15. Talke Circuit

Talke Circuit is composed of the following Societies: Talke, Englesea Brook, Chesterton, Kidsgrove, Butt Lane, Talke Pits, Audley, Alsager, Wood Lane, Balls Bank, Mill and and Miles Green.

It is among the historic circuits of the Connexion.

Hugh Bourne caused the first chapel to be built at Talk-o’-th’-Hill, and was responsible for the expense incurred. Some of the old forms made by him are still preserved. He, with James Bourne and Thomas Russell, lie buried in Englesea Brook Cemetery.

Labour leaders like the late Enoch Edwards, S. Kinney and F.J. Hancock are products of the circuit. The ministerial ranks have been augmented by men like Abel Taylor, now living in semi-retirement at Alsager, H.E. Leese, in the U.S.A., Herbert Smith of Runcorn, Harry Wakefield away in Nigeria, and Luther Wareham, of Bradford Central Hall.

The Circuit was honoured when its late Steward (so deeply lamented), Mr. W. H. Hawthorne, was designated Vice-President by the Southport Conference, and gladly released him from all preaching appointments for fifteen months in order that he might serve the larger church. 

The Circuit was formed in 1870 from the Tunstall Circuit, and the Rev. Peter Aston was the first superintendent. Ten of the original societies appear on the current issue of the plan. The name of Richard Beech, of Chesterton, appears on the first plan of 1870 as “Prayer Leader.’’ He is still with us, and at 90 years of age has a memory which is the envy of younger men. During the last two years several large renovation schemes have been carried through to a successful issue.

The beautiful “Prosperous Hancock Memorial Church” at Kidsgrove was opened for worship on December 4th, 1930, and has justified our faith and prayers. Only £750 remains as debt upon this excellent property, the total cost of the scheme being £4,700. The present minister and officials are doing their best under very trying conditions to maintain the high traditions of the Circuit.

In the midst of industrial gloom there are several things which cheer us: young men are taking up the work of preaching; our week-night services are well attended: the charities maintain their high level, and the singing is as wonderful as ever. The Women’s Missionary Auxiliary for several years has led the Tunstall District in point of numbers and finance.

Last year we reported to Conference 460 members, 1,616 scholars, and church property valued at £27,726.

During recent days we have received heavy blows, but the Everlasting God is our refuge.

A.F.H.