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This is the same site as is recorded here https://www.mywesleyanmethodists.org.uk/content/chapels/scotland/edinburgh_wesleyan_central_hall_earl_grey_street
WELLINGTON JOURNAL, Saturday 27 December 1890, page 7. “HAYTON’S BENT. WESLEYAN CHAPEL. On Sunday, special sermons were preached at the Wesleyan Chapel, Hayton’s Bent, on the occasion of the opening of the new harmonium. The sermons were preached by Mr. R. W. Billington, of Ludlow. In the afternoon a holiness meeting was held … Collections were taken in aid of the harmonium fund, the amount realised being 18s. Mr. Bengry, jun., presided at the harmonium, and special hymns were sund by the choir conducted by Mr. Hince.”
My great grandfather was Robert Thornton Walker who attended the Chapel in the 1880’s to 189? A diary of the time mentions much of his time was taken with meetings at the Chapel and visits away to other chapels and conferences. He is mentioned with a photograph in a Centenary book of Eastbrook Chapel, Bradford (which is now missing/lost) published early to mid 20th century.
My Burran family were baptised here from 1828 onwards, Martha Burran, Benjamin Burran 2 Jul 1828, maybe others , would there have been burials here too ? Thanks
WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 10 March 1860, page 3. “DAWLEY. On Sunday last three sermons were preached in the Wesleyan Chapel, by the Rev. Mr. Nelson, being the last in the old chapel. The chapel, which is now being taken down was opened forty years ago by the Rev. S. Taylot, when a debt of £230 was left on it which has not been paid till now. The chapel, which is to be built on the old site, is contracted for by Mr. Bray, of Finger Lane, at an estimate of £900. The foundation is expected to be laid next Easter Monday. It is guaranteed that the whole of the money of the new chapel will be found in twelve months. Day and Sunday schools will be added to the chapel, which will be opened on the Government plan.” ————————————————
WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 14 April 1860, page 2. “DAWLEY. LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Dawley new Wesleyan Chapel took place in the presence of nearly two thousand people on Monday last. At two o’clock a procession was formed at the Music Hall, and marched to the spot in the following order:-The ministers of the circuit, and others, followed by the principal office-bearers, and the Dawley Brass Band … and the children and teachers of the Sunday School. A platform had been erected, upon which were a number of the principal members and friends in the neighbourhood … the Rev. Mr. Thomas read the following document:- The chapel, the foundation stone of which is this day laid (Easter Monday, April 9th, 1860) by Isaac Jenks, Esq., of Wolverhampton … The chapel is settled in conformity with the provisions of the Model Deed of the above named body, and is held by a number of trustees … as follows: Thomas Wordley, Dawley; Edward Smith, Ironbridge; William Poole, Willenhall, William Poole, Lawley Bank; Thomas Jones, Lawley Bank, James Harris, Dawley, William Baugh, Malinslee; J. K. Bathurst, and Benjamin Bright, who also were trustees of the former chapel … Architect [name omitted]. T. Bray, Dawley, Builder. This document, a Preacher’s Plan of the Madeley Circuit for the Current Quarter, a copy of the Watchman newspaper, the Wellington Journal, a list of subscribers to the chapel, the Bazaar Circular, and certain coins of the Realm were deposited in a bottle in a cavity beneath the foundation stone now laid, April 9th, 1860. Soli Deo Honor et Gloria. After the reading of the above document, Mr. G. Bailey, as representative of the trustees, presented to Isaac Jenks, Esq., a beautiful silver trowel, and a mahogany mallet, to perform the ceremony of laying the stone … The Rev. Mr. Naylor, then addressed the meeting and said he had been a preacher in the Wesleyan body for sixty years, and he could congratulate the trustees that they had begun to raise such a beautiful house to the Lord, and he could say in the language of Watts – ‘These temples of His grace How beautiful they stand The honour of our native place The bulwarks of the land.’ … A collection was then made and the sum of £65, including £25 given by Mr. Jenks, realised … At five o’clock a public tea meeting was held in the Music hall … [there follows a long list of those who contributed financially to the fund] … .” —————————————- EDDOWES’S JOURNAL, 18 April 1860, page 6. “DAWLEY. LAYING OF THE GOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW CHAPEL … The building, it is supposed, will cost £1000, and between £600 and £700 had already been collected.” —————————————-
The address of the chapel is Leece Lane.
Thank you for this comment Jacquie. Your great-grandfather was minister at this church from 1879 to 1882 I understand. His address is given in the 1881 Census as Stanmore Lodge, Newport Road, which may have been the same building or a neighbouring one. The problem is that Cardiff developed rapidly after that date and Newport Road, being the main road in from the east, has certainly been redeveloped on a number of occasions. I have not been able to find a precise location for the manse, but other people, living in Cardiff, might be able to provide better information. We can but hope!
STAFFORDSHIRE SENTINEL AND COMMERCIAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Saturday 12 February 1876, page 4. “BUILDERS willing to TENDER for the ERECTION of a NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL and PREMISES at Woore may see the plan and specification at Mr. J. Smith’s, Mount Pleasant, Woore. Sealed tenders to be sent to the above address, on or before the 29th February, 1876 … .” ——————————– STAFFORDSHIRE SENTINEL, Tuesday 11 April 1876, page 4. “NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL AT WOORE. A ceremony which excited considerable local interest took place yesterday afternoon at Woore, viz., the laying of memorial stones of a new Wesleyan Chapel. For some time there have been Wesleyan services conducted in the place, but the chapel has been felt to be a desideratum … A very suitable and quite central site for a new chapel (the land being worth £50) was given by Mr. John Smith, who may be fairly credited with the honour of having initiated the movement, and launched it in such a way as to auger complete success … a very neat chapel will be erected, which will be quite an ornament to the villages. The chapel will be of Gothic design, and built out of bricks, with stone dressings freely introduced. The roof will be open and of stained wood. The chapel will have a slightly raised floor and be fitted with stalls of pitchpine seats, and a neat rostrum. The place will seat about two hundred people. At the rear of the chapel will be a school vestry, which will accommodate 50 children. The builder is Mr. Ellame, of Silverdale, and his contract is £600. The entire cost of the place is estimated at £780, towards which about £300 was raised. The farmers of the locality agreed to gratuitotusly perform the carting work … Rev. J. Hooten, superintendent of the circuit, gave out the hymn … the Rev. J. Cooke (Nantwich), read the 84th psalm, and then the Rev. J. Hooten offered prayer. The Rev. J. S. Jones, of Newcastle, chairman of the district, then delivered an address … The stone-laying ceremony was then gone through, the following being the ladies and gentlemen who took part with their donations [there follows a list of names with their donations] … for each stone-layer there was s silver trowel. Mr. J. SMITH announced that in a cavity of one of the middle stones was deposited a bottle containing a copy of the Staffordshire Sentinel, Advertiser, circuit plan, and a statement relative to the Wesleyan cause at Woore to the —-? that the church numbered twelve members, with five on trial; there were forty scholars in the Sunday school and eight teachers. After the stones had been laid some neatly-dressed children deposited purses of money thereon, cheers were given for the stone-layers, a verse of the National Anthem was sung, and the ceremony then brought to a close by the Rev. J. S. Jones pronouncing the benediction. A public tea meeting followed, at which there was a large attendance.” —————————— STAFFORDSHIRE SENTINEL AND COMMERCIAL AND GENERAL ADVERTISER, Saturday 23 September 1876, page 5. “Wesleyan Chapel. On Monday afternoon there were festivities in connection with the opening of the new Wesleyan Chapel at Woore. It had been designed that a tea meeting should be held in a tent which had been erected in a field belonging to Mr. A. Lewis, but that course was wisely abandoned. The ingenuity of the friends was put to the test to meet the requirements, at short notice; the good feeling of the villagers was put to the test to provice acommodation; and lastly, the virtue of exercising patience and forbearance under difficulties was put to the test in the case of the visitors, who mustered in surprisingly large numbers, considering the very unpropitious weather. We believe that in the case of every test indicated, the result was satisfactory. Accommodation was provided at the Wesleyan room, and in the large rooms at the Swan Hotel, the Falcon, and other places, hence all visitors got tea in tolerable comfort. All the trays were given, and there was an amplitude of viands of a varied character. After tea, a public meeting was held in the new chapel, which was crowded to excess, over 300 people being present. Mr. Alderman Leech, Mayor of Newcastle, was the chairman; and in an introductory address he congratulated the friends upon the consummation of their work, in the erection of so beautiful a chapel. Looking over the religious world it gave satisfaction to recognise that although there were many denominations they were only sections of the one great Christian army, having the same foe to fight, and were serving under the same banner. Although a Churchman himself, he had great respect for the Wesleyans, who exerted a great religious power in the land. He expressed a hope that the establishment of Wesleyanism at Woore would never be the cause of dissension or mere denominationalism, but would be promotive of real Christianity. Mr. J. R. Cooke, of Hanley, an announced speaker, telegraphed that he was unable to attend, and his name must be pust down for a subscription instead of a speech. After an address by Mr. C. H. Smith, The Rev. Mark Shaw, of Nantwich, gave a discursive speech, having many points of interest. Mr. John Smith next gave some particulars concerning the active and earnest efforts in regard to the new chapel. The meeting closed with passing the usual complimentary votes. The opening services of the new chapel took place on Sunday, when sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Hooten. The collections realised £24 11s. 7d. The chapel, a description of which we have already given is situated in the centre of the village. It has been built by Mr. Ellams of Silverdale, and is a neat and convenient structure. On Tuesday the Sunday school children had a treat. After a good tea, various games were enjoyed in a field; and a short meeting was subsequently held in the Wesleyan meeting house. The juvenlies and a number of friends were much interested by addresses from Mr. J. Smith (the chairman), Miss Povey (of Hoylston, Derbyshire), Messrs. J. Sherwin, W. Tompkin (Silverdale), and others. At intervals there was singing. Charming weather afforded a marked contrast to the aqueous troubles of the previous day.” ———————————–
My Great Grandfather was minister at this church, Rev Henry Burton. He was well known as a hymn writer – There’s a light upon the mountain and If you had a kindness pass it on. Please could you tell me where the manse was? Called Stafford House, Newport Rd I would love to know what number it now has.
WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 8 August 1896, page 7. “NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL AT WOODSEAVES. On Thursday afternoon the ceremony of laying four foundation stones of the new Wesleyan Chapel at Woodseaves took place in the presence of a large congregation. For some time past, services in connection with the denomination have been held on the premises of Mr. Hill, and under the auspices of the Market Drayton circuit. The several ladies who officiated at the stone-laying were Mrs. T. Mulliner, Mrs. Lea, Mrs. Vernon, and Mrs. Bower, while their united contributions placed upon the stones realised the satisfactory amount of £50. At a meeting held in a large tent in the evening addresses were delivered by the circuit minister (the Rev. W. Cumberland), Rev. T. G. Hartley (chairman of the district), and other ministers of the neighbourhood. The chair was very ably occupied by Mr. Lea, of Tarvin.” —————————–
SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE, 9 December 1859, page 7. “WHIXALL. Missionaary Meeting. A meeting of the Whixall branch of the Wesleyan Missionary Society was held in the New Chapel, on Wednesday, the 30th ult. [i.e. November]. The building was crowded to excess …” ——————————————–
OSWESTRY ADVERTISER, 31 October 1877, page 7. [WHITCHURCH] “LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONES OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. The foundation stones of the new Wesleyan Chapel in St. John’s Street, were laid on Thursday, Oct. 25. The question of building a new place of worship has been a long mooted one … it was ultimately decided to build a new chapel. The architect engaged is Mr. Rogers, of Prees … the contract is let to Mr. Stringer, Sandbach, for £4,200, but the total cost is expected to amount to £5,000. The style of the church will be Gothic of the latter part of the 13th century. The building will be cruciform in plan and consist of a nave 65 feet long, 24 feet wide, and 36 feet high … There will be a side aisle 56 feet long and nine feet wide; a tower fourteen feet square and spire of 100 feet high; two transepts each 16 feet long, and 17 feet wide; an organ chamber and a porch. In continuation of the nave and of the same width will be a circular ended apse in which are placed the choir stalls, communion table, &c. A gallery, capable of accommodating about eighty children, will be made in one of the transepts. There will also be a class room, about fourteen feet square, and a vestry of a similar size, provided with heating apparatuses. The walling, comprising the tower and spire, is to be built of Grinshill stone in irregular courses, and lined internally with Shelvoke stone in finely tooled narrow courses. The front gable will be pierced by a four light tracery window, ten feet by twenty feet, and the aisles are to be lighted by windows of similar design, divided into lights … A little after half-past two on Thursday afternoon Sir Francis Lycett and othes performed the ceremony of laying the stones, four in number … the Rev. J. Waterhouse, superintendent of the circuit, announced that the bottle to be placed among the stones contained the Watchman, The Methodist Recorder, the Whitchurch Herald, the Recorder, Wesleyan Methodist, the circuit plan, names of the trustees, and the names of the gentlemen who laid the stones … The Superintendent announced that Sir Francis Lycett had presented a cheque for £100 … Mr. ROBERT READ, Liverpool, was then called upon to lay the second stone … he had much pleasure in contributing the sum of £50 towards the good work. The Rev. J. D. TETLEY in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Solomon Jevons was called upon to lay the next stone … [gave] a cheque for £50 … the next and last stone was laid by Mrs. Beckett. On this were placed a number of purses, being the offerings of different ladies, and containing sums varying from £3 to £10. The collections on the stone amounted to £133, and the total amount realized at this portion of the proceedings was £465 13s.” ——————————————– The WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 3 November 1877, page 5, contains a long account of the stone laying ceremony. ——————————————– SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE, 24 May 1878, page 8. [WHITCHURCH] “GRAND BAZAAR IN AID OF THE NEW WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL. On Wednesday, the grand bazaar … was opened by F. Farish, Esq., mayor of Chester, in the Assembly Room, New Town Hall, Whitchurch … .” ——————————————– EDDOWES’S JOURNAL, 30 April 1879, page 9. [Whitchurch] “THE OPENING OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. The new Wesleyan Chapel … was opened for public worship on Thursday. At three o’clock Rev. W. Burt Pope, D. D., ex-president of the Wesleyan Conference, preached … At seven o’clock the building was again crowded. Every pew was taken to its utmost, and many had to be content with standing in the aisles … The preacher was Dr. Morley Punshon … The collections for the day amounted to the large sum of £181 9s. 11d., £110 14s. 6d. being received at the evening service. The cost of the chapel is £5,300 of which sum all had been raised, prior to the opening services, but £750 … .” ———————————————
WESLEYAN METHODIST MAGAZINE, vol. 59, 1836, p. 375. “WELLINGTON, Shropshire. On Good Friday morning, April the 1st. a beautiful and commodious chapel was opened for divine worship in this town, under the most auspicious circumstances, by the Rev. Theophilus Lessey … On the following Sunday the Rev. J. H. Bumby, of Birmingham, and Mr. J. Watson, of Darlaston, rendered their valuable assistance; and on the Wednesday, the Rev. Robert Newton and Mr. William Dawson addressed the crowded and eagerly attentive congregations. The chapel will accommodate nearly nine hundred person. The comfortable and ample provision made for the poor in this eligibly situated house of God, is not the least interesting feature in its internal arrangement …The quarter of an acre of land, forming the site, cost £200; and the expence of erection, including an external wall, and the preparations requisite for the introduction of gas, was £1300. The collections amounted to £203, a sums far exceeding our most sanguine expectationsl the old premises were sold for £320; and the amount of private subscriptions has already surpassed £300 …”. ————————————– SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE, Friday 28 March 1851, page 8 “WELLINGTON. WESLEYAN CHAPEL. A good organ has been recently erected in the Wesleyan Chapel here, and on the occasion of its being opened sermons were preached by the Rev. Dr. Newton, of Liverpool, when the sum of £25 10s. was collected, in addition to a further sum of £50 subscribed amongst the congregation and friends attending this place of worship.” ————————————– WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 29 April 1882, page 1. “NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. Builders wishful to TENDER for the various Works required in the Erection of a WESLEYAN CHAPEL, WELLINGTON, may view the Plans and Specifications at the Schoolroom, St. John’s Street, Wellington, Salop, from TUESDAY, April 25th to THURSDAY, May 11th, on which latter date Sealed Tenders are to be delivered to the REV. JOHN E. PATER, Mill Bank, Wellington. Bills of quantities may be obtained free of charge on application to Mr. HERBERT ISITT, Queen Anne Chambers, Bradford, Yorks.” ————————————– EDDOWES’S JOURNAL, 19 July 1882, page 12. “WELLINGTON. LAYING THE MEMORIAL STONES OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL … took place yesterday. At three o’clock a large number had assembled, including the day and Sunday scholars … The Rev. W. R. Carlyon, Pastor, then read portions of scripture … after which the Rev. John Fletcher, Superintendent of the Madeley Circuit, offered up an appropriate prayer … the ceremony of laying the stones commenced by Mr. Peplow, of Shifnal, placing in the first stone a glass bottle containing several papers, the order of service, a programme of the proceedings, and some coins of the realm, a circuit plan, &c. A trowel was then presented by the Rev. J. E. Pater to Mrs. Groom, who laid the first stone, and placed upon it a cheque for £50. The second stone was laid by C. C. Walker, Esq. … Mrs. R. Groom who laid the next stone [there follows a further list of those who laid stones] … A first-class tea was partaken of in the Town Hall at five o’clock, and a public meeting was held in the old Wesleyan Chapel in the evening. During the day between £500 and £600 was contributed to the building fund of the new chapel.” ————————————– An exceptionally lengthy account of the stone laying ceremony appeared in the WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 22 July 1882, page 6. ————————————– WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 31 March 1883, page 5. “OPENING OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL AT WELLINGTON. On Good Friday, the new chapel which the Wesleyan Methodists of Wellington have erected was opened for Divine service … Nearly 100 yers have elapsed since the Wesleyan Methodists first established their cause in Wellington, their original meeting house being in Chapel Lane … The new building, the site of which is in New Street, about 100 yards from the old chapel, is set well back, and approached by a spacious concreted pathway, the worshippers having to pass through a handsome gateway, with pallisading, supplied by the Coalbrookdale Company. The chapel is in the Italian style of architecture. Decoration is entirely confined to the front elevation, which is executed in Grinshill stone and Donington pressed bricks. The chief feature is an exceeingly handsome open portico of three bays, standing at the top of a broad flight of steps. Above the portico is a large circular-headed window, surmounted by a massively-moulded stone pediment, supported by moulded and carved pilasters containing semi-circular niches. Red Terra-cotta baluster, panels, and other decorations are introduced to give harmony between the brick and stone. There is a well-screened vestibule, having a tessellated pavement, giving entrance to the interior, which comprises area and gallery on three sides, the size of the chapel being 62ft. 6in. long by 50ft. wide. Accommodation is provided for upwards of 900 worshippers, free sittings in great number being set apart in the gallery. Each pew is furnished with book-drawer, umbrella stand and every convenience … The prominent feature of the interior is the chancel, which occupies the end opposite the entrance, and is separated from the area by a wide spanning arch, under which is placed the pulpit, having at either side the seats for the choir. The back of the chancel is relieved by the introduction of a stained-glass window, and by a simple reredos and communion table underneath it, the ceiling of the chancel being vaulted and panelled. The organ chamber is placed on one side of the chancel, and on the other side two vestries … The ceiling of the chapel is most tastefully panelled and coved, and will admit of excellent decorative effect. A pleasant light is admitted into the sacred edifice through the ruby-stained margins of the windows, and abundant gaslight provided by ceiling and wall lights. The building is efficiently heated by hot water on the ground and gallery floors. The contractors for the masons’, bricklayers’, and joiners’ works have been Messrs. Paterson and Sons, of Wellington; for the plumbing, heating, and painting, Mr. G. H. York, of Wellington; and for the plastering, Messrs C. Howroyd and Sons, of Bradford. The whole work has been carried out from the plans and under the superintendence of Mr. Herbert Isitt, architect, of Bradford. In the vestibule is a handsome brass plate [containing the names of all those who laid the memorial stones on 8 July1 1882]. For the opening ceremony, the friends had secured the services of two of the most able and distinguished men in the connexion – the Rev. George Osborn, D. D., ex-President of the Conference, and the Rev. C. Garrett, President of the Conference … At the close of the service a collection was made, the handsome sum of £105 being contributed.” ————————————–
WESLEYAN METHODIST MAGAZINE, 1824 pages 45-6. “TRENCH, in the Wellington (Shropshire) Circuit. A new chapel, thirty-nine feet by thirty, was opened here, Nov. 2d. [1823] By private subscriptions, £150 have been obtained; and £40 was collected at the Opening-Services, when Sermons were preached by the REV. JAMES GILL, and the REV. JOHN CHETTLE. The entire cost will be above £350. The pews are nearly all taken.” ——————————– WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 11 May 1889, page 1. “WESLEYAN CHAPEL, TRENCH. THE ORGAN recently erected in the above Chapel will be OPENED TO-MORROW, when TWO SERMONS will be Preached Morning and Evening by JOSEPH WARD, Esq., of Altringham. In the Afternoon, a SERVICE OF SACRED SONG will be given by the Children and Choir. Collections will be made on behalf of the Organ Fund … .” ——————————-
WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 2 August 1902, page 6. “WESLEYAN CHAPEL, WATERS UPTON. STONE-LAYING CEREMONY, FRIDAY NEXT, AUGUST 8, AT 2-30 P.M. TEA in the Board Schools (kindly lent by the School Board), at 4-30. Tickets 1s. each. PUBLIC MEETING at 6-30. Chairman E. W. GREEN, ESQ., of Handsworth. ADDRESSES by REVS. ENOCH SALT of Birmingham and W. H. KIRKHAM of Lincoln, the Circuit Ministers, and others. Collections in aid of the Building Fund.” ——————————— SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE, 15 August 1902, page 8. “WATERS UPTON. NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. Wesleyan Methodism having grown considerably in Waters Upton and neighbourhood, it has been decided to erect a suitable chapel to accommodate its adherents. Plans were prepared by Mr Bullock, and the foundation stone of the new building (estimated to cost about £800) was laid by Mr E W Green (Handsworth) on Friday lst. … ” ———————————-
I was asked to dispose of some very old bibles and one of them is the Soldiers New Testament South Africa 1900-1901 With a stamp which says Wesleyan soldiers Home Bulford Camp. Is there a museum or somewhere it can go as I don’t think it should be destroyed.
WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 17 August 1907, page 11. “TERN HILL. NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. On Thursday the foundation-stone laying in connection with the erection of a new Wesleyan Chapel took place here. After the proceedings had been opened with hymn and prayer the Rev. Gregory Renton (pastor of the Market Drayton Wesleyan Chapel) called upon Mr. W. G. Harper, as the oldest local preacher, and the treasurer of the new building, to present Mrs. Dunn of Ternhill Villa with a trowel for the stone-laying ceremony … Mrs. Dunn laid the first stone, after which other stones were laid by [there follows a long list of named stone-layers] together with those laid by the superintendents and teachers of the Sunday school. Addresses were afterwards given by the Rev. F. J. Morgan (pastor of the Market Drayton Primitive Methodist Church) and Mr. F. Neilson (Wollerton) … Everyone at Tern Hill knew what the building of their new chapel meant. Not only did it add something on to Tern Hill, and the people of Tern Hill, but they had founded another station in the great advance of civilisation … Later tea was partaken of in a large tent, and this was followed by a public meeting over which Mr. W. J. Dutton (Nantwich) presided. It was stated that the total cost of the new chapel would be about £500, and towards this sum of upwards of £400 had already been promised.” ————————————- WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 15 February 1908, page 7. “NEW CHAPEL AT TERN HILL. OPENING CEREMONY. The new Wesleyan Chapel at Tern Hill was opened on Thursday last, under very favourable auspices. For some years the need of a larger chapel at Tern Hill has been keenly felt, the old building being too small to accommodate the increasing congregations … plans were prepared by Mr. E. A. Craig of Market Drayton, and the work of erection placed with Messrs. Wood and Son of Market Drayton. Mr. W. Rogers (Market Drayton) generously undertook to defray the cost of providing ventilation for the new chapel, and members of the congregation undertook the necessary excavations and the haulage of materials … the work steadily progressed, culminating in the handsome and substantial edifice … The chapel itself is 32ft. by 18ft. The seats are on either side of the central aisle. The rostrum of polished woodwork, and handsome lamps and brackets, stands at the far end. On the left of the chapel is a spacious schoolroom, with separte entrance, and so arranged as to be utilised when necessary as an adjunct to the chapel. There is also a convenient vestry, and appliances for tea meetings. The building is of Wollerton brick, with roof of blue Staffordshire tiles, and the gables are finished off with Ruabon copings. The chapel is lighted by five mullioned windows, with Ruabon frames grooved for rhe reception of leaded lights. The chapel was formally opened by Mrs. Dunn, and the congregation attending the service which followed filled both chapel and schoolroom … No fewer than 230 sat down to tea … in the cheese factory (kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. T. Jones) … A public meeting was held in the chapel in the evening … The financial statement was presented by Mr. W. G. Harper, who said that the subscriptions totalled £405 0s. 7d. towards the £500 required. Addresses were given by the Rev. W. Cumberland and the Rev. j. Hornabrook, who spoke at length on the value of village Methodism … The collections in the afternoon (£22 7s. 3d.) and evening (£31 13s. 6d.) and proceeds of tea (about £11) will be devoted to the building fund.” ————————————-
WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 13 June 1863, page 3. [St. George’s] “LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. St. George’s was the scene of a very interesting ceremony on Monday last … The site is near the George Inn, where formerly Pain’s-lane Iron Works stood, and, according to the plans of the building, will be a very neat chapel. The Rev. P. Prescott commenced the proceedings by giving out a hymn, after which he read a short psalm, and engaged in prayer. Richard Groom, Exq., of Arlstone, then proceeded to lay the stone … after which the Rev. G. Hughes, of Gloucester, who a short time ago was the Superintendent Minister of the Wellington circuit, also addressed the company. At four o’clock about 250 sat down to an excellent tea in a tent erected for the occasion … Mr. Benjamin Smith, of Wellington, was called to the chair, and after a few well-chosen remarks, called upon the Rev. W. Marriott, Independent minister, of Oakengates, who gave a very able speech, and was followed by the Rev. G. Hughes … The Rev. F. Hemus, Baptist minister, was then called upon to address the company, and was followed by the Rev. T. D. Baines, the present superintendent of the circuit. Mr. Isaiah Parton, of Wellington, then engaged in prayer, and thus terminated the proceedings.” ——————————— WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 24 October 1863, page 2. “ST. GEORGE’S. CHAPEL OPENING. On Wednesday last the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel was opened for divine worship, when the Rev. G. T. Perks, of City-road, London, preached two most excellent sermons. The chapel was crowded to excess on each occasion to listen to this celebrated preacher.” ———————————
SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE, 24 October 1879, page 7. “SHIFNAL. LAYING THE MEMORIAL STONES OF A NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL AT SHIFNAL. For some years there has been but very inadequate provision for carrying out the work of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Shifnal, and the congregation determined to make an effort to raise funds to provide such provision. Their first efforts were so successful that they were led to purchase a site in New Street, from Mr. Parkes, for £600, and to enter into a contract for building a chapel at a cost of £2,600. The work has been begun, and is now so far advanced that on Tuesday the memorial stones were laid … Before entering upon the proceedings, we might say that the following is a description of the building:- The new building will be in the geometric style of Gothic architecture, and will be built of red brick, with Grinshill stone dressings. The internal dimensions of the chapel will be 62ft. 6in. by 38ft. giving accommodation for 350 on the ground floor, and will be arranged for future end gallery to accommodate 100 additional sittings. The area of the chapel will be roofed in one space broken towards the front into a centre gable and side-wings. A stone turret, 80ft. high, will be at the western side of the centre gable, set back from the front of the building, to suit the inequality of the site. A projection, containing provision for staircase to future gallery, will occupy a corresponding position on the eastern side. The centre gable will contain a file-light traceried window and a moulded and gabled doorway. The side walls are pierced with tracery-headed windows, divided by massive buttresses. Internally the roof is ornamentally designed and the principal timbers exposed to view. The pulpit, seatings, screens, and other joiners’ work internally will be stained and varnished. Vestries are being provided at the rear of the chapel, also a schoolroom, 44ft. by 28ft., and class-room. The work is being carried out by Mr. Yates, of Shifnal, at a cost of about £2,600 from the designs and under the superintence of Mr. H. Fleeming, of Wolverhampton. The proceedings commened on Tuesday at 2-30 p.m. … a large number of persons had assembled at the site … Rev. W. Davies, on behalf of the trustees, handed to Dr. Melson a trowel and mallet, for the purpose of laying the first stone … he said he was simply there as the representative of Mrs. Pigeon … on her behalf he laid a £50 cheque upon the stone. In a cavity of the second stone was a bottle, which … contained a number of documents connected with Wesleyan Methodism. The Rev. W. Davies read an inscription on a brass plaque which was placed on the stone, and which recorded the names of those who laid the stones and the various persons connected with the building fund. The Rev. T. Adams then presented a trowel and mallet to Mr. J. Howard-McLean … I therefore lay upon this stone, on behalf of my wife and myself, a cheque for £200, towards the building of a House of God … Mr. J. Leake handed a trowel and mallet to Mr W. E. Garnett Botfield … The Rev. J. H. Slack, in handing a trowel and mallet to the Rev. T. Adams, superintendent of the circuit, said it was with pleasure that he handed him the trowel … Mr. W. Beetlestone presented a trowel and mallet to Mr. Edge … Mr. Benjamin Farmer presented a trowel and mallet to Mr. J. Farnell to lay the last of the memorial stones … At five o’clock about sixty of the leading members and friends of the church sat down to a cold colletion in the Town Hall … there was also a public tea at the British Workman, at which a large number partook. At half-past six there was a public meeting in the Town Hall, when addresses were delivered by the ministers and others … In addition to the sum of £343 10s. laid on the memorial stones, the following sums have been promised or received:- Proceeds of bazaar, £335 15s. 6d.” [there follows a list of individuals and the amount that they had donated.] —————————————– There is a VERY detailed account of the stone-laying ceremony in the Wellington Journal, 25 October 1879, page 7. There is also a much briefer account of the ceremony in Eddowes’s Journal, 29th October 1879, page 9. ——————————————
SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE, Friday 27 September 1901, page 8. “RODINGTON. WESLEYAN CHAPEL. This chapel was re-opened on Sunday, September 15th, after undergoing considerable repairs, when two splendid sermons were preached by Mr H. J Teago, of Wellington, to large congregations. On the following Friday there was a public tea, followed by a sacred concert kindly given by friends from Wellington and Shrewsbury. Mr Heath presided. The various performers were listened to with great delight, and many of the piecces were very heartily applauded. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr C Teece to all who had helped to make the gathering the grand success it had proved, and the motion was seconded by Mr Rose. The singing of the Doxology brought a pleasant evening to a close.” ——————————
WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 28 March 1857, page 2. “POINTON GREEN. Yesterday week the new Wesleyan chapel was opened at Pointon Green. The usual services took place,and a collection made towards defraying the expenses, which realised £11.” ————————————————- WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 27 June 1885, page 5. “POYNTON GREEN. LAYING THE MEMORIAL STONES OF A NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. Friday the 19th last, was a red-letter day in the history of Wesleyan Methodism here, as on that day the memorial stones of a new Wesleyan Chapel were laid. The day’s proceedings commenced at 3:30 p.m. when a large and influential gathering of friends … assembled upon the site of the proposed building. After the singing of the hymn … the Rev. J. Ritchie offered prayer, after which the Rev. J. Gibson (Warwick) read a portion of Scripture. The Rev. W. Gibson (superintendent of the circuit) then delivered a short address, and gave a brief description of the chapel which it is proposed to erect – at a total cost of £415 – in order to replace the small and inconvenient building which had hitherto been used … the Rev. gentleman called upon Mrs. Breeze of Poynton Grange, to lay the first stone … she was presented by Mr. R. Groom (on behalf of the trustees) with a very handsome copy of the revised version of the Holy BIble … then invited Mrs. Clift, of Ferndale, Wellington, to lay the second stone … Mrs. R. Groom, of Dothill Park, proceeded to lay the third stone … the last stone was laid by Mrs. H. Taylor, of Windy Oak … the comcpanyaa adjourned to the spacious tent (kindly lent by Dr. Cranage) in an adjoining field, where a large number partook of tea. A public meeting was afterwards held … During the evening subscriptions were announced to the amount of £285 (including a grant of £20 from the Connexional Funds), which sum, when added to the £55 raised during the day, makes a total of £340 – a commencement which bids fair for the chapel being opened entirely free from debt. The chapel, which is in the Gothic style, is to afford accommodation for 100 worshippers, exclusive of a commodious classroom adjoining. The contract for its erection has been let to Mr. J. Blakemore, Oakengates.” ————————— WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 7 November 1885, page 5. “POYNTON GREEN. NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. On Friday, October 23rd, the new Wesleyan Chapel here was dedicated for Divine worship by Rev. Ishmael Jones, Birmingham. On the following Sunday, Rev. A. Llewellyn, Wolverhampton, conducted three services; and on Sunday last, Rev. W. Gibson, Wellington, brought the opening services to a close. Good congregations assembled. The collections amounted to £34 10s. 4d. The new chapel, which supersedes the former inconvenient and dilapidated building, is a neat Gothic structure, providing sittings for 100 persons.” —————————-
CARMARTHEN JOURNAL, 25 January 1812, page 3. “The new Methodist Chapel fitting up in Oswestry, is be be opened on Sunday the 26th inst. by the Rev. Owen Davies.” ————————————— OSWESTRY ADVERTISER, 13 April 1870, page 5. “NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL OSWESTRY. In excavating the foundations Mr John Ward, the contractor, found the remains of an old overshot water wheel, which formerly worked the machinery of the snuff mill that stood on this piece of land. There has been great difficulty in obtaining a good foundation for the structure, as one of the side walls happened to come in the centre of the moat that surrounded the town in olden times, but we understand all the difficulties have been surmounted … .” ————————————— OSWESTRY ADVERTISER, 1 June 1870, page 1. “NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL, OSWESTRY. THE CEREMONY OF LAYING MEMORIAL STONES in the above-mentioned Building will take place on Thursday, June 9th, 1870, at half-past One o’clock, when addresses will be delivered by the Rev. W. W. STAMP (Chairman of the Liverpool District), the Rev. CHARLES GARRETT (of Manchester), the Rev. F. W. MACDONALD (of Liverpool), and the Rev. J. T. SANGER (of Welshpool). A PUBLIC TEA MEETING will be held in the PUBLIC HALL, Oswald Road, at half-past Four o’clock. Tickets – One Shilling each. After which a PUBLIC MEETING will be held in the same place. Chair to be taken at Seven o’clock by EDWARD SHAW, Esq., Mayor of Oswestry … A Collection will be made at the close of the Meeting in aid of the Building Fund. All friends of religious progress are earnestly invited to be present.” ————————————— SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE, 10 June 1870, page 8. “OSWESTRY. LAYING THE MEMORIAL STONES OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL. The ceremony of laying the memorial stones of the New Wesleyan Chapel in Beatrice Street, Oswestry, took place yesterday (Thursday) afternoon … the attendance of visitors and friends from Welshpool, Wrexham, Ellesmere, Liverpool, and Manchester large, together with the friends of the cause in Oswestry … the chief memorial stone was to be laid by Mrs. John Thomas, a Churchwoman, and wife of the ex-Mayor of Oswestry … placing upon the stone £30 … Mr. John Thomas [his] donation of £100 … The building is to be in the early decorated style … situated in Beatrice street, on a plot of land formerly used by Mr. Isaac Holland for a timber yard …The plan provides accommodation on the ground floor for 440 adults, and in the basement is a schoolroom 35ft. 2in. by 49ft 8in. and one large classroom and vestry. The whole of the walls and dressings will be of Cefn stone … The cost of the building, without the spire is to be £1,850, and with the spire about £2,000. Mr. John Ward, of Cambrian Buildings, Oswestry, and Whittington, is the contractor, and Mr. W. H. Spaull, of Oswestry, is the architect. The proceedings were opened by the Rev. John Jones, Wesleyan minister … the stone having been raised to the required height, a bottle was placed in the cavity, in which was placed a parchment document, engrossed in very beautiful style by Mr. J. Thomas, Pool raod, Oswestry; the local newspapeer; the Methodist Recorder; the Circuit Plan; and a few coins of small value of the date 1870. A silver trowel was presented to Mrs. Thomas, by Mr. John Ward, the contractor … the mallet was given by Mr. Spaull … the other four memorial stones were laid … A TEA PARTY. In connection with the above took place at four o’clock, when upwards of one thousand persons sat down … A PUBLIC MEETING took place in the Public Hall, at seven o’clock … .” ————————————– OSWESTRY ADVERTISER, 29 June 1870, page 4. “NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL, OSWESTRY. The following is the Financial Statement read by the Rev. J. Jones, at the Public Meeting held June 9th, after laying the Memorial Stones. LIST OF SUBSCRIPTIONS PROMISED. [there follows a very long list of donors and the amount that they donated] … total subscriptions £802 8s. 0d; Constributions of Ladies who laid stones £140 0s. 0d.; Trays contributed by various £17 0s. 0d.; Purses £27 5s. 0d.; Collected by Sunday Scholars £3 18s. 10d.; Public Collections £19 0s. 0d. [Total] £1000 11s. 10d. These amounts do not include the Tea Meeting proceeds, the accounts of which have not yet been settled.” ————————————— OSWESTRY ADVERTISER, Wednesday 26 October 1870, page 1. “SALE OF FREEHOLD CHAPEL AND PREMISES, Situte in Salop road, in the Town of Oswestry … to be sold by Auction … on Friday, the 28th day of October 1870 … All that substantial brick-built BUILDING now and for some years past used as a Wesleyan Chapel, together with the commodious Vestries and Appurtenances thereunto belonging, with the Pews, Gas, and other internal Fittings. The Premises, with the LAND adjoining, and Site of the said chapel and vestries, contains in the whole in surface area 400 Square Yards … the sale thereof is occasioned by the erection of a more commodious chapel in Beatrice street … .” ————————————— WREXHAM AND DENBIGHSHIRE ADVERTISER, 25 February 1871, page 4. “OPENING OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL, OSWESTRY. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28th, 1871. THE REV. DR. JOBSON, OF LONDON, EX-PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE Will conduct the INAUGURAL SERVICE AT ELEVEN O’CLOCK … .” —————————————
Only today I found an old map of Bold Lane showing the chapel. I was most surprised.
WESLEYAN METHODIST MAGAZINE, 1830, page 187. “NEWPORT, in the Wellington Circuit, Salop. A chapel, recently converted from a theatre, was opened here for diving worship, for the use of the Wesleyan Methodists, on Sunday, the 6th and Tuesday, the 8th of December [1829]. The Rev. Messrs. Jacob Stanley, John Simpson, jun., and Robert Newton, preached on the occasion. The congregations were very large and attentive; and the collections amounted to £47 4s. 6d.: a large sum for such a place in its present circumstances. The Methodists have had preaching and a society in Newport for almost thirty years; but never, till now, had a favourable opportunity of spreading their influence in the town; being obliged to worship in a small chapel, with another body of Christians, or in a private house. The chapel is 20 yards long, and 10 wide, on the outside; and has a gallery at one end. Newport is a very important station. It is a market town, containing about 4,000 souls, and is surrounded by many populous villages; twelve of which are within about four miles: and within this circle, the town included, there are not more thant fifty members of the Methodist society. But the prospect of good opens to our view; and we hope soon to give a more pleasing report of the state of Methodism in this fine country. The chapel is freehold property, and is settled on the Methodist plan.” ——————————————
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