Honley Bethel Primitive Methodist chapel

Southgate, Honley, Holmfirth HD9 6NT

Honley Primitive Methodist chapel: unused postcard showing architect’s drawing (Oswald White, Huddersfield 1903 or 5)
provided by Randle Knight

Honley Bethel Primitive Methodist chapel was built in 1842, extended in 1899 at a cost of £1,400, and demolished in 1972.

The former Sunday School for the adjoining chapel opened in 1914. In 2017 it is Southgate Theatre.

You can see a picture of the Sunday school on Geograph at :

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1969084

W Antliff describes the chapel opening in the Primitive Methodist Magazine of 1843.

“OPENING OF HONLEY CHAPEL.

HUDDERSFIELD CIRCUIT.

THE Primitive Methodists missioned Honley more than twenty years ago; and it became the head of a branch of Barnsley circuit.  From Honley the friends proceeded to mission Huddersfield and the adjacent villages; in some of which there are good societies.  W. Taylor, T. Holliday, and J. Gilbert, are dear to the recollections of many in this neighbourhood, as they first came to Honley, preaching the gospel of Christ.  What is now the Huddersfield circuit was then the Honley branch of Barnsley circuit.  “What hath God wrought!”

A house was, for some time, occupied as a place of worship at Honley; then a room was taken; now we have a beautiful chapel.  It presents a chaste and noble appearance,—stands on the finest cite in the town, as is generally allowed,—and is an ornament to the neighbourhood.  There is a population of three or four thousands of people, and the new chapel will accommodate a tenth part thereof.  

It was opened on Sunday, February 26th, Tuesday, 28th, and Sunday, March 5th.  In the morning of the former sabbath, Brother T. Holliday preached in the new chapel, and in the Independent chapel in the evening; W. Antliff, in the new chapel in the afternoon, and in the Wesleyan chapel in the evening; and Mr. Cockin, Independent minister, Holmfirth, in the new chapel in the evening.  On Tuesday evening, Mr. Hughes, Independent minister, preached in the new chapel.—In the forenoon and afternoon of the latter sabbath, Brother W. Garner preached in the new chapel; and in the Wesleyan chapel in the evening, while W. Antliff preached in the new chapel.  The collections amounted to nearly twenty-two pounds; and about one hundred and fifty-two pounds have been collected privately.  The congregations were overflowing, and a gracious unction accompanied the services.

We cheerfully acknowledge the kindness of the Wesleyan and Independent ministers and friends on the occasion; and trust that a kindly spirit will ever be cherished among the different sections of the church at Honley.”

transcribed by David Tonks

Reference

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1843 Pages 268-269

 

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