Manchester Ardwick Hyde Road Primitive Methodist chapel

The laying of the foundation stone and subsequent opening of Manchester Ardwick Hyde Road Primitive Methodist chapel  took place in May 1863 and is reported in the Primitive Methodist magazine of 1864.  Where on Hyde Road was this chapel and what happened to the Building?

We are told in the Christian Messenger  that the society, along with that of the Ogden Street chapel was taken into the newly built chapel at Higher Ardwick.  That said , Manchester Record Office contains the records of Baptisms for between 1866 and 1904, so when did the chapel close?

Here’s the account of the opening:

“Opening of a New Chapel and School, Hyde Road, Ardwick, Manchester Fourth Circuit.—The foundation-stone of the above chapel and school was laid on Whit Monday, 1863, by Sir James Watts, Knt., who was presented with a handsome silver trowel, &c., by Councillor Rumney, in the name of the trustees. After the ceremony the Rev. James Garner delivered an excellent address, and the Rev. T. Jobling, O. Stansfleld, W. Rowe, W. Ball, Mr. Councillor Rumney, George Bedson, Esq., W. Jones, Esq , and C F. Beyer, Esq., took part in the proceedings.

The friends adjourned to the Ardwick Town Hall, kindly lent by the Ardwick Town Council for the occasion, where tea was gratuitously provided by the ladies. The attendance was large and respectable. After tea a public meeting was held, presided over by Sir James Watts, who kindly gave us J2S towards the erection, making, with the profits de rived from the tea meeting, the handsome sum of £60.

The opening services were commenced on Friday, November 27th, and continued for three subsequent Sabbaths. The Revs. J. Garner, W. Rowe, T. Bramall, J. Macpherson, W. Sander son, and also Rev. Watson Smith, J. Macfaden, M.A., P. Thompson, M.A. (Independent). Arthur Mursell (Baptist), W. Mc. Kerrow, D.D. (Presbyterian), kindly officiated at the services.

The opening tea meeting held in the new school room was presided over by Samuel Watts, jun., Esq., in the absence of Sir James Watts, who was prevented from attending by affliction. The trays were again furnished by the ladies. There was a very numerous attendance, and excellent speeches were delivered by the Revs. W. Sanderson, W. Smith, 0. Stansfield, J. Shipman. and Councillor Rumney.

The opening services were brought to a close with a tea meeting held on Good Friday, presided over by Mr. Councillor Burgess, of Macclesfield. An interesting lecture was delivered by Samuel Watts, jun., Esq.. on “John Bunyan,” and several ministers and friends took part in the meeting.

The entire cost of the chapel, including all incidental expenses is £950, towards which we have derived from the opening services, tea meetings, donations, Ac., the sum of £320, and there are yet several promises to come in, which we hope shortly to receive. We would specially tender our thanks to Sir James Watts, for his donation of £25; JohnAshbury,Esq.,£10; D. Mosely, Esq., £10; J. C. Needham, Esq., £10; Councillor Rumney, £10: Councillor Ryder, £10; Sir E. Armitage, £5; A. Hey wood. Esq., ex-mayor, £5 ; Alderman Nicholls, £5 : Sam Mendal, Esq., £5 ; E. Buckley, Esq. £7; O. Heywood, Esq., £5; W. Jones, Esq., £5 ; R. B. Brierley, Esq., £5; Mr. McDonald, £20; Mr. Geo. Parker, £10 ; Mr. R. Bramall, £7; Mr. Parker, £6; Mr. 8. Lamb, £5; Mr. W.E. Parker, £5; and Mr. T. Howarth, £7 ; and to all our other subscribers downwards to the lowest donor.

Our thanks are also due to the ladies who kindly furnished the rostrum with Bible, silk velvet cushion, carpets, mats, cushion for communion, cocoa-nut matting for porch and aisles, of the value of £15, free of expense to the trustees; also to Mr. J. E. Smith, architect, of this city, for the kind manner in which he furnished the plans and superintended the erection without charge ; and to Messrs. B. and W. Hoyland, builders, for the highly satisfactory manner in which they have completed their contracts.

The chapel is 51 feet long, 33 feet wide, 25 feet from floor to ceiling, and is calculated to hold nearly 500 persons. The beautiful situation of this chapel, and the style in which it is erected, cause it to be greatly admired; and it presents the best appearance of any of our chapels in this city. It is built of the best red brick, and white brick front, the body of the chapel and the gallery are pewed, sufficient room being left for free sittings, and for prayer meetings. From the ceiling are suspended two beautiful star lights.

The school room is spacious and lofty, capable of accommodating 400 scholars and teachers. There are also good class-rooms, vestries, and a singers’ gallery. We fervently pray that this beautiful house of prayer may be the birthplace of hundreds of precious and immortal souls. W. Ball”

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1864 page 440-441

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