19. Crewe Second Circuit

Ninety years ago a few Primitive Methodists in Crewe were ministered to by preachers from the Nantwich and Burland circuit in Ralph Poole’s dwelling house. The development of the railway industry rapidly turned a straggling village of about three hundred people into a small town with a quickly growing populaton. The officials of the Nantwich Circuit were alert to the opportunity, and gave special attention to the community springing up in the locality in which Mill Street Church now stands. The first steps towards the building of the Mill Street Church were taken in 1860, when two railway workers, members of the Heath Street Church, missioned the Mill Lane area. In 1864 the Mill Street site was secured, and the foundation-stone laid in 1865. Crewe was then included in the Nantwich and Burland Circuit. In 1875 the Crewe Circuit was formed, with Heath Street as the head, and Mill Street second on the plan. In 1902 the Circuit was divided and Mill Street became the head of the Crewe 2nd Circuit.

There were nine societies in the new Circuit. One of these will celebrate the centenary of the Chapel next year—Woore Chapel was built in 1833. From Mill Street the Ruskin Road Society was formed in a new area. The land was purchased and given by the Mill Street Society, and a School-Chapel was elected. This Church’s success has honoured a fine venture of faith.

There are ten churches in the Circuit, with a membership of 347. The Circuit is served by two ministers. Eight of the ten churches are village churches, five of them a considerable distance from Crewe. The weekly supply of these village pulpits, involving journeys of sixteen or even twenty miles in days when facilities of travel gave little, if any, help to the preacher, is a striking testimony to the zeal and devotion of the local preachers who in joy have served the Circuit.  

The Circuit has a keen missionary interest, and is ever ready to respond to connexional claims. Great personalities have left their impress on the Circuit; their memory is an inspiration. Many of the Sunday Schools are small in number and suffer this disadvantage, but with quiet purpose and hope the work is done. Many of the Circuit’s bravest workers have been consistent toilers for God for fifty and more years. They look for yet greater achievement by those who are new in the service. The Circuit is a comradeship of those who serve.

J.W.