Saint Ann's Church — Attraction in Manchester

I have always loved and been so grateful for having such a beautiful sacred space like St Ann’s Church right in the heart of Manchester City Centre. I love the fact that it is always open to the public and anyone can come in at any time, light a small candle, sit down, pray and have the most sacred personal time with God in the most sacred, beautiful, peaceful space within the church.However, I have started to notice that this space is not being respected by those present within the building. There is a cafe at the rear, the door to which is wide open and from which high levels of noise come through into the main part of the church. When I was there today, this even included noisy music being played through visitors’ mobile phones.

Visitors to the main part of the church itself often talk quite loudly to one another.However, what really and deeply upset, surprised, disappointed and troubled me is that the staff who work in the church do not seem to respect the need for quiet within this sacred environment. On each of the last few occasions that I have visited, and tried to find some peaceful space, the Rector has been holding long conversations with other visitors and members of staff, conversations which have been very loud and which make it impossible for anyone to sit,reflect, pray or do anything which requires stillness and quiet. As a religious person, I personally find all of the above both concerning and extremely disturbing. People who come to pray in the church are people who are very often in distress and desperately in need of silence and intimacy to enable a one to one connection to, and to be in communion with, God.   The church should be a haven of tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the central shopping area, however instead it seems more like another city centre cafe where gossip and laughter predominate.These are very real concerns, which I am sure must have been voiced by others before me. I would appreciate to see what steps are being taken to revert the church back to the sacred, quiet, welcoming and peaceful space that it should be for all who...

The best examples of British architectural and spiritual heritage include the 15th century Manchester Cathedral, as well as St Anne's Church, Manchester. The origin of the name of this shrine is associated not only with the name of the saint, but also with the patroness of the temple, Lady Anna Bland. The church was erected at the end of the 18th century - at that time it was an impressive building with two towers. Immediately after the construction of the church, its interior was very modest, and only in the 19th century did its appearance noticeably change, colored stained-glass windows appeared in place of glass in the windows. Next to the temple rises a square 42-meter tower with a high spire, on its upper level there is a bell tower with 5 bells. The vaults and walls inside are painted with various episodes from the life of St. Anna. Above the high oak altar there are three large stained-glass windows with faces of saints. Every Sunday there are services, organ concerts and events dedicated to classical music in St....

If you happen to be in Manchester City Centre on a Tuesday lunchtime with some time to spare then please consider calling in to St Ann's Church in St Ann's Square. They have a free Organ Recital every Tuesday starting at 1pm lasting about 45mins. Visited yesterday for the first time. Warmly greeted by the staff on duty, the organist gave a light hearted run down of the pieces being played and we were well able to see him in action on a giant screen. Yes it was classical not pop, yes it was in church so seating is on pews not comfy chairs but it was a quality experience that Manchester should...