John Dawson tells us in the 1869 Primitive Methodist magazine of the opening of a new chapel in the Blyth circuit at what he calls Newshon – most likely a mis-spelling for Newsham, a village south west of Blyth. The ceremonies started on July 19th 1868. Opening preachers were Revs JM Dawson and J Elliot, and Messrs A Swinny and J Wondlys.
The new chapel cost £250 of which they had raised £200 – Coopen Colliery owners were amongst the donors, granting the ground to be leased and giving the stone. It measured 40’ x 30’ and seated 300.
Where was this chapel? Thanks to John Walley for locating Primitive Methodist chapels in the area on historic Ordnance Survey maps.
Was it the chapel later known as New Delaval Methodist church – west of the centre of the historic village of Newsham? You can read about that chapel here
Was it the chapel close to Newsham Colliery and the settlement of South Newsham? That chapel was located on South Newsham Road, on the eastern side of the junction with Blagdon Drive – the address given above. That chapel was still in existence on the 1937 Ordnance Survey map, but as John points out, it had disappeared by the time of the 1945 map.
Reference
Primitive Methodist magazine 1869 page 110
Comments about this page
I was born at 15 South Row New Delaval. The Chapel was at the top of the street. I am now 90yrs old but have vivid memories of being in the primary class ca 1935. I remember there were some big families associated with the Chapel, namely Dawson very active in Choir.
In 1939-45 the Home Guard did their drill in schoolroom. Sunday School anniversaries were something never to forget. At nine years of age I read 23rd Psalm for the preacher. I am now a retired Methodist Minister
Wonder how many golfers know the story behind the name of the green?
Hello
Saw your comment about new Delaval High Chapel. Unfortunately the chapel has long since been demolished along with all the houses that were nearby. Where the chapel stood is now the 11th green of Blyth Golf Club, 11th hole is actually called High Chapel. This is probably the church my great grandparents went to although there was a Wesleyan chapel not far from it too.
Add a comment about this page