18. Crewe First Circuit

The Primitive Methodist Church in Crewe First Circuit holds an honourable position, gained by sterling service. Its advent in the town, in 1843, preceded the Railway by three years. Preachers from Nantwich and Burland Circuit first ministered to a few cottagers in a house tenanted by Ralph Poole. The establishment of the Railway Works made quick demands for larger service. The first place of worship was a narrow room over a passage in Market Street, where the first quarterly collection realised 4½d. In 1846 a chapel was built at the corner of Market Street and Victoria Street. In 1855 the church removed to Heath Street and in 1866 the present Wedgwood Church was erected.

The progress of the church has not been without keen struggle, but good men and women of heroic devotion have wrought exploits and achieved abiding success.

The first chapel in Ramsbottom Street was opened by Mr. Thomas Bateman in 1866, and the present church was erected in 1875, to be followed by Henry Street Church in 1880. Then Herbert Street Sydney was built in 1896. Bradford Road in 1899, and Minshull New Road in 1905. The value of the Trust Property is £17,500. 

While we are proud of material progress, our highest rejoicing is in the service which has been rendered to the community. The spiritual influence of the church has been profound and far-reaching. The present membership of the Circuit is 619, with 25 Local Preachers and 34 Class Leaders. In the Sunday Schools there are 182 Teachers and 1206 Scholars. In the Young People’s Societies there are 120 Senior and 180 Junior Members. To the public life of the town the church has given wise and able men, and in recent years five of the Mayors of Crewe have been associated with our church.

At the present time the life of the Circuit is healthy and progressive.

During the last five years there has been steady advance with an increase of 70 Members, The Sunday Schools are marked by a growing efficiency, and fine work is being done for the youth of the church. The future is big with promise of the “greater things” being accomplished.

D.T.M.