New Tupton Primitive Methodist chapel

“New Tupton, Clay Cross Branch. —New Tupton is a flourishing village, about two miles from Clay Cross ; its inhabitants are principally coal miners. Some few years ago, Mr. Turner Haslam, one of our esteemed local preachers, came to reside in the village. He at once opened his house for the preaching of the word ; sinners were converted, and a society was formed.

After a time the Clay Cross Company allowed us the use of a small room at a nominal rent of sixpence per week in which to hold our services. This room soon became too small for our regular and growing congregations, hence the society began to look out for a site on which to build a new chapel. After patient but determined perseverance a site was obtained on which stood two newly built dwelling houses. These houses ‘have been converted into a neat chapel which will seat 170 persons.

At the back of the chapel we have built a small school-room which is separated from the chapel by sliding doors which can be opened when necessary, and the school-room may be filled with persons, most of whom will be able to see the preacher occupying the pulpit, thus making actual accommodation for 250 per sons.

The opening services were commenced on Sunday, December 23rd, when the writer preached three ser mons to large and attentive congregations. On Christmas day a public tea was provided in the chapel, when about 100 persons partook of the cup that cheers but not inebriates. After tea a public meeting was held. Our respected friend, Mr. Thos. Holland, presided. Interesting and instructive addresses were given by Messrs. Pugh, Daft, Haslam, Leary, and Clark. These local brethren acquitted themselves well. The meeting was quite a success.

On Lord’s day, January 6th, the Rev. Thos. Nickels, of Eakring, preached three sermons to good congregations. The Rev. Thos. Randal, of Sheffield, concluded the opening services by preaching two sermons on Sunday, January 20th. The total sum realised at the services was £15. We expected getting much more some time ago, but an unforeseen agitation amongst the coal miners of the district prevented this.

The entire cost of the site, chapel, and school-room, etc., is about £290, towards which sum has been raised by tea meetings, collections and subscriptions, about £120. Several friends have helped us nobly. They have given, and begged, and worked. It may be said of them, “ They have done what they could.” The Clay Cross Company gave us a subscription of £25. Another friend who wishes his name not to be mentioned gave us £10.

There are sixty-four sittings in pews, all of which are let. The congregations are good, and already several fresh members have been received into church fellowship. Wilson Barrett.  “

Where was this chapel?  There is a chapel shown on old Ordnance Survey maps in Chapel Street (later Mather’s Way/Ivanhoe Close) but the denomination is not shown.  There is modern housing on the site now.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 18678 page 245

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.