During the first decade of the 19th century, those counties adjoining the Potteries felt the reaction of the spiritual movement which had broken out in the Potteries. Of the churches in Cheshire, which sprung into vital life during the first thirty years of the century, the vast Nantwich and Burland Circuit was formed. It was not till after Whitchurch was missioned in 1839 and a Church grew to vigorous life therein, that the Whitchurch Circuit was formed. The Churches composing it were drawn from the Nantwich and Burland, Prees and Oswestry Circuits. Whitchurch was first missioned as far back as 1824, but the opposition was intense and the response so feeble that the mission was abandoned.
In 1838 a person of the name of Goulbourne, who had come in contact with our work elsewhere, offered his house as a preaching centre. The offer was accepted and somewhere in “Greenend,” Whitchurch, the first services were held. From the first, the work was hampered by the active antagonism of those forces of unrighteousness which in every age have sought to hinder every good work. The struggle was bitter and prolonged, but in the darkest hour God raised up friends to encourage and inspire. There was a strong Baptist Church established in Greenend, and these good Christian people generously offered the use of their Church for Sunday evening service; the offer was thankfully accepted, and within the walls of the Baptist Church at Whitchurch our people consolidated their forces.
Early in 1840 a piece of land came into the market, and our people, greatly daring, determined to buy. Thomas Bateman, a good friend of the Mission, found the money for the land, and, the land secured, they next faced the grave issue of building the chapel. From a clay bed in the vicinity, bricks were made by Goulbourne. They were taken outside the town and burned, then carried back, and with the voluntary labour of the members and friends of the small society, the first chapel was erected and opened in the spring of 1841. It was but small, 30ft. by 25ft., but it was a beginning. It provided a centre from whence should radiate a gracious spiritual influence.
The Whitchurch Circuit is comprised of 15 churches, with 460 members, two ministers, 40 local preachers and 22 class leaders.
There are 13 Sunday Schools, with 55 taught by 90 teachers.
The Christian Endeavour Movement is represented by five vigorous societies, The remaining debt on church and school property is £526.
B.S.
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