Mow Cop Primitive Methodist Memorial Chapel 1860

Primitive Street, Mow Cop

Looking through the front doors of chapel

Mow Cop PM Memorial chapel, c1910

Englesea Brook Museum picture and postcard collection

Mow Cop Primitive Methodist Memorial chapel

Englesea Brook Museum picture and postcard collection

Postcard supplied by Geoff Dickinson

This chapel in the historic village of Mow Cop was built in 1860 and enlarged in 1882. It replaced the earlier one of 1841 – you can read more about the 1841 chapel on this page.

In 1902 the plaque from the original chapel was placed in the wall of the present day building which in 2015 is still open for worship

Photos taken August 2012 and December 2015

OS Map Ref:118:SJ855571

note added CH Feb 2018

The foundation stone ceremony was reported in the September 1860 Primitive Methodist magazine. The stone was laid by Capt. Alderman James Meek, Esq., of York. The architect was R.Gibson, of Congleton and the contractor was S. Booth of Red Bull.

The chapel cost £900 and measured 1,089 square feet. It was on two floors with the chapel above and school beneath.

Those present at the opening included J Hunt, Rev J Dodsworth, W. Hodge, (Sheriff of Hull), E Foizey, J. Fawcett

note added CH April 2020

The 1882 Primitive Methodist magazine contains an extended piece about the need to renovate Mow Cop chapel. The fact that it was a tall building in an exposed position meant it suffered from storms and was in need of renovation. They decided to make it more suitable by lowering the walls and removing the gallery so the roof was less exposed, and compensated for the loss of accommodation by making the chapel longer.

The local society of 50 members could not afford the expected expense of around £1,000 as the membership consisted mainly of poorly paid miners. However, because the chapel was on the site of the first Prim camp meeting it was felt that the Connexion should take responsibility. The 1883 magazine confirms that the “neat and commodious” new chapel has been opened.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine September 1860 pp.556-558

Primitive Methodist magazine 1882 page 637

Primitive Methodist magazine 1883 page 379

Author

Elaine and Richard Pearce

Page added

27/12/2015

Comments about this page

O. S. Map, Staffordshire, XXV1V. NE, six-inch scale, surveyed 1879/80, published 1889 :
https://maps.nls.uk/view/102828740
Bottom of map to the left is Methodist Chapel ( Primitive ), Mow Cop, and right of map is Shebdon in High Offley parish and cited in Shebdon is Methodist Chapel ( Primitive ), it situated near road junction to Shay Lane.
Today there is Chapel Farm in area and Chapel House.
Google books :The Primitive Methodist Magazine, vol. 11 new series, year 1864, pages 677-678-679. Shebdon Chapel built in 1843, then a Sabbath – School was established within it. – a 3 page article.
The following is actually at the Shropshire Archives :
Shebdon Methodist [formerly Primitive], ref. NM 3767, misc papers 1852-1932, 1933-53.
The National Archives : folio 11, HO 129/366/11, licence of worship, pertaining to attendance, place of worship Shebdon High Offey [Offley], Primitive Methodist [ dates mentioned, etc.].
Kind regards, Ray & Marie.
By Raymond E. O. Ælla (01/05/2023)
I enjoyed reading about the chapel. I used to attend as a child in the 70s. I remember singing my heart out! I hadn’t quite realised it’s history. It certainly is exposed in that location though so I’m sure those adaptations were necessary. It can get pretty windy on Mow. Thanks for the piece.
By Tim (21/12/2020)
I’ve added information from the Primitive Methodist magazine about the changes to the chapel in 1882. It was made longer but lower.
By Christopher Hill (12/04/2020)