The 1863 Primitive Methodist magazine contains accounts by E Hancock of the foundation stone laying and opening of a Primitive Methodist chapel at Stokenchurch.
You can see pictures of a later chapel on this page.
Stone laying
“Stokenchurch, Chinnor circuit. The friends in connection with our society at this place, have long felt the need of a more suitable and commodious place in which to worship the Divine Being. But for want of an eligible site on which to build they have been prevented from erecting a house to the honour of our glorious Redeemer’s name. This difficulty has, we are happy to say, in the order of Divine Providence, been recently removed. Mrs. Mary Burgess, an aged widow of the neighbourhood, has kindly granted a site to the trustees and Connexion, and on this plot we have now begun to build a chapel.
The ceremony of laying the foundation stone was performed on Tuesday, September 2nd, 1862. The day was fine, and a deeply-interested audience assembled on the spot. The service was commenced about three o’clock p.m., by singing an appropriate hymn, after which prayer was offered by Mr. J. Darvell (Baptist) of Wycombe, T. Wheeler, Esq., of the Established Church, then read a Psalm of devotion. After this he proceeded to lay the stone in the name of the adorable Trinity.
In the back part of the stone a bottle was deposited by the Rev. E. Hancock, containing a record of the ceremony, the names of the trustees and others, a circuit plan, part of a local paper, called the “Free Press,” and one piece of coin bearing the superscription of our beloved Queen. T. Wheeler, Esq. laid one sovereign on the stone, and Mrs. King another.
Suitable addresses followed, by T. Wheeler, Mr. J. Darvell, and the Rev. J. Toulson. A collection was made. An interesting public tea meeting was held in the old rented chapel at half-past four o’clock. A good sermon was preached at six o’clock, by the Rev. J. Toulson, in the Independent chapel, kindly granted for the occasion. The total sum raised at the services was £8 3s.”
Opening
“Stokenchurch, Chinnor Circuit.—It is highly gratifying to us as a religious community, to witness the erection of so many new sanctuaries, which are standing monuments of gospel victories. At the above village, we have preached the gospel about twenty-seven years. In the early part of this time, our missionaries and friends had to endure no small share of brutal opposition, but by persevering effort in connection with providential interposition, the good Lord has opened the way for us to build a very neat little sanctuary for the honour of his great name. The foundation stone was laid by T. Wheeler, Esq., of High Wycombe, September 2nd, 1862. Mrs. Mary Burgess, a respectable but aged widow lady, of the place, kindly gave the site of land on which to build.
The chapel is built of brick with a good slated roof; it is 38 feet in length, and 20 feet in width —17 feet from a good boarded floor to the ceiling ; it has 5 windows, a good platform, two square pews, some good letable rail back seats, mostly movable. It is well ventilated, and presents a very neat appearance.
The opening services were conducted on Sabbath, November 23rd, 1862, when three very excellent sermons were preached by the Rev. G. G. Pinder, of Hampstead, London. The day was fine for the season, and the congregations were overflowing. A very blessed influence was realized, and one backslider was reclaimed, and many others were deeply affected. Indeed the Divine glory filled the place. Hallelujah.
A tea meeting was held on the Monday, when a goodly number sat down to an excellent tea, part of which was provided gratuitously by some friends. A public service followed, when the Rev. E. Han cock presided, and some thrilling and animated addresses were delivered, by Mr. T. Marshall, (local preacher), the Rev. W. James, Rev. E. Green, (Independent minister of Chinnor), and the Rev. G. G. Finder, whose efficient services were highly appreciated.
The total cost will be near xl80, towards which we have raised a considerable amount, as follows :—By Mrs. M. Burgess, £5 ; Mr. C. Avery, £5 ; Mr. J. Eustace, .£5 ; Mr. J. Bates, £2 ; Mr. D. Bates, £ 1 ; Mr. R. Hunt, £1 ; Mr. J. White, £1 ; Mr. T. Hay, £1 ; Mr.Dodwell, £1 ; Two friends, £1 each; Col. W. Pane, M.P., £1 ; Mr. Spyer, 500 bricks ; with many smaller sums from 10s., down to Is. Mi’s. L. Bates, presented a cushion ; Mrs. J. White, a good bible, and another female friend a pulpit hymn book. So that by the opening collections £6 Is. 0d., and other promised sums, we shall secure by the blessing of God, the one third of the cost, and we trust more by the time allowed.
We have let a goodly number of seats, and the friends feel deeply interested in their new place of worship, and we anticipate it will prove the spiritual birthplace of many souls. E. Hancock.”
Primitive Methodist magazine 1863 page 112
Primitive Methodist magazine 1863 page 307
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