Whitchurch Circuit, Shropshire
Transcription of Article in the Christian Messenger by Rev. W. Bennion
WHITCHURCH is a market-town in North Shropshire. It is a place of some antiquity and bears traces of an ancient castle with approaches known as Watergate, Highgate, Bargate and Bluegate. In the neighbourhood Matthew Henry, who became the famous commentator, was born in 1662, and a chapel in which he often ministered, still stands at Dodington on the South side of the town. His father, Philip Henry, was appointed to the living of Worthenby in 1657, and was one of the famous 2,000 clergymen who left the Church of England in consequence of the Uniformity Act of the reign of Charles II. It is stated that after the Toleration Act of 1689, Philip Henry was “prevailed upon to preach at a public time every Lord’s Day, which he continued to do while he lived.” This was at Broad Oak, two miles away.
Whitchurch stands at the head of a progressive circuit which includes thirteen chapels in Cheshire, one in Shropshire and one in Flintshire. It has two ministers, two superannuated ministers, forty-three local preachers and 420 members. For the introduction of Primitive Methodism into this part we are largely indebted to two persons of Connexional note – John Wedgewood and Thomas Bateman. The Western side of the circuit formed part of the Cheshire Mission of the Tunstall Circuit which was opened by John Wedgewood on Easter Sunday, 1819. Many flocked to hear this “gentleman from the Potteries,” as he was then called; they heard and good was the result. He visited most of the villages and hamlets and, though nearly a century ago, people still point to particular places where that pioneer missionary stood and preached. Societies were afterwards formed, and within a few years chapels were erected at Brown Knowl, Burwardsley, Tattenhall Lanes, Willimoor and Crewe Farndon. At Malpas, Abel Roberts endeavoured to establish a Society, but suffered much opposition till Wedgewood came to his assistance, when the tide began to go in his favour and good accomplished.
From 1816 to 1822, several villages were missioned and societies formed on the South side of Whitchurch, but no attempt was made to preach in the town itself. In 1822, Thomas Bateman and other officials from Burland arranged for a Camp Meeting to be held here on September 1st. Anticipating opposition, helpers from other neighbourhoods arrived early to render what assistance they could. The meeting was held near the Canal Wharf, but had not proceeded long before an officious constable interfered, ordered the dispersal of the congregation, and proceeded to use his staff in an unpleasant manner.
Another place on the other side of the town was then suggested to which the company processioned, singing most heartily. The attitude of the constable and the singing of the people secured for the afternoon service a very large company and a sympathetic hearing. The promoters of this meeting had reason to be satisfied with the events of that day. Though the town was repeatedly missioned, no society was formed till 1838, when a Mr. J. Goulburn came to reside here and opened his house for services. When the house proved too small for the worshippers, the Baptists allowed the use of their Church for one service each Sunday. The question of building next engaged attention. A site was secured and Mr. T. Bateman and a friend of his undertook the financial responsibility. The site being elevated and its foundation good clay, it was proposed to make the bricks on the spot. This was acted upon and all things seemed to go well till the bricks were about to be burned, when strong opposition presented itself. All efforts to come to an arrangement with the local authorities were futile, and the bricks in their green state had to be carted to Grindley Brook, two miles away, to be burned, and when the fire had done its work, recarted to the site. But perseverence triumphed, and the little society had the joy of seeing the chapel completed and opened for divine worship on December 27th, 1840. The removal into the vicinity of Mr. J. Maddocks, a local preacher from Chorley, Mr. Morley from Leek, Mr. Dickin from Lineal, and in 1844 of Mr. Wm. Hockenhull to Alkington, gave an impetus to our cause. In addition to these the Bebingtons (three brothers) J. Powell, J. Phillips, R. Povah, W. Penkerman, I. Millington, R. Newbrook and others have upheld the best traditions of our church. The chapel of 1840 was superseded by the present structure and school in 1865, and in 1915 a new site of 2,177 square yards at Bark Hill, a rising part of the town, was purchased for the erection of a new church and schools at a future time.
At Brown Knowl where the second minister resides, our position has considerably improved. Two adjoining sites to our first chapel have been purchased, and a new commodious church and school erected in 1913, which have yet to be ornamented by a spire. A large cemetery has been laid out in which 460 interments have taken place. Here on March 24th, 1868, were laid to rest the remains of the sainted John Wedgewood, whose voice fifty years before was often heard in the neighbourhood singing the songs of Zion, or preaching the word of life to listening multitudes. This beautiful spot in the midst of romantic scenery and where his labours had been crowned by heaven’s richest blessing was the place selected by Mr. Wedgewood himself for his burial. It was the funeral of a great man, and, as the route lay through the Cheshire Mission that he opened, crowds gathered to witness the procession and many shed tears at the sight. A fine monument marks the place of his burial. The remains of Rev. Thomas Boulton also rest here.
There is a history connected with the first chapel at Tallarn Green which was received from Oswestry Circuit in 1878. In those days it was easier to get a site for a public house than a chapel. The desired site could only be secured by the consent of a particular individual who drew up conditions that our worshippers must attend the morning service at the Parish Church, be confirmed by the Bishop, partake of Holy Communion and other conditions of a like character. The offer was politely declined. Another site, half a mile away, was afterwards secured, and a chapel erected. The Peters’ family took a great interest in our cause at this place, and when a more suitable site presented itself it was decided that the new building should be called the “Peters‘ Memorial Church.” This erection took place in 1888, and the Sunday-school in 1904. It was Mrs. M. Peters who composed hymn 636 in the Hymnal, “Through the love of God our Saviour all will be well.” A cemetery is also attached to this church.
Modern erections have also superseded older chapels at Tattenhall Lanes, Higher Wych, Tilston and Malpas. The total cost of all the chapels is given as £9,575 and the present liabilities £859.
Two Manses were erected in Whitchurch in 1898 at a cost of £1,100. Largely through the efforts of Mr.T. Bourne & Mr. H.Vickers – recent stewards – these are now free from debt. In 1916, Councillor H. Speed of Birkenhead, presented to the circuit a cottage and garden at Malpas, his native village.
All the churches in the circuit are enthusiastic in the support of our missions and for some years the circuit has held the premier position for financial support in the Tunstall District. Mr. G, C. Hockenhull, J.P., who was District Treasurer for twenty-one years, was presented at the Synod of 1916 with an Illuminated Address in recognition of his devoted services. The late Mr. W. Penkerman of Whitchurch, and Mrs. Dobson of Malpas have left portions of their estates to our Missionary Society. At Missionary Meetings this winter thirteen collectors have ranged from £3 to 36 8s. each, and it is hoped that a circuit record will be reached of more than £125.
Social work for soldiers has also received attention. When the large training camp was opened at Prees Heath, our Whitchurch friends threw open the school on Sundays for tea and supper to soldiers. Here each Sunday a number of devoted men and women may be seen doing their best for the comfort of our lads in khaki. Up to December 31st, 1917, 14,501 had taken tea and 5,857 of supper. All places in the circuit have contributed to this object. Expressions of appreciation have been received from the parents of our “boys” from different parts of the United Kingdom.
A handsome Clock and Framed Address which now adorn the walls of the Whitchurch schoolroom express the gratitude of soldiers who have left the camp for distant parts. In other ways Brown Knowl and Tilston Societies are also working for the comfort of our soldier boys.
The circuit was formed about sixty years ago from the Burland Circuit, and, notwithstanding a few set-backs, it has steadily increased its hold upon the people and is now the strongest Non-conformist Church within its area. Of its sons the Revs. John Porter, J. P. Bellingham, and J. E. Hughes have adorned the ranks of the ministry, and Messrs. W. Windsor of Manchester, and H. Speed of Birkenhead, have occupied the Vice-Chair of our Conferences.
In association with it there have been families who, by their fidelity to Jesus Christ and loyalty to our church have exerted considerable influence. In addition to names already given, mention should be made of the Sadlers and Fleets of Tattenhall Lanes; the Joneses, Craddocks and Bournes of Higher Wych; the Devanports, Proudloves and Joneses of Broxton; the Willetts and Vickers, of Tilston; the Joneses, Edges, Bennions, Hughes and Mitchells of Tallarn Green; the Windsors, Wilsons and Miss Tristram of Tattenhall; the Hewitts and Sinclairs of Bickley; the Windsors and Jacksons of Burwardsley: the Roberts and Thomas of Lower Wych; the Davies of Hampton Heath; the Shaws of Farndon; the Chesworths of Malpas and many others.
But this sketch would not be complete without reference to the devoted and intelligent band of local preachers, several of whom journey many miles Sunday after Sunday to sustain our pulpits; to the workers in our Sunday-schools who not only teach the young but also endeavour to retain the young men and young women in our churches, and to others, “honourable women not a few,” who toil with untiring zeal for the salvation of souls. The circuit is true to its traditions, feels its responsibility as one of the evangelical churches of the land and is full of hope for the future.
References
Christian Messenger 1918/201
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