Cumberworth Primitive Methodist chapel
Willoughby Road Cumberworth LN13 9LF
The first Cumberworth Primitive Methodist chapel dates from 1839. Keith Guyler’s photograph shows it as a store. The later chapel is just two doors away.
Keith Guyler’s notes say the second chapel dates from 1853/1857 and served until 1947. The chapel became the schoolroom to the neighbouring (ex-United Methodist) chapel. Later it became the village hall.
This may not be correct; it may be that the 1853 chapel is the United Methodist chapel.
location of the chapels: 504732
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After Keith Guyler’s photograph was published here, visitors to this page provided further information about whether the chapel shown is indeed the Prim one; see the comments below. Thanks for clarifying.
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Ray and Marie, the current owners of the now converted chapel, have also provided photos and added more fascinating information from their research. See the comments below.
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In the Primitive Methodist magazine of November 1859 (page 684) John North writes about the opening of Cumberworth Primitive Methodist chapel on Sunday July 31st 1859. He explains that there had been a Revival in the winter of 1858-9 and so Mr Kirk sold the trustees part of the large garden that came with the house he had just bought and a chapel was built. The total cost was £70 of which £30 had been raised at the time of opening.
The new chapel measured 25’6″ x 17′, was 12′ to the ceiling, had a boarded floor and seated 100.
T Whitehead (Louth) preached at the opening and at the subsequent tea meeting, speakers were J Maltby (Louth), T Whitehead, J North and W Coulson
Comments about this page
To read and view a relevance to Cumberworth (today) go to Mumby postings on this website :
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie.
An advisory good prompting :–
When previous owners purchased the former chapel adjacent to the cottage : apart from an additional room with electricity but no mains-water they gained also additional off-road parking spaces; previously just one for the cottage.
There are two 1859 Chapel Indenture-Titles, both granted by Her Majesty’s High Court of Chancery legal before and still after the formation of the Land Registry in 1862.
We with property deeds and other documents have one of the Indenture-Titles* and the other now has said in a previous posting is with Government documents at The National Archives.
Both have measurements written and have a plan showing curtilage to the roadside.
* the one we have was authenticated by The Lincolnshire Archives and copy-scanned to include a DVD, these for the archives and us.
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Regarding Block-Plans : many are used for location of a property such as applications for planning permission with a county or local district council yet with one property nearby it is often showed set-back in a field area but actually a roadside property.
Kind regards, Ray and on behalf of Marie.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year hopefully cometh for all readers and those who made postings to include their congratulations.
Kindest Regards,
Ray & Marie.
William White’s History Gazetteer and Directory of Lincolnshire, 1882 , page 265 and various other pages, residents of Cumberworth, to include a mention the Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists have small chapels here.
Kind regards, Ray & Marie.
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Hello John & Pat, you passing our home and your Congratulations regarding history, upkeep and repairs to our property you read on this website and the Chapels Society’s.
The names for our cottage once owned with other cottages/property/land by a Mr. F. Kirk c.1859 was “dunworkin” ( variants of that on our property deeds ) meaning Done Working, yet could have been then a dialect variant of earlier “dunwalkin” ( variants of that on loose paper ) meaning Done Walking, be it rented or a tied-cottage for a worker and family.
The cottage was officially renamed and added to deeds, etc ., by previous owners and quite appropriate being next to former Chapel.
Many homes are renamed.
Kind regards, Ray & Marie.
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Year 1872, regarding posting 03/11/2021 :
Also amongst Cumberworth residents is listed a Richard Lowery, a boot and shoe maker and shopkeeper.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie.
Additional :
Civil Registration BMD, Spilsby district ( to include Cumberworth ), June 1858, death, vol. 7a, page 343, Mary Kirk Lowry and Hugh Kirk Lowry*
* regarding previous posting : sadly Mary ill for sometime or ill after her baby son soon died (or still-born) and then soon poor Mary’s demise; or together.
England, Lincolnshire Parish Registers, 1538-1990 :
Mary Lowry, buried Cumberworth, 12th June 1858.
Some variant early scribe-forms for Lowery : Lowry, Lowrie, Lowrey, etc.
Notes :
sometimes maiden-surnames were kept when marrying (or no marriage) for patronymic recognition. If married this was the case with Mary, then her proud choice in doing so and also proudly done by her husband for their son Hugh. ✝ and ✝.
Kind regards, Ray & Marie.
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The following pre-dates the final construction of the Cumberworth 1859 PM chapel.
The Primitive Methodist Magazine, vol. XVL of third series ( VOL.XXXIX, from commencement ), obituary, page 57 :
Died June 9th 1858, at Cumberworth, in the Alford branch of the Louth* circuit.
MARY KIRK LOWERY, in the twenty-fourth year of her age. She was induced by the entreaty of her husband to the preaching of the Primitive Methodist’s, and it was while listening to plain, pertinent, and unetues truth, that she was brought under deep concern for her soul. She agenized long, crying “God be merciful to me a sinner”, when, through Devine influence her soul was set at perfect liberty. She immediately joined the church militant, and maintained constant membership till removed to the church triumphant. During her illness , which was protracted, I often visited her, and ever found her staying on the Almighty – Almighty it was not given her to exult in death as some have exulted, yet to the last, desperate the pressure of weakness, and the assaults of hell, she passed on unwavering confidence in Christ. Her last words to her kind and sympathetic husband were ” Good by; I am going to Jesus “.
EDWARD SHARP.
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*previously Louth circuit.
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Thank you Vera and Bob for reading postings and your congratulations.
When you were passing you mentioned “there is some of the last Preachers Plans for the Alford PM circuit at Lincoln Archives”. Here now is the reference number :
Meth/B/Alford/P/H/1/13, July-Oct., 1930, 1932/3, although you known the Cumberworth 1859 chapel continued independently until 1947.
Best wishes,
R&M.
Additional to previous posting :
Susan Hundleby, Guild member number 4638, Master Craftsman awarded year 2020.
Susan also has information on the Hobson surname.
Ray’s previous membership of the Guild: a decision to add some documents appropriately with others already with the Wakefield branch of the West Yorkshire Archive Service, ref. C565, etc.
Mrs. Hundleby, Primitive Methodist local preacher for this area, abode in nearby Mumby, a mention on the Preachers Plan, April-May-June 1908 :
Full name Mrs. Adah Mary Hundleby ( nee Truman ), additional information courtesy of Mrs. Susan Hundleby.
Susan is a Master Craftsman and also Registrar (2014-2022) of the Guild of One-Name Studies. *
For further information to include the Hundleby surname : https://one-name.org/about-the-guild/
* Ray : former member, May 1985 (registered number 733 ).
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c.1908, F. Cook and J. Kirk, Primitive Methodist Society Stewards and Secretaries for Cumberworth.
Old newspaper announcements regarding some postings.
The British Library ( old newspapers search) :
http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
This British Library direct approach is advisable.
Extra for Betty.
Richard died 3rd of August so his Will made obviously earlier, also another date later for probate granted, etc.
Message to Betty passing by the other day while I Ray getting in my car :
Hello Betty, again thank you for your Congratulations regarding what you read by the Chapels Society website; supported with other good comments on this site.
Because of no direct contact yet knowing you read comments I now have some information for you about Phebe’s brother Richard Sampson Kirk. Yes he did leave a Will 6th July 1877. The link in one of our postings may locate and give a brief account, yet link sometimes unavailable when updating, etc.
History, Gazetter and Dictionary of Lincolnshire, published 1872 , Cumberworth, page 258 :
Francis Kirk, farmer and landowner.
Richard Sampson Kirk, farmer.
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We noticed a Kirk family pedigree of Cumberwith to include Phebe Kirk ( born 1831 ). To view type Richard Sampson Kirk in http://www.google.co.uk search-box.
Richard was Phebe’s younger brother.
Extra to previous posting .-
The Spilsby Civil Registration District included Cumberworth for Rebecca’s death.
However, her surname is recorded Borman :
Vol. 14, Page 379, death registered BORMAN, Rebecca, Dec., 1847.
The Primitive Methodist Magazine, year 1848, vol. VI, third series (vol. XXIX from beginning). Page 235, Alford Circuit :
In this issue is a short article about Rebecca Burman of Cumberworth, Lincolnshire, she being a Primitive Methodist.
The gospel was preached to the villagers in her house, she sincere in her attachment to the cause and even in her walk(s). – The Primitive Methodist preacher J. Kendall who visited her wrote the article (an obituary) and ends it by writing on his last visit “she went to paradise”. ( Died December 1847 ). There is more in the article.
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Sadly Rebecca would not do another walk to be with converts and enter the PM Chapel built in 1859 on the opening-day service.
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Kind regards, Ray & Marie .
Our ref. 3-Aelle-Aella-Edwinus-1.
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln :
ref. Meth/B/Alford P.
Alford Primitive Methodist Circuit register of baptisms 1849-1895,( ref. Meth/B/Alford/A/11/1), register of baptisms to c.1930 etc. (ref. Meth/B/Alford P/A//1/2).
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The following reference numbers need re-checking:
Alford Wesleyan Methodist Circuit records to include baptisms, memberships, preachers plans, etc., ref. Meth/B/Alford W/A, also W/H/1, etc.
Alford Methodist Circuit records, to include baptisms, memberships, preachers plans, etc, ref. Meth/B/Alford M/A and Meth/B/Alford M/H.
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There is an opportunity for someone to search documents for a “possible” history of what became Cumberworth Methodist Church amongst “both” Wesleyan and Methodist Alford Circuit records.
Note : some preachers plans are from the personal collection of the late Rev W. Leary; but not all.
Primitive Methodism was present in East-Lindsey from the 1820s, the first circuit being at Louth in 1822. – By the 1840s there were 8 circuits in Lincolnshire.
After the unification of different Methodist groups in 1932 ( some later) what was community separation amongst them had become harmony; so to-speak.
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln :
ref. Meth/C/Cumberworth, Ings Lane, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, built 1825/6.
ref. MLI99122, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Ings Lane, Cumberworth, on the site was built Birdsong Cottage.
ref. MLI9820, United Methodist Free Chapel, Willoughby Rd., Cumberworth, sold c.2001.
Stamford Mercury newspaper, 17th Sept., 1852.
A mention that the new Wesleyan Chapel in Cumberworth is to be opened Friday 24th and Rev Wm. Burnett to stay a few days aiding the reform.
Stamford Mercury, 27th Aug., 1886.
A mention of the re-opening of Cumberworth Wesleyan Chapel took place Sunday when services in the afternoon and evening were attended by crowded congregations.
Lincolnshire Standard & Boston Guardian, 30th Oct., 1926. Cumberworth. The Wesleyan Chapel held their harvest festival service on Sunday week, when services were conducted by Mr. Carter of Hogsthorpe.
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The former Cumberworth Methodist Church, previously United Methodist Chapel/United Methodist Free Chapel on Willoughby Road.
Note: the architectural style and brickwork could be later Victorian, c.1880s (?).
The previous owners of our property once lived in it but when we purchased it they lived in Louth. It had been rented by them and when no temporary-tenancy we purchased it vacant-possession and continued with the up-keep to the interior of our former 1859 Chapel.
The pew-benches had long since gone but a small one was in the cottage; a type of a later-date yet not aware if it had been in the chapel or not, the seat lifting to put items in.
Kept wrapped in old brown sacking :
1 of 2 small angels now in former chapel, an ascending one playing a Lyre (pronounced Lier sometimes but not).
The hand held Lyre is basic sounding but similar to the more elaborate larger lap and floor stood harp.
We were asked if there is a more recent direct link to our postings on the Chapels Society’s website, it mentioning in recognition also this website :
https://www.chapelssociety.org.uk/com-june-2016/
Also type Cumberworth in their search box for further postings.
Hi Dave and Rebeca, Yes I know of the prim trek ancient right of way starting point in my youth and in accordance with government O.S. department list of abbreviations F.B. means foot bridge and apart from the village being residential is it also an agricultural designated area for commercial crops and animal breading for the food-chain. If so that would be one reason why unfortunately no horse-bridleway.
Driving through the village the other day and seeing the PM chapel gave me good memories of the prim trek.
Lincoln Archives.-
Will of Francis Kirk [senior], Cumberworth, Lincolnshire:
ref. LCC WILLS/1857/251.
He was father of Phebe ( mother Dinah ) mentioned in these postings, also for Huttoft.
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Previous posting regarding the Wesleyan Methodist rolls and documents:
The starting date is ref. Rolls. 6 , Geo., 1V., therefor year 1826 ( King George 4th, r. 1820-1830 ).
The National Archives .-
Government documents and rolls pertaining parts of Cumberworth hamlet-village, County of Lincoln.
There are Deeds, Charities, Trust Documents, etc., to include the following :
Cumberworth, Lincs., – – Primitive Methodist Chapel and Sunday Schoolroom, 1859. [ Additional follow-up , close rolls of the Chancery, central Government ]. +c.
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Cumberworth, Lincs.., — Wesleyan Methodist, c. 1826.
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* on Ings Lane, later chapel demolished.
+c. location of items listed by the Deputy-Keeper of Records, February, 1871. Copy report with ref. numbers acquired by us ( Ray & Marie ).
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Lincoln Archives:
United Methodist Chapel ( later Cumberworth Methodist Church ),
ref. Meth/Cumberworth/United/G/2/1. Steward’s account book, years 1962-1968.
Our previous posting:
The Government probate search is within free public domain and a brief account of Wills with an option to purchase a copy-Will for a fuller account, period 1858-1996, also period 1996 to present times.
http://www.gov.uk/search-will-probate
Before c.1857/8 probate was an Ecclesiastical responsibility and any survival of earlier Wills most but not all for Lincolnshire would now be at Lincoln Archives.
John North, a main promoter for Cumberworth PM Chapel and Sunday Schoolroom to be built in 1859 :
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Find a will • | GOV. UK – website, probate search service:
North, John, year 1872, page 390.
Effects under £100.
The Will with Codicil of John North, formerly of Tadcaster in County of York but late of Alford in the County of Lincoln. Primitive Methodist Minister who died 4 March 1872 at Alford was proved at Lincoln by Charlotte North of the town of Kingston-upon-Hull, Widow of Thomas Henry North * of said Town, Chemist, the Son, – two of the Executors.
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* had died prior.
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Stamford Mercury Newspaper, Friday 15th July 1853, page 3, Family Notice:
At the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Louth, on the 10th inst. ( by the Rev. T. Greenbury ) Mr. Rd. Bristow of Louth to Miss. Phebe Kirk of Cumberworth.
Regarding our previous posting; thus:
A fuller account on Richard Collins in the 1862 edition of The Primitive Methodist Magazine can also be located via Research Resources on this site, directed to Google Books.
Richard’s offertory donations were silver, often referred to for coin-money, brass and copper (coppers) termed such for basic coins.
John Burroughs was a Primitive Methodist Ministering Preacher, died 1892.
Richard Collins, a giver of silver coins, pre-1861, Primitive Methodist prayer-leader and assistant class -leader, Cumberworth, Alford PM Circuit:
Richard in his earlier years attendant a Christmas Day Feast in nearby Hogsthorpe and on that day he became a convert and became very generous and hospitable, often preachers staying with him and his wife.
Richard Collins of Cumberworth died aged sixty-seven, December 7th 1861, whom had been saving grace for nearly thirty years.
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A fuller account of Richard by John Burroughs is in The Primitive Methodist Magazine, vol. xx, page 438, year 1862 ( this issue was difficult to locate but we did do via http://www.google.co.uk (books).
Thank you Dave & Rebeca for your kind comment.
The plaque after repairs looking better and also congratulations from us to Ray and Marie for being awarded Chapel of the Month June 2016 by the Chapels Society for your research, we having just noticed your extra comments on their website, needed plaque repairs, etc.
Dave & Rebeca .
My grandmother when younger visited Cumberworth to meet a group of walkers to do what she called the prim trek, called that because they met on the right of the PM chapel at a public path on the other side of an open culvert now with underground piping.
The narrow foot bridge ( F.B. on o.s. maps, example Cumberworth 1905/6 ) was from the roadside to walk over to open fields onto Ings Lane then left further up to a foot path that came out back onto Willoughby Road near the old school house and across the road the public path continued.
In 1971 the prim trek starting point was passable and used.
There were other culvert foot bridges in the village.
Thank you Jill for your nice comment.
Ray & Marie.
On the 1960s Ariel photo the black notice board on the old Cumberworth Methodist Chapel/Church can just be seen, it removed later.
My much later visits to the village the other side of the road was wider from that building and to include buildings between and the PM Chapel.
Thank you for my posting.
Rather than congregations held in Cumberworth cottages pre-1859 the PM preacher John North was the promoter for the then need in 1859 for a PM Chapel. There was not one before.
Congratulations to Ray and Marie on their research.
Previously there had been some confusion with K. Guyler’s photos and dates.
Fond memories I have visiting friends in Cumberworth and I can recall the plaque on the PM Chapel being in a poor state of preservation yet passing through the village recently noticed it looking more pleasing after repairs but the black plaque notice board on the old Cumberworth Methodist Chapel was removed.
We recently read the term “Abolitions of the Primitive Methodist Connection”, but by negotiated agreement it became part of a unification with other Methodist groups in 1932 and agreeably known by the title ‘United Methodist’, the word church then mainly used instead of chapel, later the word united not used. By choice a person can change their faith but it can’t be Abolished what a person believeth.
Some Primitive Methodist Chapels did not by their own choice join the unification for various reasons and to include the lack of gender equality with preaching but these chapels had diminishing financial support and no longer a supportive circuit chapel so some of these “Continuing Primitive Methodists” congregations became poverty-struggling and their chapels compelled to close yet some congregations gracefully joined the unification later. The Cumberworth PM chapel was one of them independently until 1947.
Dear Julie,
St.Helen’s Parish Church in Cumberworth is now a private home and a Grade 11 (2) Listed Building.
Christian Methodism was not in compliance with Church of England Christian interpretation so many Christian groups branded “none-conformist” would not want to go to a Parish Church and certain other denominational worship places, especially the Primitive Methodists who allowed both men and women to become Preachers.
However, before crematoriums people of all faiths or none at all had to be buried in a cemetery.
Thanks for the question Julie. St Helen’s was the parish church, which is now closed. It was built in the 13th century, underwent alterations in the 14th and 15th centuries and was rebuilt in 1838. It is located on Alford Road, just north of its junction with Cumberworth Road. You can’t see it on Street View, but you can from the satellite view.
The Primitive Methodist chapel in Cumberworth (and the other chapels) were mainly for the farm workers and other working people who in many places felt they didn’t quite fit in the parish church.
Good morning
I have stumbled across this interesting piece and am wondering if this is the building which was Cumberworth St Helen church please?
Thank you in advance
We noticed on Rightmove (LN13 9LF , Willoughby Road, Cumberworth, Nr Alford) that the owners are now selling their cottage with former PM Chapel linked to it.
There are some wonderful interior photo’s of the Chapel, quite astonishing.
We have very much enjoyed our researches and comments for not only our former PM Chapel in Cumberworth, but other former PM Chapels and now the time hath-cometh for compelled respite. - “Historica, Nostalgica”.
Cumberworth: Continuing Primitive Methodist Chapel up to year 1947, then unification.
The 2 Primitive Methodist Centenary (1807-1907) Plates we have made by Wood & Son, Burslem:
The Englesea Brook Museum of Primitive Methodism told us via an email that the inscription on the rim is a little different on some of the plates so we have now had a closer look at our 2 side-by-side, one a coloured edition, the other the basic non-coloured edition.
The coloured one on the front of the plate has the following inscription on the rim:
Top of rim reads THE LITTLE CLOUD INCREASETH STILL WHICH FIRST AROSE UPON MOW HILL.
Bottom of rim reads THE CENTENERY CAMPMEETING WAS HELD AT MOW COP. ON MAY 25th. 26th & 27th 1907.
The basic non-coloured one inscription on the front of the plate rim:
Top of rim reads THE LITTLE CLOUD’S INCREASING STILL WHICH FIRST AROSE UPON “MOW HILL”.
Bottom of rim reads THE CENTENERY CAMPMEETING WAS CELEBRATED AT MOW COP. ON MAY 25th. 26th & 27th 1907.
Spot the words that are different on top and also bottom rims of both plates.
On the back of the basic non-coloured plate apart from the wording and numbers there is a number 2 to the left. On the back of the coloured plate apart from the wording and numbers there is on the left a small heart.
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The National Archives (formerly The Public Record Office):
We have now located other documents for the Cumberworth National School built 1874. Ref. ED 21/34118, School number 71. East Lindsey, Cumberworth School, documents 1919 to 1927.
Some religious teaching in Cumberworth for children was in our former PM Chapel & Sunday Schoolroom from 1859 to c.1947 and a later continuation.
The National School in our village built in 1874 (now The Old School House) was for weekday education yet although being Church of England formed the attendance was by children whatever their or their parents religious denomination was or was not, some children from Wesleyan/Methodist families and others from Primitive Methodist families, etc. – The teachers were female, termed ‘Mistress’ and ‘Head Mistress’.
Apart from some documents for the National School being at the Lincolnshire Archives, we have now located the following at the National Archives (formerly The Public Record Office):
Ref. ED 21/10891 (School number 71), East Lindsey, Cumberworth School, known as National School. Documents from 1870s to 1916.
To read about training within the Primitive Methodist Connexion, please go to the Education page on this site.
Circuit Preachers and Local Preachers, also Sunday School Teachers, men or women had to be proficient and within the Connexion’s Biblical discipline way of their faith.
Regarding funerals in the Preaching Plans:
The Englesea Brook PM Chapel, now a museum is a Grade 11 (2) Listed Building and has a Primitive Methodist Graveyard, opened in 1842. There are other examples of PM Graveyards, e.g., the PM Chapel at Guiseley, Yorkshire.
The Visitation to Cumberworth PM Chapel and Sunday Schoolroom by Preacher F.W.Woody, from Skegness, May 10th, 1908:
On the 1908 Alford Preaching Plan there are PM Chapel services abbreviation, and example being HF for Harvest Festival. These abbreviations can be checked on the Plan under the heading REFERENCES.
At the bottom of the references for meaning of the abbreviations is *. This is for a Trap, i.e., pony or horse and trap (cart).
This abbreviation * is given to Preacher F.W. Woody of Skegness to travel to various PM Chapels, indeed Cumberworth where provision was given for him to park up on side land and frontage to the PM Chapel when there was a service.
The Preacher’s visitation also included the 2pm service at Mumby PM Chapel (previous Chapel, soon to be demolished), the Cumberworth visitation being 6pm.
Other Preachers with a Trap mentioned on the Plan were J.G. Banham of Skegness (travelled to Hogsthorpe PM Chapel ). H. Popple of Skegness ( travelled to Chapel St. Leonards PM Chapel). J. Ranson of Skegness (travelled to Mablethorpe PM Chapel). F. Blades of Skegness (travelled to Huttoft PM Chapel).
It is possible that these Local Preachers (listed has such) used the same Trap travelling from Skegness and/or more than one Preacher on the same Trap, a 6pm service being the last visitation.
Primitive Methodist Church, Quarterly Guide of The Alford Circuit (Preaching Plan) April, May and June 1922.
Some gleaming’s from it for Cumberworth PM Chapel & Sunday Schoolroom, etc.
Society Stewards and Finance, Mr.J. Kirk and Mr. T. North.
Circuit Officer, Rev. G. Albert Price.
Baptisms: Children may be baptized at any at any Preaching Service. Notice to be given to the Steward or Caretaker, a certificate and registration 1/- .
Marriages: The Chapels at Alford, Mablethorpe and Huttoft are Licenced for the Solemnization of Marriages. Application should be made to the Minister and twenty-one days notice must be given to the Registrar of the District.
Funerals: Members and Friends who desire the services of their own Minister the churchyard at Funerals must give 48 hours’ notice to the Clergyman.
[Circuit] Ministers: Rev. G. Albert Price, Sutton on Sea. Rev. J. Spensley (Sup), Mumby.
Preachers names, Cumberworth: E. Kirkby and S. Brown.
Cumberworth: Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, Sunday 2pm, 28th May. Preacher G. A. Price.
Cumberworth: 4th of June, Y.M.C.A., Sunday 6pm.
Cumberworth: Great Gathering, 6pm Sunday 18th June. Auxiliaries. . H.Graves [of] Mablethorpe.
Band of Hope Anniversary: Mumby.
Cumberworth Services, April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th. May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th. June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th.
Primitive Methodist Connexion, Alford Circuit, Plan of Religious Services (Preaching Plan), from April 3rd to June 30th, 1921.
Some gleaming’s for Cumberworth, etc.
Society Stewards: Mr. J.Kirk, Cumberworth. Mr. T. North, Cumberworth. Mrs. J. Spensley, Mumby.
Baptism: Children may be baptised at any religious service. Both parents should attend if possible. Registration and certificate, 1s.
Marriages: Alford, Mablethorpe and Huttoft Chapels are registered for the solemnization of marriages. Information on the subject may be obtained of the minister. 22 days’ notice must be given by one of the persons to be married, to Mr. Webb, Registrar, Alford, or Mr. Walker, Spilsby.
Burials: Members and Friends who desire the services of their own Minister in the churchyard at funerals must give 48 hours’ to the Clergyman.
Circuit Officers: Rev. G. Albert Price.
Cumberworth Services: April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th. May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th. June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th. Sundays 2pm and 6pm. Mondays 6.30pm.
Mr. H. Graves at Sutton on Sea, on April 10th at 6-30pm, look out for announcement re the visit of Enos Bacon.
Leaders meeting: Cumberworth, 22nd May, 6-30pm Monday, Circuit Minister, G.A. Price, “Foriana”, Sutton on Sea.
Cumberworth: Sacrament 8th May, 6pm, Sunday.
Cumberworth: E. Kirkby, service 15th May, 2pm, Sunday, S.Brown, 29th May, 2pm, Sunday. Mr. H. Graves, [from]Mablethorpe, 5th June, 6pm, Sunday. J.T.Robinson [from] Mumby, 19th June, 6pm, Sunday and G.A. Price, [from] Sutton on Sea. C. Willey [from] Sutton on Sea, 26th June, 2pm, Sunday.
Commending you all to the unfailing love of God, and praying the guidance of the Divine Spirit for all who name the name of Christ. Yours faithfully, G. Albert Price.
Primitive Methodist Church, Alford Circuit. Plan of the Preachers’ Appointments for October, November and December, 1909.
Some gleaming’s for Cumberworth, etc.:
Rev. W.J.Clark, Circuit School Secretary. Circuit Ministers: J. Prouton, “Lyra House”, Alford. W.J. Clark, Skegness.
Local Preachers: Mrs. Hundleby, Mumby.
Exhorters: A. Cook and E. Baumber, Cumberworth. Mrs. Atkinson, Mablethorpe.
Society Stewards and Secretaries: J. Kirk and W. Plant.
The Station (Circuit) School Committee: Rev. W. Clark, secretary.
Harvest Festivals: Cumberworth, Oct 24th, Tea and Sale, Circuit Minister J. Prouton for Oct 28th.
Missionary Services: Alford, Cumberworth, Mumby, Huttoft, Nov 7th to 11th.
Special Efforts: Opening of new Centenary Chapel, Mumby, Oct. 14th.
Evangelical Services: Cumberworth, Dec. 2nd to 15th, Miss Betts and Mumby, Dec. 16th to 30th. (Other Evangelical services by Miss Betts at Chapels in the circuit throughout October to December).
Cumberworth Services, Oct., 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st. Nov., 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th. Dec., 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th. Sundays 2pm and 6pm, Mondays 6-30pm.
Harvest Thanksgiving: Cumberworth, 24th Oct., 2pm and 6pm.
Cumberworth: Society Meeting, 14th Nov., J. Prouton, Circuit Minister.
Cumberworth: Revival Service, 2pm, 6pm, 5th and 12th Dec., Miss Betts from Norwich, (Evangelist).
Cumberworth: Collection for Aged Local Preachers Fund, 19th Dec.
Baptisms: Children may be baptized at any religious service. Both parents should attend if possible. Registration and Certificate, 1s.
Marriages: Alford, Chapel St. Leonards, Huttoft and Skegness are registered for the solemnization of marriages. Information on the subject may be obtained of the minister. 22 days notice must be given by one of the persons to married, to Mr. H. B. Farnsworth, Registrar, Alford, or Mr. Walker, Spilsby.
Burials: Members and Friends who desire the services of their own Minister in the churchyard at funerals must give 48 hours notice to the Clergyman.
Primitive Methodist Church, Alford Circuit ( Preachers Plan), Plan of the Preachers’ Appointments for April, May and June 1908.
Some gleaming’s for Cumberworth, etc.:
Circuit Ministers, F. W. Harper, Alford. J. Carter, Skegness.
Local Preacher Mrs. Hundleby, Mumby.
Cumberworth: Mission Band.
Cumberworth: Society Stewards and Secretaries, J.Kirk and F.Cook.
The Station (Circuit) School Committee: Rev. J. Carter, Secretary.
Cumberworth Services, April 5th, 12th, 19th, 16th. May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st. June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28h. Sundays 2pm and 6pm. Some Mondays 7pm.
Cumberworth: 14th May, F.W. Woody, Trap (his horse and trap/cart to be stationary on PM Chapel Land for service).
Cumberworth: Society Meeting, April 26th, F.W.Harper, Circuit Minister, Alford.
Cumberworth: Great Gathering, 31st May, S. Taylor, Alford.
Cumberworth: 28th June, Sunday 2pm, Circuit Minister J.Carter.
Baptisms, Marriages and Burials: (same has 1909 Preachers Plan).
Chapel Anniversaries: Mumby, May 24th. *
* this would have been the previous PM Chapel to be demolished.
Sunday Schools Anniversaries: Alford, June the 14th. June 15th Tea and Meeting.
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln:
Ref. Meth/B/Alford P/A/1/2: Alford Primitive Methodist Circuit Register of Baptisms, c.1892 to c.1932. Note: this may or may not include baptisms at Chapels within the circuit, i.e., congregations within the circuit may have had a child or adult baptism at their own Chapel or at the Station (Circuit) main Chapel and in this area that would be Alford PM Chapel.
Ref. Meth/B/Alford P/1/10: Primitive Methodist Preaching Plans, 2, April-June 1908. Oct-Dec. 1909.
Ref. Meth/B/Alford P/H/1/12: Primitive Methodist Preaching Plans, 2, April-June 1921. April-____? 1922.
Others.
Dear Christopher,
Thank you for your notes has a newer heading to our posting 07/04/206 regarding the chapel opening printed in the PM magazine and our update 08/04/2016 regarding our Indenture-Title to the former PM chapel year 1859, the more measurement stated with a plan on the Title giving a land boundary rather than walls to walls.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie.
Extra: the measurements are in Imperial Yards written on the Title to our linked property and in numbers on the plan. This indicates a small land boundary, the measurements walls to walls being less.
Sadly with some former chapels or churches deeds are few and far between , or none survive at all,!, yet we are fortunate to have the original Title (also termed an Indenture) to the property and other deeds for it.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie (Mr. & Mrs.).
The Coming Back Home of the Primitive Methodist Insurance Company Certificate.
The elderly good friendly neighbour (see comment dated 27/7/2016) who had the original certificate and allowed us to have a photocopy of it has now kindly given us it and in a picture frame. It now proudly hangs on a wall in our former PM Chapel – see picture above. It has come home, Policy number 7926 (top left).
Although our former PM Chapel was built in 1859 the insurance certificate is dated 1st July 1900 with some later signed amendments, the sum insured for being £100, then later increased to £150, then £200, the insurance premium being annually 2 shillings and later 3 shillings.
The insurance cover was for the building and contents, e.g., an Harmonium valued at £15, a Stove, Lamps for lighting, Pewing (Pews for seating) , Pulpit or Rostrum, Candle Fittings.
It mentions that the Cumberworth Methodist Chapel is part of the Alford Station (circuit) and the insurance is for Chapel & School Room.
We have also identified that the Kelly’s Directories of Lincolnshire 1885, 1889 and 1909 refer to the village having both Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist chapels. The Directories also give information about the National School in the village.
1885 – school for 60 – average attendance 35 – school mistress: Miss Jane Morrell.
1889 – mixed school built in 1874 – school mistress: Miss Mary Moody.
1909 – Public Elementary School – mistress: Miss E.A. Moore
I’ve added notes from the a Primitive Methodist magazine account of the opening of the chapel in 1859.
The Boston Guardian Newspaper, Sat., Nov., 26th, 1921.
OBITUARY: – We regret to report the death of Mrs. Rebecca Rushton, wife of the late Mr. David Rushton, a well-known Boston corn merchant. The deceased was a native of Mumby and the daughter of the late Mr. Robert Gibbons, farmer of Mumby and Cumberworth. She leaves four daughters and two sons to mourn her death. She was a well known and respected in the surrounding district and connected with the local Primitive Methodists. The deceased [had] requested that no flowers should be sent to her funeral.
In the 1861 Census for Cumberworth Rebecca Gibbons (who was a Primitive Methodist) is listed age 16, a Schoolteacher, born Cumberworth.
………………………
1851 Census, Cumberworth, Lincolnshire:
Robert Gibbons, Head, 60, born Alford. Farmer of 280 Acres, employing 4 outdoor and 4 indoor labourers.
Rebecca Gibbons, wife, 33, born Cumberworth.
Rebecca Gibbons, daughter, scholar, 6, born Cumberworth.
Robert Gibbons, son, Scholar, 5, born Cumberworth.
Servants: William Goodin, John Willey, Mary Willerton, Iley Hodson.
…………………..
Note: a variant phonetic scribe-form for Gibbons was Gibbins, Rebecca’s (junior) birth may have been registered has such c.1843-1845. In the 1861 Census another brother is listed.
Lincolnshire Standard and Boston Guardian Newspaper, 25th Oct., 1913:
Harvest Thanksgiving At The Primitive Methodists.
Cumberworth, harvest festival held on Oct. 12th., two excellent sermons were preached by Mr. Padley of Bratoft to large congregations. On Monday the annual sale and tea was held. The proceeds amounted to £9.4s.7 (and a half) d.. for the chapel and circuit fund.
Phebe Kirk, born Cumberworth, a Primitive Methodist teacher, musician and singer: (read Huttoft postings):
Phebe is mentioned in her brother Francis’s Will of Cumberworth and he leaves her £200, being mentioned “Phebe, wife of Richard Bristow”, quite a sum of money then.
The Will also mentions Francis’s wife Ann Kirk and other beneficiaries, the Will proved 16th March 1875 (Solicitors: Rhodes & Sons, Market Rasen). Francis died 13th Jan., 1875.
This Will was for Francis Kirk (junior) of ‘The Ings’ and he held land and property in various other parts of Cumberworth.
His mother was named Dinah and his father Francis (senior), he having died just a few years or less before the Primitive Methodist Chapel was built (1859).
Note: Wills after c.1858 were a civil matter but before then they were of an ecclesiastical administration, so probate documents for many deceased persons pre 1858 are now at the Lincoln Archives.
The Stamford Mercury Newspaper, 8th Dec., 1876, page 5:
The Primitive Methodists of Cumberworth have held their anniversary this week. On Sunday the Rev.A.J.Bull preached; and on Monday there was a public meeting (after tea) and Mr. Notsey (?) of Alford provided and the Revs J.Austerbury and A.J.Bull, and Messrs. W.Hundleyby, R.S. Bristow, G.Barton & Co., spoke. During the evening Miss. L.Mumby was presented with a handsome tea and coffee service in acknowledgement of her service as harmonist. The proceedings of the meeting, & Co., amounted to 6£(?) 10s.
Boston Guardian Newspaper, 25th May 1895, page 8:
Cumberworth: “On Monday evening last, a meeting was held in the Primitive Methodist Chapel for the purpose of forming a Band of Hope* in connection with the Society. A public tea was provided and the children were regaled free. During the evening the Rev. Auty gave an excellent address and the children gave recitations in a satisfactory manner. Mr. Bristow presided and the chapel was crowded”.
* Temperance. Queen Victoria became Patron of The Band of Hope, year 1897. In Comberworth ’The Band of Hope’ may have sometimes been referred to has ’The Mission Band’ (?, documented in 1908).
Extra to previous posting:
The organ at that time in the PM Chapel was a read-organ i.e., Harmonium.
The former Cumberworth Primitive Methodist Chapel was once part of The Alford “circuit-area-chapel”.
Some PM Chapels may be next to a railway station but not the former PM Chapel in Alford, but it was sometimes called “The Chapel Station” and this term used for the main circuit Chapel, the former Alford one now part of a funeral service.
Regards,
Ray & Marie.
Cumberworth born Phebe Kirk (married surname Bristow):
To read about Phebe and her husband Richard, also view pictures, go to Lincolnshire Chapels: Huttoft.
Regards,
Ray and on behalf of Marie.
The Uniting of all Methodist groups:
It is accepted that the year of unification was 1932. However, in some areas were some Primitive Methodists delaying amalgamating with other Methodists and for what reasons.
In Cumberworth unification was year 1947. Indeed, in some areas the “better-off” Wesleyan-Methodists knew that some Primitive Methodists by the early 1930s were very poor and sympathy was felt for them. However, in other areas where the Primitive Methodist had a basic but better living had doubts about the unification and one reason for a non-compliance at least in 1932 or later to be unified with other Christian Methodists groups was because in effect Primitive Methodist women preaching would cease, yet some were Sunday School teachers only.
After WW2 women were gaining more gender equality and equal rights in the work-place and indeed in some religious faiths and have become ministers preaching and quite rightly so.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie.
We have various Government O.S.Maps and some Aerial photographs for Cumberworth. Here is an Aerial photograph, from the previous owners of our property, showing a section of Willoughby Road photographed in the 1960s and what is noticeable is the black wooden notice board on a wall of the building on the left, the building being the Cumberworth Methodist Church (United Methodist Chapel) because it still was in use with a congregation.
On the right is our former Primitive Methodist Chapel still being used then for various functions and by the Cumberworth Methodist Church adults and children, such a short walking distance between both.
On the far right of the former PM Chapel is now a house and on the far left of the former Cumberworth Methodist Church there is a bungalow.
Apart from an 1859 Indenture (Title to the property) for our former PM Chapel there are other later deeds and the later brick-weave frontage is in compliance with them.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie.
Cumberworth Parish Meetings:
Most people in other villages within the district of East Lindsey have an official authoritarian parish council and a certain amount of council tax paid to East Lindsey Council is forwarded-on to official parish councils and the amount shown on council tax bills.
Cumberworth is unusual and on our council tax bills it mentions Cumberworth parish meetings (the word council not mentioned) and amount ‘0’., also quite a large amount of payment forwarded-on by ELC to Lincolnshire County Council, even before social care now paid for via council tax.
Most people in our village if there is anything to debate or what they want to be done usually go direct to ELC or LCC.
ELC have on their public domain website a list of all parish councils and the names and addresses of those people representing them with permission to do so and incompliance of the Data Protection Act, indeed Cumberworth is listed but not the word council.
When I had the privilege to read the “minutes book” for Cumberworth parish meetings going back more than 100 years it was very interesting historically but sadly a book of “forlorn hope”.
The other nearby chapel on our road (former Cumberworth Methodist Church) has had planning permission granted and of much potential for a buyer.
Regards,
Ray & Marie.
Footnote to previous posting:
The listing of Cumberworth Parish Meetings mentioning names on the East Lindsey Council website is due for updating.
Our friendly neighbour who owns the former Cumberworth Methodist church lives in the bungalow next to it and both are now jointly up for sale, e.g., pictures within public domain advertisement (Rightmove, etc). We will miss our elderly good neighbour.
Kind Regards,
Ray & Marie.
Follow this link to view a Public domain Government O.S. map for Cumberworth published in 1951 (there are later ones also).
By enlarging/zooming down to Willoughby Road to view the former Primitive Methodist Chapel indeed it is not mentioned yet shown and the outer building for the toilet box and bin had gone, yet the main building continued to be used has a Sunday Schoolroom by the Methodist Chapel on the map, i.e., because of the unification of various Methodist groups in 1932, although in Cumberworth it was year 1947.
The congregation of the Methodist Chapel (Cumberworth Methodist Church, now closed) had/has an annex/alcove for toileting, some locals referring to it has “the bucket”, the open planned land at the rear being for roadside properties only.
The other Chapel on Ings Lane is demolished.
Before the closure of the former Primitive Methodist Chapel and Sunday Schoolroom, it was used also for other functions, e.g., parish meetings, yet not an official parish council and today meetings are held in another village (Mumby Parish Church).
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie.
The only building in Cumberworth so-far to have a Listed Building Grade 11 (2) Status is the former Parish Church, now a private home, a suggestion that our former PM Chapel could come into the same category we are aware of but decline an application has of this present time, yet of a consideration later.
The National School (Cumberworth CE School), built in 1874:
The school closed 29th Oct., 1915 to 5th Jan., 1920, with children attending Mumby School, while the Headmistress carried out nursing duties in France during the second year to the ending of WW1 (just called The Great War then and up-to the next world war) until 1920, indeed many dead soldiers in that war up to the ending in 1918 but many more wounded still to die or recover.
By 1925 only juniors and infants where being taught in the National School, it closing 5th Aug., 1927, children then attended Huttoft School.
The courageous Headmistress was not to return to England until 1920 after The Great War to End all Wars, has it was then thought !, (end of WW1, 11th Nov., 1918).
Lincoln Archives: Cumberworth National School/CE School: Documents (9 files). Survival period 1904 to 1921. Foundation Title Deeds. Plans & photographs, etc. Ref. SR/145.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie, in Cumberworth
Before and after the starting of the Primitive Methodist Connection and much later, there was no tarmac on roads. However, there were cobbled streets in cities, towns and some villages, but no national road system, hence the need for toll gate houses to pay a fee for transport (horse with carriage, etc.) to go onto private land to get to a connecting road, many roads being dirt, and some with small rubble with the dirt, resulted in buildings having boot scrapers outside for people to get rid of most dirt and mud off their shoes and boots before entering a building. Some of these boots scrapers still survive today even if the road is now tarmacked, yet some are more recent.
Outside of our former PM Chapel there was once a boot scraper and now to keep within tradition a replica one is now in place near the front door where the old one was at least before WW1.
Hygiene standards are better today yet in our village some properties have septic tanks and no mains drainage.
Our small single roomed former PM Chapel once had at the back a outer building that housed a toilet box and bin for the congregation, but our cottage has a bathroom with toilet and now linked to the former Chapel with a small conservatory type porch.
The public domain Link shows the rear of our former PM Chapel in 1905-6 on Willoughby Road and there are similar Government O.S. Maps c.1888. The former Chapel can be viewed on the maps by following the links and zooming in on the chapel..
The other former Chapel (United Methodist/ Cumberworth Methodist Church) just next door but one from our cottage is not mentioned, but the Methodist-Wesleyan Chapel on Ings Lane is now demolished. The School, now a private home, was once the National School built c.1874.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie, in Cumberworth, Lincolnshire.
Hello James,
Yes that will be fine. Marie was working and I thought the door bell sounded. I was at the end of the back garden tidying up the shed.
Ray & Mare.
hi Ray and Marie. It was a lovely sunny morning today so I decided to walk to Christmas Cottage. Sorry not to catch you in, because I wanted to ask a favour of you. On Tuesday the 27 June I have a couple of US visitors who would like to see some of our local heritage.
Lincoln Archives:
In a previous posting we listed documents mainly for the United Methodist Chapel in Cumberworth. Here now is a listing of documents for The Primitive Methodist Chapel we had searched:
Trustees, Chapel Registration, Deeds & Title to Property, year 1859, Meth/C/Cumberworth, Primitive /D/1/1. (Original Title Deed shown to Lincoln Archives by us and they having made a copy of it and an extra copy with a Disc copy also kindly given to us).
………………..
Trust & Committees, Meth/Cumberworh, Primitive/C.
Registers of Membership, Primitive/Meth/C/Cumberworth/A.
Circuit Records, Meth/B.
Trust Minutes & Account Book, 1909-10, Meth/C/Cumberworth, Primitive/C/1/1.
Note:some documents still not catalogued, temporary ref. Meth/Deposit.
……………………..
Regards,
Ray & Marie.
The lady who lives at the bungalow on the left of the other former chapel (United Methodist Chapel, later Cumberworth Methodist Church), kindly loaned us to copy a Primitive Methodist Insurance Policy Certificate dated 1st of July 1900 with later amendments, May 1901 and 30th of August 1910.
This is in a picture frame and we were allowed to remove it to have it copied later, then placed back into the frame and return it to the now owner, although it was once at the former Primitive Methodist Chapel perhaps before c.1932 or 1947. Until we have it copied/scanned, we have taken a picture of it (see above). The clarity is not brilliant, but here are some wordings:
“Whereas The Trustees of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Cumberworth, Alford, Station [circuit] ……………………..(etc.)”.
…………………………………
“[Further down the Certificate ] Signed: George Seaman and Joseph Smith, Directors and Robert Hind, Secretary”.
Queen Victoria died in 1901 yet the stamp has what was referred to has her young head; on the stamp is written Inland Revenue, later the same is written on the king’s stamp.
Lincoln Archives:
Recent deposit: Ref. Meth/C/Cumberworth, Primitive /D/1/1, Conveyance of Chapel Site, year 1859 (photocopy, original with wax seals still intact amongst Mr. & Mrs. Ella’s property deeds).
Deposits already in the public keep of Lincoln Archives:
Meth/B/Alford [circuit] P/H/1/10. Meth/B/Alford[circuit] P/H/1/12. Meth/B/Alford P/H/1/13.
A good neighbour lives at the bungalow on the left of the former UM chapel and she is within ownership of it. Her daughter has the old black wooden notice board once on an exterior wall. We were kindly sent a picture of it and allowed to make a posting with it. You will see that it just had Cumberworth Methodist Church (but not chapel) on it and giving times, but it is not known if it is c.1930s or later.
Kind regards.
Ray & Marie, at Christmas Cottage, Willoughby Rd., Cumberworth, Lincs.
CHAPEL OF THE MONTH, JUNE 2016 :
http://www.chapelssociety.org.uk
Cumberworth Parish Meetings:
The former Clerk for the meetings kindly loaned me the minutes book dating from the 1890s and meetings were held in the former PM chapel and Schoolroom, although it continued being a worship-chapel and schoolroom for the Primitive Methodists.
Often entries in the book referred to various terms for the meeting-place thus:
The Schoolroom. The Old Chapel. Chapel Schoolroom. However, after the unification of Methodists there are entries c. after 1932/3 in the book using the term The Methodist Schoolroom, also The Old Chapel and The Old Reform Chapel. Some meetings were held in the church vestry and this would be St.Helens Parish Church in Cumberworth.
When the PM chapel and Schoolroom was sold parish meetings were held in the [Primitive?] Methodist Chapel in nearby Mumby village c. from 1999 and from c.2007 meetings were held in Mumby Parish Church for Cumberworth parish where they are still held today.
Some gleaming’s from the book of minutes:
March 28th 1916. The Chairman adjourned the meeting because no one attended. There had been a severe storm and blizzard, the storm was said to have been the worse for many years.
September 21st 1990. The Parish Church (St.Helens) had been sold and a mention that it is a listed building.
Sunday 2nd June 2002. Golden Jubilee Celebration to be held with Jubilee Mugs given to the village children.
May 19th 2004. The recycling blue boxes will be replaced by Wheelie (Wheely) Bins.
Today there are women Methodist ministers and also same with some other religious denominations. However, the Primitive Methodists were trend-setters in gender equality and had travelling women preachers giving sermons in open spaces and in their chapels being built.
Regards,
Ray and on behalf of my wife Marie.
Update
There are now three windows and apart from the front door the fourth window is now a side door for the linkage to the cottage. In the original 1859 deed with wax seals there is a plan outlining measurements of 11 yards long by 7 yards in width and it is also written in words for the granting to build. These measurements are for a boundary and measurements from wall to walls is less. The deed mentions that the chapel is also to be used has a school. Note: the chapel was never a home to live in until it was linked with the cottage and then became a lounge.
The Primitive Methodist Magazine, November 1859, part page 684:
CHAPEL OPENINGS.
1. CUMBERWORTH, ALFORD, [in Lincs].
BRANCH – Dear Brother – Cumberworth is a village at which we, as a section of the Church of Christ, have laboured for more than twenty years. We have been much inconvenienced for want of a suitable place of worship, having always to be confined to small cottages; the last winter we were blessed with an outpouring of spirit, and there arose a great desire for a chapel; the Lord opened our way, a cottage and a large garden were purchased by our old friend Mr.Kirk, part of the garden he sold to us, on which we have built, by Connexional authority, a comfortable chapel, 25 feet 6 inches long, by 17 feet within, 12 feet high to the ceiling, and covered with blue states. The floor is boarded; there are four windows; twelve elevated seats capable of seating seventy in pews, and thirty free [!] sittings. This beautiful little chapel was opened for divine worship on Sunday, July 31st, 1859, which three sermons were preached by the Rev.T.Whitehead from Louth, to very large congregations, a great number of hearers had to stand in the street, and the presence of the Lord was graciously felt.
On Monday, August 1st, a gratuitous tea was provided by our kind friends, which realized £3.14s.; after tea a public meeting of a very interesting character was held in the chapel, at which J.Maltby, Esq., from Louth, presided, and addresses were delivered by Messrs. T.Whitehead, J.North, and W. Coulson; the opening collection, including the tea, amounted to £9.11s. 4 (and a halve pence) d.; a sum very creditable for a village of about 200 inhabitants. We hope this sanctuary will be the birth-place of many souls. The total cost, of the chapel will be about £71; towards which we have collected up-wards of £30. We are obliged to the farmers who kindly led us all the materials free of cost, and also to the friends who supplied the tea. Praying they may have their reward in this world an hundredfold, and in the world to come life everlasting.
JOHN NORTH.
………………………………………………
Note: one of the account books for the former PMC has very little written in it but in the middle of the book (no numbered pages) there is some written information yet blank pages before and after. We nearly over-looked these pages and it is possible that others may have missed-out on them.
We don’t know what happened to the replacement American organ or if it was hand bellowed air pumped or an early electric type.
There is documentation for the former United Methodist Chapel at the archives in Lincoln but these were not searched by us.
Kind regards, Ray & Marie.
………………
(Raymond E.O.Ella, author-historian, retired). http://www.google.co.uk 
…………………….
Our visitation to the archives in Lincoln, 23rd March 2016:
Some gleamings from our findings:
Primitive Methodist, Alford Circuit, Oct., Nov., Dec., 1909, Harvest Festival, Cumberworth, Oct 24th and 28th Tea and sale.
Jan.25th, 1909, Organ purchased £8.12s. 0d, Music Stool 5s.6d.
18th March 1909, That the American Organ bought by Joseph Kirk be taken over as chapel property at the sum of £8.12s.0d., signed by Thomas North, chairman.
25th Jan.1909, old organ sold for £0.19s.0d. chapel key £0.1s.0d. 2 doz Sacred Songs, total £0.7s.4d.
Harvest Festivals 1908, £4..1s.7d and coal £0.6s.3d.
Miss A.Brown re-elected organist, Feb. 10th, 1910.
The ref. numbers for the records can be given if anyone wants to visit the archives to view them and take their notes, once again our list above and below are “gleamings”.
April 3rd. to June 1921, Cumberworth [worship times] Sunday 2pm and 6pm. Monday 6.30pm. Local Preachers E.Kirkby and S.Brown.
April, May, June, 1922, Cumberworth [worship times] Sunday 2pm and 6pm. Monday 7pm.
April, May, June, 1908, Exhortees, Cumberworth Mission Band?
………………………………
Notes by us:
there is little survival of the chapel’s records.
Tea Meetings also were in the chapel. However, there is no mains water supply so possibly kettles of water were take in to boil or a tea urn. There was recorded price of coal but no burner in the former chapel today. There would not have been electricity in 1859 when built. The purchase of oil is recorded and this would be for oil lamps before electricity was installed.
Kind regards, Ray & Marie
Extra regarding our visit to the archives in Lincoln:
The archives were interested in our original PMC 1859 deed/indenture with wax seals still intact, so we took it with us for them to make and keep a colour copy and a courtesy copy for us plus a Disc.
The original was too big to copy has a whole so it was copied in reduced scale in 4 sections. We brought the original back home with us to file with other deeds. Soon the archives will allocate a collection number for their copy and cite us has owners of the original.
In the former chapel is now an electric wood/coal effect burner.
Regards, Ray & Marie
Sorted! Thanks for the additional information Ray and Marie
Hello again,
We now know that the former Primitive Methodist Chapel when it was redundant and the congregation having joined the United Methodist Chapel further up Willoughby Rd., became a Methodist children’s Sunday School room, then when the United Methodist Chapel closed the former P.M.C. was then sold. Planning permission was granted in year 2000 to convert and link the P.M.C. to the cottage.
The ex-Wesleyan Methodist Chapel was on Ings Lane, Cumberworth. It is shown on a OS map year 1907 but just the form Meth.Chapel printed. On a OS map year 1888 the Primitive Methodist Chapel is shown on Willoughby Road, Cumberworth.
Indeed, the picture with a tall chimney flue is the former United Methodist Chapel, also on Willoughby Road, Cumberworth.
Update: the deeds have yet to be looked-at. However, via a Google-Sat-Map the picture taken in 1994 showing a side-view is actually the old United Methodist Chapel; also in Willoughby Road further into the village.
With the Google-Sat-Map it can be used to zoom down to Willoughby Road then continue along it. There is the large chimney flue on the roof of the former United Methodist Chapel and the former Primitive Methodist Chapel does not have one; at least not now or never.
The other 1995 picture of a front view is indeed the Primitive Methodist Chapel, not built in 1839 but 1859.
Note: The Google Sat-Maps are one to three years old or more.
That makes sense; thanks
Thanks Ray and Marie for photo, clearly showing ‘Primitive Methodist Chapel 1859’. The photo has been added above.
The Primitive Methodist Chapel, Willoughby Rd., Cumberworth, Lincs.: The inscription on the plaque over the door reads “Primitive Methodist Chapel 1859”.
When it closed it is said it was used by the school further down the road for recreation and teaching. The school when closed became a private home. The chapel then was purchased by the owner of the “Christmas Cottage” next-door, then linked in the middle with a small conservatory type porch. Both the cottage and chapel have been refurbished. The whole joint properties have been Sold (STC) recently. The chapel plaque will be kept and given another restoration.
The United Methodist chapel actually became a private home earlier. There was also a Wesleyan chapel in the village. There is a parish church also.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie.
Thanks for the update. It’s good to hear about the retention of the plaque; many have disappeared or been defaced when the building was no longer a chapel.
Extra: There are two sets of deeds for the now joined property and when the ones for the chapel are looked at and if there is a mention of ownership at the time it was sold previously, or when it became redundant, it may state who it was purchased from, i.e., the local education department if it was used by the village school, or the administrators within the Methodist Circuit. If the “latter”, then it was used for teaching children from the United Methodist chapel.
Kind regards,
Ray & Marie.
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