Whilst doing some background research looking for Grange Road Primitive Methodist chapel in Middlesbrough, completely by accident I found a picture of Grange Road Methodist church in Hartlepool Across the front it says in capital letters “Primitive Methodist Church” and on the side in Tankerville Street it says “Primitive Methodist School 1883”.
There are pictures of both buildings on the Hartlepool History Then and Now website.
There are other photographs on the website, including a view of the chapel interior, Grange Road itself and a 1928 certificate presented to Mrs E. Forstad to commend second prize in a home baking competition. The certificate was provided by Brown and Polson Ltd., makers of cornflower, raisley (whatever that may be) and custard powder.
The Sunday School was in fact the original chapel, opened in June 1887. It became the Sunday school when the church building was opened later, in 1906.
The church is still active in 2016.
The 1887 Primitive Methodist magazine tells us more. Many details match, especially the opening date, but there are nagging inconsistencies:
- The chapel is called Middleton Grange rather than Grange Road
- The date on the school building is 1883 rather than 1887. However, the account does say the site was acquired some time before – perhaps in 1883
- The magazine account describes the laying of memorial stones for school-rooms with the chapel to be built in due course, rather than the chapel itself
The Grange Road, Middlesbrough chapel I was looking for is still a mystery (now solved – not a Methodist chapel!).
Reference
Hartlepool Then and Now website, accessed April 20th 2016
Hartlepool History Then and Now: Grange Road Methodist church
Primitive Methodist magazine 1887 February page 125
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