Mexborough Primitive Methodist chapel

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In the Primitive Methodist magazine of 1860 RJ Lewis describes the re-opening of Mexborough Primitive Methodist chapel – although he doesn’t say why it had been closed.

“Mexborough, Doncaster Circuit.—Our chapel at this place was re -opened for Divine worship on Sunday, September 30th, I860. Sermons were preached by the Rev.C. Lace, of Sheffield, and Sir. J. Ratcliffe, of Doncaster ; the attendance was good, and the services interesting.

On Monday, October 1st, a public tea was held, to which about 150 persons sat down. After tea Mr. Siddle, from Wath, was called to the chair, and addresses were given by Messrs. Monkman, Oates, and J. Ratcliffe. The people were gratified, and the services of the re-opening harmonized with the efforts of the friends who have given or collected the cost of the improvements without touching the ordinary income ; the sum expended being about £15.”

There is a former Primitive Methodist chapel at 82A Bank St S64 9LL used  as a Motorists Centre.  Is that the chapel described in the 1860 magazine?

Four years later they were laying the foundation stone for a new chapel adjacent to the previous one.

“Foundation Laying at Mexbro’, Doncaster Circuit.—On Monday, May 30th, 1864, the foundation-stone of a new chapel was laid here by the Rev. J. Dickinson, Independent minister, of Bridlington. There was a large gathering of friends from Doncaster and the neighbourhood, and the village was one scene of excitement. A public meeting was hold in the evening in the old chapel, which was crowded to excess ; the Rev. T. Kendall occupied the chair. Appropriate and forcible addresses were delivered by the Revs. E. W. Monknian, T. Buron, J. T. Shepherd, C. Kendall, and J. Dickinson.

The donations, promises, collections, and profits of tea amount to about £130, which, considering the circumstances of our people, is noble. The new chapel will seat six hundred persons, will occupy a commanding position, and be an ornament to the place. The cost, including land, deeds, and other incidentals, will be about £1,000. The old chapel, which is contiguous to the site of the new one, will be converted into a commodious school-room, which is much needed to accommodate the rapidly increasing population of this spirited town. T. Kendall.”

The  January1889 magazine contains a note reporting the opening of enlarged Sunday school accommodation at Mexborough, on Dolcliffe Road which is on the back of the Banks Street chapel..  It included a lecture room,  classrooms, infants’ room and other accommodation.  They were so pleased that the Magazine entry was repeated in September 1889.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine December 1860 page 740

Primitive Methodist magazine 1864 page 563

Primitive Methodist magazine January 1889 page 59

Primitive Methodist magazine September 1889 page 571