The Parish Church of All Saints Odd Rode is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Congleton, the archdeaconry of Macclesfield, and the diocese of Chester.
All Saints' is an attractive rural church that was built in 1864. It is a Grade II* listed building that contains some fine architectural and decorative elements, which make it of considerable historical interest. The description of the Grade II* listed church by Historic England can be seen at the following link: (
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The church was commissioned by Randle Wilbraham III of Rode Hall and designed by George Gilbert Scott. The foundation stone was laid in June 1863 and the builder was John Gallimore from Newcastle-under-Lyme. Stone was used from the quarries of Mow Cop and Kerridge at Macclesfield. Gallimore, who was also a joiner, made the timber roof, which Gilbert Scott likened to the ribs of a ship. He also made the pews to the architect’s design.
The family had worshipped at St Mary's Church, Astbury, but Randle III wanted to have a church in Odd Rode. He had previously bought an old chapel in the parish for the purpose, but this was too small, and in 1861 he commissioned Scott to design a new church. Building began in 1863, but Randle III died during the first year of construction, and the church was completed and paid for by his son, Randle Wilbraham IV. It cost nearly £5,914, and was dedicated in 1864. Source: (
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"All Saints' church and several of its stained-glass windows owe their existence to the Wilbraham family of Rode Hall, which is situated a few hundred yards to the west of the church, For many years, the Wilbraham family, worshipped at Astbury church as had the Rodes who had lived before them at Rode Hall. A record of their lives prior to 1864 can be read on the walls of that church. They begin in 1770 with Randle Wilbraham II, the eminent barrister who built the larger portion of Rode Hall and also Mow Cop 'castle'. It was always in the mind of Randle III (1773 - 1861) to provide Odd Rode with its own place of worship. In 1840 he began by buying Dobb 's Chapel then known as St. Thomas' Chapel, which had been built in about 1808 alongside the house in Station Road still known as The Old Parsonage. However, Randle III obviously felt that a much larger church was required and in 1861 he commissioned George Gilbert Scott to design a new church for Rode. All Saints' Church is the result. 'Old Randle', as Randle Wilbraham III was affectionately known, has All Saints' Church as his memorial since it was he who conceived it. Unfortunately he died in the year that construction started, and it was actually built and paid for by his son, Randle Wilbraham IV (young Randle'). 'Old Randle and Sibella's (his wife) memorial is the magnificent reredos situated directly beneath the east window and representing the Last Supper as visualised by Leonardo da Vinci. The memorial to Randle Wilbraham IV is the east window itself. This beautiful and well-loved church is fortunate in having a number of stained glass windows, each of which depicts a scene or story from the Bible." Source: (
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The large East window is a memorial to Randle Wilbraham III. It was made in 1864 by the O'Connor firm and contains many saints in the right and left lights which surround the central "Christ in Glory" figure.
The Hunter Window was presented by John Ranson Hunter who went to Rode Boys' School. One of his sons became head of the Bank of China. The window is a 'Jesse window' by C. E. Kempe dated 1908 showing our Lords's descent from Jesse in the form of a royal tree.
The Riley Window at the back of the Church behind the font was installed in 1940 and is dedicated to the memory of the young soldier, Frederick Riley. He was a choirboy and server at All Saints before joining up to fight in the First World War. He was tragically killed in action in France on 1st July 1916, aged only 18years. The depiction of St. George and St. Joan movingly points to the significance of England and France during his short life.' (
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"Windows in the North aisle depict scenes from the life of Jesus. Two of them were given by James Newall in memory of himself and his second wife.
Two lancets relating to the Virgin Mary are in memory of Randle III's two wives: Letitia who died over her fifth child; and Sibylla who had eight children. She survived her husband and in 1863 laid the foundation stone of the church.
The Crump Window in the south aisle depicts Jesus at work in his fathers workshop. It is Pre- Raphaelite in style and commemorates Henrietta Wilbraham who married one of the Crumps of Chorlton Hall."
SOURCE: Information about the windows from documentation in the church.
The church has many events and activities throughout the year which cater for all ages. The church often plays host to concerts and special events throughout the year.
Every February, the church is open for the annual Rode Hall Snowdrop Walks, which attract several thousand visitors.
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