in memory of J.B.Sidgwick who died in 1873 and his wife Sarah Hannah who died in 1887. (Both J.B and S.H. Sidgwick are buried in the churchyard.
The third window was installed in memory of William Wilcock, the first Parish Clerk, who served 43 years from 1851 to 1894. He too is buried in the churchyard.
Pulpit
The pulpit was erected in 1945. The cost of £60 was borne by Mr Myers as a memorial to his wife.
Lectern
The lectern was installed to commemorate the fallen soldiers of World War I.
Font
The carved cover over the font commemorates William and Sarah Broster.
The Ewer commemorates the fallen soldiers of World War I.
Altar
The altar rails were erected as a memorial to Mr James Crabtree, Church Warden, who died 1937.
Bell
The inscription reads:
ECCL BEATAE VIRGINIS MARIAE DE RIDDLESDEN JUXTA BINGLEY
J.B.S. CHEADLE M.A. VIC. DE BINGLEY. GUL FAWCETT BA PASTE DE MORTON
ANNO SALUTIS MDCCCXLVII
ORATE AUDITE VOS VERBUM DOMINI
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Riddlesden near Bingley.
J.B.S. Cheadle M.A. Vicar of Bingley. Wm Fawcwtt B.A. Pastor of Morton.
In the year of salvation 1847
Pray (and) hear ye the word of the Lord.
Silver
The paten and chalice are inscribed “An offering to God for use in the Church of St. Mary Riddlesden, near Bingley, in the year of our Lord 1848”
A wafer box was donated in memory of Miss F. Rowlatt 1921.
A chalice was donated as a thank offering from Mr. and Mrs. P.W.B. Beadman.
Organ
Prior to 1913, the organ stood with its back to the North East wall at the entry to the chancel and was a one-manual instrument with pedals, having seven stops and a coupler.
In 1913, the present organ, built by Laycock and Bannister, was installed. In 2013, it had a complete overhaul and refurbishment to celebrate its centenary.
Organ Specification
Swell Organ
MIXTURE
SALICET 4ft
SALICIONAL 8ft
ROHR FLUTE 8ft
GEIGEN PRINCIPAL 8ft
Great Organ
FIFTEENTH 2ft
HARMONIC FLUTE 4ft
PRINCIPAL 4ft
HOHL FLUTE 8ft
OPEN DIAPASON 8ft
Pedal Organ
FLUTE BASS 8ft
BOURDON 16ft
Couplers
SWELL SUPER
SWELL TO PEDALS
SWELL TO GREAT
GREAT TO PEDALS
On April 14th, St Mary’s organ was re-dedicated to the glory of God by Bishop Nick Baines – Bishop of Bradford. Pictured with him, from left to right, is organist Roger Lane with his wife Pat (St Mary’s choirmistress), John Barnes who carried out the complete refurbishment of the organ, and Revd Mike Cansdale. A commemorative plaque has been added to the organ thanking Roger and Pat for their vision, and the congregation for their generosity.
Banners
For a full description of our banners, please follow the link.