The 1895 OS map shows shows the Primitive Methodist chapel on Front Street, on the corner of what is now South Meadows, almost opposite Dipton Manor. Street View in 2016 shows the very same building with the date 1873 carved into the stonework so the chapel would have been 5 years old when your grandfather was baptised there. In 2016 it was in use by Power Tools Services.
You can see that map at: https://maps.nls.uk/view/120934860
By the 1915 Ordnance Survey map there is a new Primitive Methodist chapel – further south, just north of Co-operative Terrace. It is set back from Front Street. Next to Co-operative Villas. This in time became Central Methodist church. Street View in 2016 shows the site occupied by Wesley Cottages. On the 1915 map, the original Prim chapel is now labelled as a picture house.
You can see the 1915 OS map here: https://maps.nls.uk/view/120934863
An article in the Northern Echo dated 3 March 2007 relates the story of the closure of the ex-Pm Chapel at Dipton in 2007 after 100 years of service. The article gives the following history about PM chapels in Dipton.
“The first “Ranters” chapel in the area, at Flint Hill, opened in 1834 and cost £60. When the congregation outgrew the chapel’s welcome, a second was opened in 1873, costing £920 and seating 300 – and when that in turn could barely contain its enthusiasm the present building was constructed for £2,400.”
Richard Jennings has written a comment on our page about East Stanley Primitive Methodist Chapel. He records that a camp meeting was held in 1823 at Collierley Dykes, Dipton. That could have been the beginning of Primitive Methodists activity in the area that led to the first chapel being opened in 1834. There is more about that in a book entitled “Northern Primitive Methodism.” That notes that Dipton is the modern name for Collierley Dykes.
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I have 1923 centenary handbook of Dipton Primitive Methodist church plus post card of front st dipton in1928. Any one like me to post them.
Send an address.
My great grandfather Jack Herdman did the woodwork in the PMChurch and sang in the Choir.
Thanks to Paul Watson for pictures of the 1873 chapel. In 2022 it is in use by Storage Systems Ltd.
Creating a quilt to raise money sounds very possible. Primitive Methodists, as largely working people in lower paid jobs, were often very challenged to raise funds for a new building. The Primitive Methodist magazine reports of chapel openings more often recorded how much a chapel cost than how many members it had.
I am currently researching a quilt made by ladies who attended Dipton Primitive Methodist Chapel. It was made between 1906 and 1908 and is in the Quilters Guild collection. Wondering if it was made to celebrate and raise money for the new chapel.
The Builder, vol. 92, issue 3344, page 293, March 9th 1907 :
METHODIST CHURCH, DIPTON.- On the 23rd. [Feb.] ult. the New Primitive Methodist Church was opened erected in Front-street, Dipton. The church, which will accommodate some 500 worshipers is built of freestone with ornamental. The school at the rear will hold 300 scholars. There are several class rooms, etc. The whole of the internal woodwork is of pitch-pine. The premises have been built from the designs of Messrs. Davidson & Phillipson, architects of Newcastle; while Mr. Ronaldson of Dipton has carried out the contract.
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