Southport Crossens Primitive Methodist Chapel Lancashire
The chapel was built in 1886
Crossens is the northern most part of Southport. Here hand loom weavers, farm labourers and fishermen all lived alongside each other.
A United Methodist Church had been built in Crossens before the Primitive Methodists built their ‘Providence’ Chapel in Rufford Road in 1886. The Primitives had connections with the Churchtown Independent Chapel and at one time, once a week, they carried a harmonium between the two chapels.
Date of closure is unknown but when it was sold the Anglican Church, St.John’s, used it as a church hall.
In 2015 the exterior of the building has been changed. There are different windows and the original porch has been removed and a new one added. It is being used by T&A Hall & Sons who are bathroom specialists and electrical engineers.
Acknowledgment
‘Dissenters Of Every Description’ – The extraordinary story of Southport’s non-conformist churches – by Geoffrey Ellis.
Photos taken June 2015
OS Map Ref:108:SD374199
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In the Primitive Methodist magazine of December 1866 (page 757) we are told the story of Crossen chapel opening. G Pennel badly wanted a Prim chapel in Crossen and offered £25 to Mr Smith if he would try to start one. Mr Smith’s response was that as people were very poor it would only be possible if Mr Pennell gave £50 – which he did. The magazine account is by the same F.Smith.
Mr Hodge (Southport) drew up the plans for free, and the foundation stone was laid by J Milnes(Independent of Southport). Mr Pennell even presented a silver trowel worth over £7. Preachers were Thomas Greener and Revs J Slater and J Travis. Donors included J Willey, Dr Goodman, J Segar, W Smith, JF Stead, W Vaughan and J Dawson.
The chapel seated 200 and cost £200 with £50 still owing when it was opened.
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