Catforth Primitive Methodist chapel

In an article celebrating the opening in 1863 of the second Catforth Primitive Methodist chapel , J Graham tells us the the new chapel stands next to the previous chapel which still stands to demonstrate the progress that has been made over the years.

On Street View in 2019, the chapels are the focus of building work as they are, I would think, being converted to residential use. Street view in 2009 shows the new chapel awaiting conversion and the old chapel missing its end wall due to building work.

“Opening of a Chapel at Catforth.— Preston Circuit.— Catforth is a thinly populated village in the Fylde country, about six miles from Preston. Travellers passing through the place may now be hold a rather unusual sight, namely, a couple of Primitive Methodist chapels standing one alongside the other with only a few yards between them. The old chapel, which remains to show the contrast between the past and the present, has long been too small for the increasing congregation.

After suffering much in convenience for want of room, the friends determined on making an effort to obtain a more suitable place to worship in. They set about the work in earnest, and they have succeeded admirably. Some thought they would fail, but with the help of God they have surmounted every difficulty. On the 4th of last March the foundation-stone was laid by J. Lamb, Esq., of Preston, who was presented with a very beautiful silver trowel, bearing an appropriate inscription, and a pretty mahogany mallet. James Thompson, Esq., of Catforth, prepared plans of the building, and had them lithographed, and the specifications printed, at his own cost, and he very kindly engaged, on the same terms, to superintend the erection throughout.

We are very much indebted to Mr. Thompson for his great kindness and very valuable services in this undertaking. All our friends have not only laboured heartily in carting, &c, which lias all been done gratis, they have also contributed liberally. The building progressed rapidly and satisfactorily from the laying of the first brick to the finish.

The chapel is built of red brick, and is 39 feet long and 30 feet wide— 18 feet from floor to ceiling—well lighted and very well ventilated. The land on which it stands is freehold, and comprises 200 square yards. The chapel was opened for worship on the 28th June, when three impressive sermons were preached, those in the morning and evening by Mr. W. Mallalieu of Manchester, and that in the afternoon by the Rev. W. Knox, of Kirkham, (Independent); the collections for the day amounted to £38 12s.

The services were continued on the 9th of July, when the Rev. J. Garner, of Oldham, preached in the morning and afternoon two powerful sermons, and in the evening an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Armitage, of Elswick (Independent) ; the collections for the day amounting to £35. On Monday, the 6th July, we wound up these pleasing services by a tea meeting. A collection was made and £23 were realized—making the total amount collected on the two Sabbaths and at the tea meeting £96 12s.

The entire cost of land and building is £334, which I am happy to say has been met by t he subscriptions and collections. The house is the Lord’s, not a penny of debt being left on it. Our friends are worthy of all praise for the zeal and energy with which they have pushed on the work ; some of them have had a deal of labour in soliciting, and gathering in the subscriptions, but it has all been done cheerfully, and as the result shows, has been done well.

We wish to tender our thanks to J. Thompson, Esq., for his liberal donation of £65, and important aid in other ways. Also to the following persons for the liberal assistance afforded: W. Ludell, sen., £10; H. Dickinson, £10 ; T. Waring, £10; Thomas Miller, £10 ; W. Cross, £o; W. Ludell, jnr., £4; R. Ludell, £5 5s. ; J. Almond, £5 ; R. Almond, £1 10s.; W. Clarkson, £&; W. Rowcliffe, £5 ; W. Kirby, £5 ; J. Bickerstaff, Esq , £5; Ralph Hall, £3; Samuel Salthouse, £4 19s. 6d. ; J. Shorrock, £5 ; J. Lamb, £2; J. Tuson, £2; J. Knowles, £2 ; G. Breakell, £2; E. Gillon, £3 ; G. Tunstall, £3 ; Mrs. Blundell and Sons, £3 ; R. Ray, £1 10s. ; H. Almond, £1 10s.

That this may be the birthplace of many souls is the prayer of J. Graham.”

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1863 pages 744-745