Leicester Hinckley Road Primitive Methodist Church
junction of Hinkley Road and Fosse Road South, Leicester LE3 0QD
Hinckley Road Primitive Methodist Church, Fosse Road South, Leicester started life in the schoolroom in 1898. The church opened at the side of the schoolroom the following year.
After the division of the Leicester circuit, Hinckley Road PM church became the head of the Leicester Second circuit. The Annual Conference was held there in 1927.
Unfortunately there is nothing to identify that this impressive building was a former Primitive Methodist church, one which played an important part in the Society’ activity in Leicester and the surrounding area.
In 1966, it amalgamated with King Richards Road Methodist Church, and since 1969 has served as a Catholic church to the Ukrainian community.
The text of the 50th anniversary literature reads:
1899 – 1949
Our church is just fifty years old. What a story these fifty years could tell of God working in and through this church for the accomplishment of His purposes, and the salvation of his people! What these fifty years could reveal of devotion and sacrifice on the part of God’s people in our Church!
It was during the year 1818 that the first Primitive Methodist service was held in Leicester. This service, that was held at the Old Cross, Belgrave Gate, was arranged by Mr George Handford, a Sileby local preacher, who afterwards became the first President of Conference. The preacher at this service was Mr John Benton.
Our early ancestors in Leicester worshipped first in George Street Chapel, and later in what was called The Friars Chapel, a chapel which was purchased from the Independent Methodists. Later in 1841, York Street Chapel was built and in 1873 this society united with Alexander Street Society to build St. Nicolas Street Chapel. For twenty-five years this chapel was the spiritual home of our Methodist forefathers in this part of Leicester.
Then, in 1898, the site on which our present church stands was purchased, and our church was built. What foresight actuated our fathers in the purchasing of this site, for it is indeed a strategic point. The Rev. Arthur T. Guttery preached the first sermon in our church. One well fitted to remember, says “ it was a powerful discourse on the text, ‘A glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing’ “.
Truly, ours is a beautiful church. Its semi-circular pews, its two transepts, stained glass windows, good acoustic properties, a good organ all combine to make it a very fine church.
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I’ve added a scan of the booklet celebrating the 50th anniversary in 1949 of the former Hinkley Road Primitive Methodist chapel in Leicester. Thanks to Jane Richardson who provided it.
I was christened at this church in 1959. Later I attended Sunday School here and my grandmother made me dresses for the Anniversary.
Very happy memories of this church and where I learnt about Jesus. Mrs Thody I think was my teacher.
My grandmother was a staunch primitive Methodist and her second husband, Albert Edward Wells was a local lay preacher on the western circuit. My father was also a Sunday school teacher.
My grandparents were married at Curzon St Primitive Methodist church in May 1912.
The September 1899 Primitive Methodist magazine (page 718) reports the building of two new Leicester chapels after the previous Nicholas Street had been sold to the council which was redeveloping the area. Hinkley Road was one of those, designed by H Harper of Nottingham. The outstanding features were “usefulness and a certain modest chasteness and quiet beauty. Nothing has been spent on ‘loud’ decorations.” It was felt the development in a new neighbourhood was a “real forward movement”.
My grandpa Samuel Fredrick Clements was a local preacher here for 50 years until his death in 1956.
James Kerridge of Wisbech was the architect
This page was modified on 10 May 2017 to add a transcription of a report about this chapel, published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1902.
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