Thirsk Primitive Methodist chapel

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Thirsk PM Chapel pictured on 30 September 2019

Pat Donnor

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Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Chapel, Castlegates, Thirsk

supplied by Simon Williamson

The Primitive Methodist magazine for October 1852 contains an account by James Bootland of the opening of Thirsk Primitive Methodist chapel.

Money for a new chapel was raised by July, 1851 by brothers R. Thompson, J.Baldwin, J. Stott, J. Walls and others.  Plans were prepared by Mr. J. Whitworth, architect and the foundation-stone was laid on November 5th, by H. Gilling. Mr. T. Penrose, of Ripon preached.

The opening services were held starting on Sunday, June 6th, 1852.  Preachers included  Mr. J.Dodsworth, of York, Mrs. Hallam, of
Ripon, Mr. J. Simpson, of Bradford,  Mr. J. Rhodes (Wesleyan local preacher), Mr Bootland, G. Yates, J. Walls, J. Stott, J. Leadley, E. Gatley, and  W. Bennett.

On Tuesday, June 15th, a tea meeting for 400 was held. “The trays were furnished gratuitously by ladies of different denominations, except one by Mr. Jackson, of York” – unusual enough to mention.

The chapel was large – 13 yards square and nearly 28′ high from floor to ceiling – and held 650 people. The front wall was white pressed brick with stone string courses and a slate roof.

Particular thanks were given to Messrs. H. Gilling, F. Hansell, T.Yates, Blackett, Smith, and Clough.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine October 1852 624-626