After many years of scrimping and saving at a little church in Park Street, just off Market Place in Stockport, Mr and Mrs Hudson finally raised the funds to build Stockport Christian Spiritualist Church. "Fred and Lill", as they were known, were well respected for their mediumship throughout the country. They formed a small committee and in August 1972 the new church in Old Road opened, having used most of their funds for the cost, which at that time was £10,900. It was a lovely little church, basic but comfortable.
The regular services began, drawing many people from the Stockport area to its doors. Albert Parker had already joined the church in October 1976, without any prior knowledge of Spiritualism and later became a member. In February 1977 Albert joined the Development Class under the guidance of Mr.and Mrs. Hudson and began developing his mediumship. Albert continued with his development for some time. His mediumship and spiritual development greatly improved but he was still not ready at that stage to take services on his own.
Sadly, in May 1977 Fred Hudson passed to spirit very quickly, leaving Lilly to shoulder the responsibility of the church. By February 1978 Lilly Hudson had decided to retire and Albert was asked to stand for the Presidency. At this stage Albert felt his knowledge was limited. However, he did have an excellent relationship with Lilly and agreed to stand knowing that she would be willing to help and guide him. Consequently Albert was duly elected as President in February 1978. Lilly, having given a large part of her life to Spiritualism eventually passed to the higher side of life on the 1st Jan 1986 at the age of 80.
At this point Albert, guided by inspiration and with the support of the Church Committee, began a huge development programme for the church. In 1980 two stained glass windows were fitted and two years later a further two were added creating by the Altar a lovely warm comforting feeling. A few years later, in order to add further beauty to the church, the old strip lighting was removed and chandeliers and wall lighting were fitted in its place. Another improvement around this time was the installation of a computerized organ system giving the congregation the benefit of music at all of the services. To compliment the interior of the church the front gardens where renovated, adding new walls and steps, two lawns and rose gardens either side of the steps. This created a dignity to the Church approach and a warm welcome to visitors. The refurbishment programme continued and in 1993 all the seating and carpets were renewed. A few years later central heating was installed (We boast one of the warmest churches in the country!) and in 1999 a new frontage was added which created a building on top of the existing flat roof, further enhancing the appearance of the church.
The church has moved on considerably since 1972. Its beauty alone makes it well worth a visit. We are known locally, nationally and internationally. We have had many visitors, particularly from the neighbouring areas of Manchester, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Chester, Macclesfield, Sheffield, Lancashire, Liverpool, and Merseyside. Over the years we have also had visitors from overseas . Some 16 years ago Albert started a “Music and Meditation” class. It still flourishes today, with many people over the years having acquired a great deal of spiritual knowledge and development. The “Healing Group,” also set up many years ago, continues to give help and support to those who require help to cope more effectively with their life and offers spiritual comfort and support. Albert still remains as President after 25 years. In that time he has conducted many baptisms, funerals and wedding ceremonies.
We at Stockport Christian Spiritualist Church are proud of our little Church, its congregation and the many services we offer. We know that that it has been a great deal of support to many people over the years and we hope it will continue for many, many years to come.