Middleton on the Wolds Primitive Methodist chapel

Two articles in the Primitive Methodist magazine of 1865 tell us about the opening of Middleton on the Wolds Primitive Methodist chapel in the Driffield circuit.  They are written by JR Parkinson.

Ordnance Survey maps show the chapel on Station Road, where the Village Hall is located. The chapel disappears from maps between the 1950s and the 1970s.

STONE laying

“Middleton, Driffield Circuit. —Forty years ago this village was visited by Primitive Methodist missionaries, but up to the present time the indoor services have been conducted in a rented room, which, having become unsuited to the wants of the congregation, a plot of ground in a very eligible situation has been presented to the connexion by Mr. and Mrs. G. Grubb, of North Dalton, on which to erect a new chapel.

The preliminary arrangements having been completed, Tuesday, the 10th of May, 1864, was appointed for the laying of the foundation-stone of the new edifice. At half-past one o’clock a numerous procession, accompanied by the Rev. W. Sanderson, of Kirton, Dr. Wood, the circuit ministers, and others, proceeded from the old chapel to the site of the new one, singing, ” All hail the power of Jesus’ name, &c.”

At two o’clock the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone commenced, the stone being laid by Mr. G. Grubb, the donor of the site. The Rev. W. Sanderson addressed the assemblage at considerable length and with good effect. A public tea followed, of which more than 400 persons partook, the whole of the provisions being gratuitously sup plied.

At seven o’clock a public meeting was held. During the day a bazaar for the sale of useful and ornamental articles was kept open in aid of the funds, the stalls of which realised the following sums, viz., Mrs. W. Petch, £13 15s. 5d. ; Miss Simpson and Miss Lyon, £9 15s. 4d. , Mrs. J. Storr, £9 2s. 5d. ; total, £32 13s. 2d. : proceeds of the tea, £19 7s. : collections, including £5 by Mr. G. Grubb, and £5 by Mr. P. Knaggs, of Wetwang, £23 17s. 11d. ; total, £75 18s. 1d. To this sum should be added, £75 3s. 6d. before contributed, making a total of £161 1s. 7d. already received or promised in aid of the funds.

The chapel is intended to seat 200 persons. J. R. Parkinson. “

CHAPEL opening

Chapel opening, Middleton, Driffield Circuit.—We have now to record the completion of another chapel in the Driffield circuit, at Middleton-on-the-Wolds.

More than forty years ago the pioneers of Primitive Methodism visited this place, when the late Mr. F. Rudd, Dr. Wood, Mr. Grubb, and others rendered valuable aid to the infant cause. Since that period the progress of the cause has not been equal to the desires of its friends, partly owing we think, to the insufficient accommodation provided for the worship of God.

A new era has now, however, by the blessing of God dawned on the denomination at Middleton. On the 10th of May, 1864, the foundation of the new edifice was laid, and the work was successfully carried on until the chapel was completed. On Friday, December 9th, 1864, a sermon was preached to a large audience by the Rev. W. Harland ; a public meeting followed in the evening, which was presided over by W. Allison, Esq., of Selby. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. Harland, F. Rudd, the circuit ministers and others. During this service the chapel was densely crowded, while during the intervals of worship, a public tea was provided, and the bazaar re-opened in aid of the funds.

The opening services were continued on December 11th, 18th, 20th, 25th, and 27th, when sermons were preached by the Revs. W. Harland, C. Kendall, T. Newsome, W. Sander son, C. G. Honor, and the writer. Holy influences pervaded those services, and during their continuance sinners were converted from the error of their ways.

The chapel is 37 feet 6 inches in length by 20 feet in width, and 20 feet high from the floor to the ceiling. It contains sittings for 204 persons, fifty of which are free. The sittings in pews are all let and more have been inquired for.

The works have been carried on under the direction of H. Fippard, Esq., architect, of York. The entire costs of this well finished sanctuary, including incidental expenses and fittings amount to £450 17s. 9d. of which sum £234 9s. 8d. have been already contributed. J. R. Parkinson. [See a neat engraving of this pretty chapel, and some further particulars respecting it in the “Messenger” last month  EDITOR]”

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1865 pages 54-55

Primitive Methodist magazine 1865 page 370