There is no record that John Wesley ever visited Swinton, but tradition has it that on one of his journeys from Manchester to Bolton he took his stand somewhere near Victoria Church, and preached to a crowd drawn by curiosity to see and hear him. The introduction of his teachings into this district was very similar to its introduction into many others places; first the cottage meetings, then the early chapels, followed by the building of larger places of worship which stood to witness to the devotion or our fathers.
Although it is true that the first Methodist Chapel in Swinton was not built till 1809 (18 years after John Wesley's death), there had been Methodist prayer meetings in the district for several years before this time. They took place mainly in cottages in Worsley Road, Folly Lane, and Swinton Hall Road. They were probably undertaken by preachers from Manchester. At the same time, open-air services were held in Swinton, Pendlebury and Clifton. Despite opposition and some persecution, the cause flourished; a class book of 1807 names 16 persons as members, with Joseph Hulbert as their leader.
They decided to build a chapel, so that the Society might find a permanent home. Although money was scarce, they continued with their plans, and chose the site where St. Paul's stood.
By the end of June 1809, the building was nearing completion, and the chapel was opened on July 9th 1809. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Joseph Entwistle, of Manchester.
The first Methodist building in Swinton was plain and unpretentious, but during the 40 years of its existence it provided for many — both comfort and inspiration.
Although the chapel had been extended by the erection of a gallery in 1825, it became increasingly evident that not only a new chapel, but a school too, must be provided. The last sermon in the old chapel was preached just 40 years from its opening day — July 9th, 1849. Seven weeks later the first Sunday School building was opened, and in the following December the first services took place in the new chapel. Both internally and externally it was a great advance on its predecessor, although some people considered aspects rather too elaborate.
Swinton was no longer a village, as the opening of the railway and the tramway had brought hundreds of new residents into the district. Once again the chapel proved inadequate for all those who wished to attend it. The trustees decided on a new building to be called, not a "chapel" but the "Swinton Wesleyan Methodist Church".
This magnificent Gothic building, with its spire 120 feet high (which was such a landmark for more than 60 years), was opened on January 28th, 1892. It was built by Messrs. S. Rawlinson & Son.

Burials ceased in 1945.
The church was closed and has been demolished, ... the landscaped graveyard is now a park with gravestones laid as paths.