Cote Hill Primitive Methodist chapel

Burnley Road, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2SE

Cote Hill Primitive Methodist chapel

The early story of Cote Hill Primitive Methodist society is told in the Primitive Methodist magazine of 1867

“Cote Hill New Chapel, Halifax. Station.—

Cote Hill is a small village, on the Burnley and Halifax High Road side, at a distance of two miles from Halifax. Thirty years ago a society was formed in this place, and ever since we have held on our way, growing stronger and stronger. But for want of a better place for worship, we have not made the headway we otherwise should have done. An upper room, 18 feet by 12, was our only place, in which 100 scholars were taught and the society and congregation worshipped. Better accommodation was greatly needed ; but how to obtain it was a query for many years.

Ultimately, however, the way opened. In March, 1866, the Rev. J. Simpson secured 400 yards of land, obtained some donations, had plans drawn for a new chapel, and let the building. On August 18th, 1866, the memorial stone was laid by Henry Lodge, Esq., of Halifax ; and when he had finished his work with mallet and trowel, and had declared the stone duly laid in the name of the Holy Trinity, he placed £10 on the top of it. After which the Rev. A. McKechnie presented him, in the name of the trustees, with a handsomely bound copy of the Rev. J. Garner’s Biblical History. Mr. Councillor Sutcliffe, of Halifax, stepped forward and gave a short address, and laid £5 upon the stone ; then others followed with smaller sums until the heap of “solid dust” amounted to nearly £20.

The Revs. J. Spensley, G. Mercer, and D. Blagborough having taken part in the proceedings, a procession was formed, headed by the ministers and gentle men, with’ a goodly number of the fair sex in flank and rear. A tea and public meeting were held in Sowerby Bridge Primitive chapel, and the Master of Assemblies manifested his presence.

On Friday, March 29th, 1867, the chapel was opened by the Revs. J. Simpson, of Leeds, and P. James, of Warley. On Saturday a, tea and public meeting were held in the chapel, which were quite a success. Daniel Clay, Esq. , of Sowerby Bridge, presided over the public meeting, and addresses were given by the Revs. A. McKechnie, P. James, J. Spensley, G. Mercer, and J. Petty, governor of Jubilee School, York. On the day following (Sunday) the Rev. J. Petty preached morning and evening, and H. Lodge, Esq , in the afternoon ; the collections were £20.

On Sunday, April 7th, the Rev. J. Snowden preached morning and evening, and Mr. Councillor Sutcliffe in the afternoon ; the collections were £7 5s. i)d. A bazaar of useful and ornamental articles was opened by the Rev. A. McKechnie, superintendent of the circuit, on Tuesday, April 9th, which continued on Wednesday, April 10th, and Saturday, April 13th. The attendance was excellent, considering the weather.

The following are the financial results :— Mesdames J. Sutcliffe, T. Bairstow, Hartley and Brearley’s stall, refreshments, and goods, £46 10s. 6d. ; the Misses H. and E. Whiteley and Miss M. Tillotson’s stall, £18 1s. Id. ; Mesdames Spruce and Park’s stall, £17 19s. ; Mesdames Marsland and Turner’s stall, £13 7s. 3d. ; Mesdames Mercer and Smith’s stall, £5 Is. 3d. ; and Misses S. A. Bair stow and Annie McKechnie’s “Dip Tub,” £1 5s. 7d. ; entrance money, £8 16s. 7d. Total amount from bazaar, £110 19s. 3d. To God be all praise. The following sums were received by the treasurer :—The firm of Messrs. Crossley, Deane Clough, Halifax, £5 to every £15 realised, £110 ; the late Mrs. Pickles, of Cote Hill, £20; Wm. Whitworth, Esq., £20 ; R. S. Town, Esq., £20 ; T. F. Sutcliffe, Esq., £12 10s. ; the firm of Messrs. Clay, Sowerby Bridge, £10 ; Col. Ackroyd, M.P., £5 ; T. Nuttall, Esq., £5 ; L. J. Crossley, Esq., £5 ; J. Bowman, Esq., £5 ; F. L. Horsfall, Esq., £5 ; G. P. Brown, Esq., £5 ; J. W. Wallis, Esq., £3 ; E. M. Navell, Esq., £2 ; T. Shaw, Esq., Mayor of Halifax, £2 ; James Green wood, Esq., £2 ; Mrs. Sutcliffe, £2 ; J. Abbott, Esq., £2 2s. ; Mr. J. Mitchell, £6 ; collected by Messrs. W. Walton and W. Kidson, £6 5s. ; Mr. J. Foulds, £2 10s. 6d.; Mr. Marsland, £2.

In addition to. these sums, seventeen ladies and gentlemen have given £1 each, five 10s. each, and seven 5s. each. The total amount realised is £440 0s. 4d. The cost of the chapel, &c., is about £750.

The chapel is a very neat one, is well lighted and ventilated. The front is to the Burnley and Halifax turnpike road. There are sittings in pews, and room for the school to be taught. There are two cottages under the chapel, and also two vestries for the convenience of the school. The chapel is 33 feet by 30. To all who have aided in this noble and Christian enterprise we tender our heartiest thanks. To God Most High we give highest praise. That the chapel may be the birth-place of many souls, is the prayer of yours, &c., George Mercer.”

Bethel Primitive Methodist chapel is shown on late Nineteenth century Ordnance Survey maps on the Burnley Road from Halifax just to the south east of Cote Hill, north of Waterloo Terrace.  I can see no other chapel closer to Cote Hill itself and this on fits the location in the magazine article.

On the 1963 map it is labelled Warley Clough Methodist church.  It is not visible of StreetView as the southern side of the road is obscured by a wall. Does it still exist?

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1867 page 503-504

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