Whixley Primitive Methodist chapel

chapels of the Knaresborough circuit

Christian Messenger 1911/187

Whixley Primitive Methodist chapel in the Knaresborough circuit opened on December 2nd 1866. R Davies tells us about it in the Primitive Methodist magazine. They had wanted a chapel for many years but had been unable to find land to build it on.

The new chapel seated about 100 and they spent around £130 on it, of which they had raised a creditable £70. Donors and collectors included Mrs Atkinson, Mrs Ibbitson, Miss E Annikin and WE Upton. Farmers and others “lead the materials” and the ladies organised two fundraising tea meetings.

Opening preachers included JE Wood (Tockwith – Wesleyan), Mr & Mrs Wade (York), E Lumley (Scriven) and Revs T Newell and R Davies.

A Primitive Methodist chapel is shown at the southern end of Whixley, on Station Road. It was set back from the road (behind the current housing ine. The chapel name and building disappears from Ordnance Survey maps between 1910 and 1952.

The 1911 Christian Messenger explains the circumstances. “There are now only four other preaching places on the *Knaresborough circuit) plan, viz., Spofforth, Whixley, Arkendale and Hay-a-Park.

Unfortunately our hold upon these villages is gradually weakening. This is a purely agricultural neighbourhood, and when our young people become old enough to work, they are compelled to seek employment elsewhere. At one time were eleven local preachers at Spofforth, and at both Whixley and Arkendale we had vigorous causes. … … At the present time, however, we are only just keeping the door of one or two of our village chapels open. Our officials are hoping that the Government will bring in a drastic measure of Land Reform, which will bring a few families into the neighbourhood who are interested in Primitive Methodism.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1867 page 117-118

Christian Messenger 1911/187