22. Tarporley Circuit

The Tarporley Circuit was created by a division of the Winsford Circuit as recently as 1899, but at least one of its churches—Tiverton—is known to have been in existence in March, 1822, when Huxley was made a branch of the Burland Circuit, T. Sugden, W. Sanders and Ann Stanna being the travelling preachers.

The ground covered by the Circuit is fragrant with memories of John Wesley. It is recorded that on Friday, October 20th, 1749, John Wesley, on his way from Lancashire, rode through Northwich and preached to a large congregation in a farm house in Alpraham, called “The Moat House.” Alpraham had been a gathering ground for the Methodists for seven or eight years before Wesley’s visit. Between 1749 and April 6th, 1781, when the founder of Methodism paid his last recorded visit to Alpraham, he appears to have preached there on several occasions.

The vigour of Primitive Methodism on the Circuit may be judged from several facts. Though it is now composed of only six village chapels (Wettenhall, Alpraham, Cote Brook, Utkinton, Tiverton and Beeston) with 190 members, it has consistently paid its way and maintained its independence. All its trust properties are free from debt. It possesses an excellent Manse—also free from debt. Its contributions to Missionary Funds have always been high—last year averaging 10s. 7½d. per member. There is a Sunday School in connection with each Society, the total number of teachers being 30, and of scholars 307.

The Circuit has always been fortunate in possessing strong men as its officials whose love of God and loyalty to and zeal for the Church have made their names by-words in the homes of the people. Names such as Henry Crank, Samuel Bratt, John Povall, Thomas Wright, A.C. Simpson, and George Vickers, are constantly being referred to with sincere affection. And the Circuit still possesses a band of strong officials like William Wright, Samuel Winward, Joseph Wright, Joseph Willett, Adam Douglas, William Ball, David Simpson, Thomas and George Hassall, and others, many of whom have already rendered long years of loyal and efficient service to our Church and the Kingdom of God.

By the Grace of God this Circuit has a past of which it is proud; with the same Divine help it faces the future with confidence and hope.

C.H.S.