Hanley Circuit, Staffordshire

Hanley Marsh Street Primitive Methodist chapel
Christian Messenger 1907
Northwood Primitive Methodist chapel
Christian Messenger 1907
Bucknall Primitive Methodist chapel 1880
Christian Messenger 1907
Christian Messenger 1907
Christian Messenger 1907
Christian Messenger 1907

Transcription of article in the Christian Messenger

Hanley stands upon the River Trent; and some years ago seemed almost like a sentinel, keeping watch o’er the glittering fish which rose to catch the fly which fell upon the dimpled waters that flowed like liquid silver along the country-side. That stream still rolls on, finds its way through the same channel; but its music has departed, and sparkles not as the sunlight falls upon it. Forward it moves, heavy, restless, polluted. No fisherman stands upon its banks in pursuit of trout or chub – he has found a clearer stream. On its distant reaches as far as Trentham Hall – the stately mansion is now without a tenant – the filthy waters have driven the Duke of Sutherland away.

The sub-soil has not been untouched. Mining companies and private speculators have bored deep below the surface. In most unlikely places disused shafts have been discovered. In some cases the discovery was tragic. A man going to work, one dark morning, fell into an open mine, never to be restored to sorrowing friends. There his body lies in a deep grave, hundreds of feet below the surface, but, as one said, “within hearing of the great archangel’s voice.”

Our borough-town is recognised, however, as the metropolis of the Potteries. Its geographical position contributes to its importance. Situated about the centre of five towns, with a service of electric cars, which run to and fro at short intervals, it has become a general shopping town for all. The market squares are seldom empty; always something to see and much to be heard. The Salvation Army, with its red flag, speaks to the man on the street and entertains him with well-known mission hymns. The brass instruments of the Army band glitter in the steady light of the electric-arc, whilst pot-bank girls bang and shake their tambourines in chorus and sturdy men sing the popular refrain. Socialists – not always friendly to religious institutions – hold forth on questions which concern the nation’s happiness in words which reproduce the teaching of Blatchford. These men have rapidly increased. Their religious quarters are the labour-church. A few gained seats in the last municipal elections, but failed to secure a majority vote this year. Many of us are hopeful that Socialists may see that construction does not always necessitate destruction, and true reforms are born within the kingdom of God.

Our churches are, also, exalted in the esteem of the people. Sunday schools have all the way along the line of social development trained mind and heart in the lofty verities of a common faith. The chief streets are dotted here and there with chapels, large and small, in which the evangel is faithfully proclaimed. Primitive Methodism has existed here from the early days of our Church. Hugh Bourne and William Clowes preached upon our streets. We have three comparatively vigorous churches in town, and three healthy interests just outside the borough. It is a pleasure to think that in an environment like this the Rose of Sharon adorns the lives of men, and in most unlikely places the Lily of the Valley grows in unfailing beauty.

Marsh Street society stands at the head of our Circuit. It has had a chequered career. Romance and tragedy are woven into its history. To use a nautical phrase, “has passed through many a storm;” but transitory storms have been followed by long periods of tranquillity. Financially and religiously our friends are doing well. We miss Matthew Henshall, John and Thomas Leese, called home after years of faithful service. The burden of debt upon the trust estate has been slowly reduced. Six hundred pounds more to raise, then the valuable property, worth at least £5,000, will be free. To attain this goal earnest men and women are steadily toiling. The school in Frederic Street is ideal. A large general room, with a suite of classrooms, makes effective teaching possible. Here, as in other departments of Christian service, men of God are working deeply and truly for eternity. The Young Men’s Class is invariably crowded, and under the faithful teaching of Samuel Hopkinson many have surrendered themselves to Christ.

Northwood Church, in the midst of a teaming population, is doing immense good. The Lowe family has exerted remarkable influence. William Lowe, now resting from earthly toil, was a tower of strength. He occupied the position of school superintendent for twenty-four years, was steward of the Circuit for a fifth of a century. His devoted widow, to whom a protracted twilight has been given, is a mother to our young people. With a dash of delight she speaks of Hugh Bourne and describes in realistic terms his kind treatment of the young who sought the tender touch of his hand.

Paddock Street Church is not without its Zerubbabel. Thomas Gator, with his devoted family, has clung to this society amidst the most straitened conditions. The heavy debt, once almost intolerable, threatened to annihilate the church, Like a boat in distress many thought destruction was imminent; but a fairer day has dawned, the sky is full of light.

At Bucknall we have a church brimful of zeal. Years ago it was torn with financial strain. Loyally our people struggled for its emancipation. Generous responses followed repeated appeals. The poor man gave his last shilling and the widow’s mite was not withheld. A debt of £1,000 has been reduced to £100, which within a year will be honourably paid. Coupled with human effort there has been divine assistance. Upon our people the spirit of the Lord has been poured, and the church is crowded with aged men and young people whose faces are radiant with a new light. The officials are earnest, enthusiastic. Messrs. Stevenson, Nicklin, Harrison, Sumner, and Edge, together with J.H. Smith, who has toiled for financial redemption with brilliant success, are men of whom we are justly proud. Dreams of the future, such as new schools and a pastor residing amongst the people, will soon be realised.

Abbey Hulton, on the Leek highway, turning its face towards the country, yet in touch with town, shines brightly in a dark village in which intemperance dies hard. Clement Fairbanks and William Howell are stalwart men of God. Both have been saved from sin, and are actively engaged in saving others.

At Fenton we have a record surprising. The old chapel is abandoned, and we worship now in a new commodious church in Victoria Road. The congregations are nearly doubled. Forgemen, potters, and miners have responded to the call of God, and are actively engaged in Christian service. The official staff is vigorous and earnest. James Alcock, is a typical children’s man, works like a Hercules in the Sunday school. George Rogers is an enthusiast in temperance work. Stephen Shenton has the sacred gift of button-holing men and winning them for Jesus; whilst in room of sickness few can plead as he.

To gather up the forces of this station into a Circuit convention, to scan the earnest, upturned faces, is to witness a scene suggestive of classic Scripture – “These are men whose hearts the Lord God hath touched.”

Our Circuit officers are wisely chosen. For strict attention to detail, foresight, devotion to the claims of office and fervent desire, few can equal our steward, Mr. Wilson Smith. An eloquent preacher of the word; never absent from meetings, great or small; ready to give the treasurers of a rich experience bought in conflict and yeoman service, he has endeared himself to all who know him best, and has won golden opinions in the town in which he resides.

Our secretary, Mr. William Bailey, is an acquisition. A reader of men, as well as books, he plods through works of genius too heavy for many. He has won his spurs through sheer industry and character unstained. The work given him to do is never left undone. He thinks of his Church what every good man thinks of his mother – the best in the world.

And so with these unvarnished facts before us we take courage, conscious that the churches in which we toil for man and God, are not the least among the princes of Judah.

R.W.R.

References

Christian Messenger 1907/74

Comments about this page

  • Staffordshire PM Chapels in Hanley (sometimes recorded Hamley): Stoke on Trent City Archives: 

    Ref. CJ?……? (to be located). Note: North Wood may be  Northwood. A transcript: Primitive Methodist Chapel built on Bold Street, Northwood, Haney, c.1865. Sunday School added c.1876. Still in use c.1958.

    Ref. CJ7: Records of Cavour Street Primitive Methodist Chapel, Etruria, Hanley, c.1892 but closed between 1905-1912. Various Documents.

    Ref. CJ9: First? Primitive Methodist Chapel, c.1824 in Etruria Road, Hanley, but put up for auction 1829. Later railway line and station built. Note: congregation probably transferred to a Chapel in Brunswick Street?. 

    Ref. CJ11: Marsh Lane Primitive Methodist Chapel, Hanley, c.1857 but closed sometime between 1884-1892.

    Ref. CJ14: Paddock Street Primitive Methodist Chapel, Hanley,c.1880, but closed? 1892. (Few Records).

    Ref. CH2: Hanley Primitive Methodist Circuit Records, also Ref. SA/SM/5A (SA).

    By Raymond E.O.Ella (04/05/2018)

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