Our Story
St. Paul's & Compstall Village
Since the 19th century
A Church Built for a Community
Most people know Compstall as a result of visiting Etherow Country Park. Despite it's rural appearance the lake is actually a former mill lodge built in the 1820s by the Andrews family to power their calico printing works and later a number of their mills. The family also built many of the local houses and, between 1839 and 1841, built St. Paul's to serve the growing community.
The church has served the people of Compstall and the surrounding area ever since, adapting and growing with the community through the Victorian era, two World Wars, the decline of the mills, and the transformation of Compstall into the peaceful, much-loved village it is today. The building itself, with its warm stone and simple dignity, reflects the character of the community it serves. Today, we are a small but lively congregation, part of the Diocese of Chester and the Church of England. We are proud of our heritage, but we are not a museum — we are a living, active community of faith, open to all.
Our values
What We Stand For
We are a welcoming Anglican parish rooted in faith, community, and service. These values shape everything we do.
Welcome
Everyone is welcome here, whatever your background or experience of church. We believe in the dignity and worth of every person.
Worship
We gather regularly to worship God through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments, in the tradition of the Church of England.
Community
We are committed to serving our local community — in Compstall and beyond — through practical care, friendship, and support.
Faith
We seek to grow in faith together, exploring what it means to follow Jesus in the modern world.
Come and Join Us
Whether you are a lifelong churchgoer or simply curious, you will find a warm welcome at St. Paul's. Come along to a service and see for yourself.
