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Primitive Methodist missionaries first visited Sodom in 1822. See the obituary of Thomas Nickols [Nichols] PM Magazine, 1862, p458.
A biography of Matthew and Mary Lee, ‘Behind the Stars’ by W M Patterson was published in the Primitive Methodist Leader ( 1911), and reprinted for one of their descendants, S Wesley Lee, by Samuel Lee & Co Pty Lyd, Stanhope, Queensland, Australia (1974). There is a copy in the Library at Englesea Brook Chapel & Museum. This gives a fascinating account of their experiences in the different circuits where they were stationed, and the very hard life of a Primitive Methodist minister and his family. Mary Lee was an outstanding preacher in her own right.
Good to hear from you Annice. If there are any particular memories you have, or people you remember, it would be good to share them here
It was good to find this photo as it took me back to my childhood where I spent many holidays with my Great Aunt Annice Wilan who was also the organist in the chapel at that time
Northampton, Horsemarket Primitive Methodist Chapel (i), Northamptonshire Horsemarket PM Chapel was opened in September 1840. In 1850 it provided 128 free and 172 other sittings. It was situated on the east side of Horsemarket on the north side of an unnamed lane north of St Katherine Street. It was demolished when the chapel was rebuilt in 1872.. Sources Northampton Mercury, 12.9.1840 Ward, GS, The 1851 Religious Census of Northamptonshire, p 103; TNA HO129/168/35 Francis Whellan, History, Topography, and Directory of Northamptonshire, 1874 p142
I used to own this Chapel and I feel I should most definitely apologise for my yellow beetle choice of car.
For me, I hate seeing these buildings shut, but also acknowledge that retaining the history of such a building far outweighs the need for it to morph in terms of its purpose.
When we bought the Chapel, we received a number of keys, one of which was to the original green doors. It was the size of a brick and I couldn’t help but wonder how anyone ever carried it. We also had some beautiful documents from the original church of the records of attendees and helpers, it truly was astoundingly amazing. Inside the radiators had been kept and reused, from what I can remember.
I was at my happiest in this home and miss it greatly. If truly had been renovated very sympathetically at the time and brought joy to a lot of people.
Thanks for the information Andrew. The good folks at the Historical Society will add the names to their record.
I have only just seen this page. The man in the middle at the front is my grandfather James Sparrow, his wife Lilian is behind him to his right with the glasses and hat. To his left I think is Reverend Kilcross a friend of theirs from Cheshire and a regular visitor. Immediately behind JJ Sparrow with his chin hidden is George Sparrow his brother and my great uncle.
Thank you for your research . My grandad’s name was as I was told Enoch Bowran. He died in January 1912 age 29 years old. My grama was pregnant with my dad who was born June 23rd 1912. My aunty, Margret Jane Bowran, who was born in May 1907, was my dads sister. My dad’s name was Dennis Bowran. Could you please tell me if Enoch Bowran married Mary Ellen Adlington. Was Enoch born in 1882 in Durham.
I have been on the internet about the Bowrans . My name is Christine Bowran. I was born 11th October 1947. My dad’s fathers name was Enoch Bowran who came from Newcastle. Beginning of the 19th centres. My dad, Dennis Bowran always told me Grace Darling was a relation. My grandad Enoch Bowran was a brother of many siblings. If u want to get in touch with me my phone number is 07807742700. I’m not on the internet, my daughter Linzi found you on her phone .
The Methodist congregation from this church moved to a new building in 2010 http://www.foresthillmethodistchurch.org/
The transcribed diary is to be found in my book, ‘College, Chapel and Culture in Edwardian Manchester’, published by the Wesley Historical Society and available from http://www.lulu.com or http://www.amazon.co.uk, priced £9.50. A list of students contemporary with my grandfather is included in the book, as well as details of the studies and examinations of students at the time.
Dear Julie, St.Helen’s Parish Church in Cumberworth is now a private home and a Grade 11 (2) Listed Building. Christian Methodism was not in compliance with Church of England Christian interpretation so many Christian groups branded “none-conformist” would not want to go to a Parish Church and certain other denominational worship places, especially the Primitive Methodists who allowed both men and women to become Preachers. However, before crematoriums people of all faiths or none at all had to be buried in a cemetery.
My grandfather Herbert Shaw Gerrard (1886-1969) was a contemporary (aged 14 in the 1901 census). That looks like him second from the right in the long back row (beneath the brickwork) He went on to be the first PM medical missionary in Africa, serving in Kasenga, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and Maua, Kenya. I’m working on a biography for this site. Have you transcribed the diary?
Shepshed Charnwood Road Primitive Methodist Chapel, Leicestershire In 1940 the chapel measured 60 feet by 24 feet and had seating for 290 in pews. There was one schoolroom (presumably the 1877 chapel) which was 39 feet by 25 feet and four other rooms. Perhaps the most curious feature of this building is the east window. It has perpendicular gothic tracery supporting art nouveau glass under an inscribed and gilded segmental arch. Sources John Rylands Library University of Manchester DDPD1Methodist Accommodation returns, 1940/697 Site visit 17.4.2019
Yes, my great grandmother was married here in 1895 on the 2nd day of July
There is a rich collection of photos of chapels and people in country places near Andover, Hants., which also includes a good deal of their history, at Winchester county archives 96M72/NMC30.
There were six children. The eldest surviving daughter, mentioned in the text above as attending to her mother, was Helen Gerrard Mason (1883-1982). In 1907 Helen married John Charles Robertson
Rev Berryman’s circuit 1923-1930 was North Sunderland which is on the Northumberland coast 70 miles north of the city of Sunderland. The understandable confusion lead to the circuit changing its name to Seahouses in the 1950’s.
Sorry, we have no reference to George Spicer on this site. You could try looking for his Primitive Methodist activity in circuit and chapel minutes which could well be found in the Wiltshire County Archives.
Hello Christopher, my sister and I are researching the Primitive Methodists in Salisbury around 1880 and wondered if you’d have any info on George Spicer at all?
Margaret, Thank you for your correction. I have amended the page in line with your comment.
Amos Merry’s daughter – Nellie Merry – never married. (The above information incorrectly states that she married twice.) I knew this lady very well. She was my great aunt and we both lived in the same village.
Martin, The records that you need to search for that would answer your question are either the Trustees Minute Books for Warton PM Chapel, or the preaching plans for the circuit within which Warton was situated. or the records of the quarterly meeting of the circuit where Warton was situated. These may be in either the Warwickshire Records office or Staffordshire Record office depending on the county where the main church in the circuit was situated. Preaching plans list the lay preachers in the circuit. The Minutes of Quarterly meetings of the circuit would identify when a preacher is accredited by the circuit. The minutes of trustees meetings may identify particular post holders within a chapel and the name of preachers at any special services. Hope that helps.
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