Towards the end of the 19th Century there was a growing realisation of the need of a second church to serve Ashton on Mersey. The decision to build St.Mary Magdalene was bold an courageous step. It was even more remarkable since there was a heavy financial burden of rebuilding and equipping the schools in the village at the same time. On top of that the population had not yet arrived! There is evidence that the fields around the church were use for growing rhubarb. St.Mary's was originally know as 'The Church in the fields'. Our predecessors were building for the future.

Ashton on Mersey and Sale were about to witness a huge population growth served by the Bridgewater Canal, the Roman Road (Washway Road A6) and Flora the first engine on the Altrincham to Manchester line (now the Metro line).

Since St.Mary's was founded in 1874, the church has never stood still; the ministry and worship have been constantly enhanced and extended. The vision, 'To be a growing church' is in our spiritual DNA.

The churches impact on the community has been obvious through the work of the church schools; All Saints Mission Hall in Somerset Place; a Nursing Home in St.Mary's Road (which later moved to Sandiway Road) and local almshouses. Over the years, the also church employed a community nurse and other full time staff to serve the locality

In 1968 the Church Hall was built and was of huge benefit to church and community.

The Sale West estate was built as the population was moving out of central Manchester. Local churches supported the growth of the new church family, Sale West Community Church. St.Mary's supported SWCC by providing a full time worker.

More recently the building of a new Church Centre has proved to the catalyst for growth in the life of the church. Many community groups use the buildings and we have used the much improve buildings to invite people to join our activities and worship.
 

Our vision is to be a growing church