The Origin and History of the Brunswick Street Free Wesleyan Church and Sunday School, 1857-1907 (1907) by Rev. Bruce W. Rose

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I I I I I I

ROSE. Pastor 1907,

REV. BRUCE W.

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JUBILEE CELEBRATION, 1907.

The Origin and History of

Brunswick Street Free Wesleyan Church and Sunday School,

1807 - 1907.

Compiled and written by the Pastor,

Rev. Br uce W. Rose.

Issued under the sanction of the Jubilee Celebration Committee.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY PRESTON Bros. & Co., Fox STREET, HUDDERSFIELD.

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THIS SHORT RECORD OF THINGS TRANSITORY AND ABIDING IN THE LIFE-WORK OF THEIR PARENTS,

IS NOW OFFERED

TO THE CHILDREN OF BRUNSWICK STREET CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL,

IN THE HOPE THAT AS THEY READ THEY WILL SAY—

‘‘Let us now praise famous nien and our fathers that begat us..... Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out. Their bodies are buried in peace; but thetr name liveth for evermore."’

ECCLESIASTICUS XLIV, I, I3, I4.

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FOREWORD.

HIS book has been compiled in odd hours during six months of a Methodist minister’s pastorate, with its many calls and regular preaching engagements. All papers, plans, ‘‘ Minutes,” and friendly suggestions of interested persons, to whom I here tender my gratitude, have been examined, considered, and worked into the narrative as far as possible in the available limited space. Thanks are here expressed to the proprietors of the ‘‘ Hudders- field Examiner” and “ Huddersfield Chronicle,” for permission and facilities accorded to search their files. Itis a pleasure to acknowledge the courtesy shown by those in charge of these records. Without the tables and summaries of Brunswick Street. affairs, furnished by Mr. John B. Littlewood, such a history as this would be impossible; my thanks are expressed elsewhere to him and other brethren. . Omissions, etc., may be overlooked, if the reader will remember that only a year ago the compiler entered on his duties as pastor of Brunswick Street Church. Letters highly appreciative of their former congregation have been received from two of my predecessors. Extracts therefrom are incorporated in the narrative. It 1s my pleasure to express to the Revs. FRANK HE. CHESTER, M.A., and B. J. TUNGATE, my sense of obligation for the information so cheerfully supplied.

October ist, 1907. BRUCE W. ROSE.

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THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY

OF

BRUNSWICK STREET FREE WESLEYAN CHURCH, 1857-1907.

CHAPTER I. Before the E-xodus. oo At

HE story of BRUNSWICK STREET FREE WESLEYAN CHURCH caunot be truthfully

told and understood without reference to the times in which the society was formed. Its founders were Methodists, living in a day when Wesleyan Methodism was deeply stirred by a movement asserting in varied forms the right of the layman to participate in church government. From 1796 to 1857 no less than seven groups of members seceded or branched off from the parent church, each having its distinctive title, but all united in guarding against the Conference doctrine of ‘‘ pastoral supremacy.”

The rule passed by the Wesleyan Conference of 1835 will make clear the significance of the antagonism so often and continuously manifested by the people against the exercise of ministerial authority. It states—‘‘The power of determining the sentence to be passed on an offender, thus uniformly and from the beginning reserved to our

superintendents, the Conference believes to be essential to the scriptural duties and functions of the pastoral office. Those duties and functions they can on no account consent to abandon or permit to be frittered away, for that would seriously endanger the purity and peace of our Connexion on the one hand, and the rights, liberties and spiritual privileges of our people on the other hand. The pastoral duty and power vested in the Christian

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ministry to exclude obstinate offenders from our religious fellowship, for manifest violations of the general laws of the Holy Scriptures or of the particular rules of our Connexion are clearly essential

to peace and purity.”

This carefully prepared ruling was regarded by numbers of Methodists as the strongest possible assertion of Conference authority. So far back as 1791 a number of Cornish members had agreed that an amendment of Methodist administration was desirable. They resolved, members should have the right of choosing their leaders, stewards, circuit stewards and Conference resolved otherwise, and in 1835 passed a rule re-affirming the power of its ministers, not only in the Conference but in circuits. This power involved the right of nomination to or exclusion from membership or office in Wesleyan Methodist Societies and Circuits.

Prior to the first entry in the brief Minutes which give the first record of Brunswick Street, Wesleyan Methodism had suffered all the pain of what is now known as the Reform Movement of 1849. The issuing of what were then known as ‘Fly Sheets,” led to the expulsion of the famous trio of Reform worthies, known as Revs. JAMES EVERETT, SAMUEL DUNN and Wo. GRIFFITHS, from the Wesleyan Conference. Journalism of that day denounced the expulsion. What Methodism thought of the matter may be gathered from the bald state- ment that the Conference of 1850 reported the loss of 57,000 members. The rule of 1835 looks harmless enough on paper. In practice its application at that time meant the expulsion of members and societies wholesale if suspected of sympathy with Reformers. In five years Methodism lost over too,coo members. It was no petty squabble which brought about such a disaster. The principle of lay representation and

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7 the right of church members to participate in the administration of church affairs was at stake.

This brief outline of what was passing under the eyes of the men who built Brunswick Street Chapel, is told here for no purpose of controversy. The fact that the reader of these lines can turn from this reminder of stormy times to what happened recently in London, is evidence that 50 years can heal many wounds. On September 17th, 1907, a meeting of 700 representatives from the Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christian and Free Methodist denominations gathered in Wesley’s Chapel, City Road, London, to become a United Methodist Church. Brunswick Street Church has for 40 years been associated with Free Methodism and its representative took part in these historic proceedings, along with other Free Methodist delegates. In the presence of many memorials of Wesleyan Methodism, which had once through its ministry cast out many of their fathers, these 700 men received the goodwill and blessing of the mother Conference of Methodism. The past was frankly mentioned by a Wesleyan Ex-President, during the eloquent address of congratulation he gave, only to emphasise his statement, ‘‘ To-day, peace is proclaimed in all our borders” Many Methodists long to fulfil the vision of a great United Methodism. Step by step its realisation comes nearer. In studying as we now propose the founding of Brunswick Street, let us not forget that the principles asserted by that society are coming to the front every day in all the Conferences of Methodism. But in the fifties they had to be fought for, that with a great price we might have freedom. Let us read as plain history the doings of Brunswick Street pioneers, first given in the dry resolutions we have tried to vitalise by this introductory sketch of Methodism

half-a-century ago.

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CHAPTER II. The Exodus in Sight.

The men who founded Brunswick Street Free Wesleyan Church were all members or officers, or both, of Queen Street Wesleyan Chapel, Huddersfield. They were not the kind of men to lightly set aside the valued associations of years. The events from 1850 onwards as they happened in Wesleyan Methodism, gave rise to much heart-searching and mental conflict in many minds. It was impossible for Queen Street’ men to be unaffected by the unrest in West Riding Methodism. The ‘‘ Reform” movement of 1849, as it was then called, attracted them. After a time a number of the men of Queen Street took action, as we shall see, which led them outside the chapel in which many of them had been reared, into a freer ecclesiastical atmosphere.

The first written record of their doings is to be found in the possession of Mr. J. B. LirrLEwoon, an ex-church secretary of Brunswick Street Church. For many years he has carefully collected material bearing on the crigin and progress of the society. Among his books 1s a yellow faded note book we may almost label as ‘‘ The book of Genesis,” so far as Brunswick Street is concerned. It gives the begin- nings of things in a series of resolutions. Many are of trivial import at this distance of time, some of them still breathe the tale of serious doings. Let us begin our quotations with a series of resolutions dated September, 1851.

“At a meeting of office bearers, etc., of the Huddersfield First Circuit, held in the schoolroom, Fountain Street, on September 2nd, 1851, Mr. Roger Houghton in the chair, the following resolutions were passed :—

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Ist.—This meeting recommiends to all office bearers in this circuit to contribute only ld. per week and 1/- per quarter to the circuit funds after this current quarter, and that the question of supplies on the part of the members be left to their discretion.

2nd.—This meeting recommends to the office bearers and members in this circuit the total stoppage of all supplies to the connexional funds, whether in the form of subscriptions in the classes, private contri- butions or collections in the chapels, with the exception of the Mission Funds, which is to be left optional.

3rd.—This meeting recommends the leaders to ask the members of their classes to pay their pence and quarterage to the Reform Fund.

4th.—This meeting recommends that each leader be fur- nished with a book for the entry of the names of members in the Reform interest, and also suitable books for the Secretary and Treasurer.

5th.—This meeting recommends that Mr. ROGER HOUGHTON be representative of this circuit at the Wesleyan Reform District Meeting appointed to be held at Wakefield, on the 17th and 18th of this month.

These resolutions were moved anc seconded by Messrs. J. FAWCETT, ABRAHAM KAYE, R. PORRITT, J. MALLINSON, J. BRIERLY, and G. NOBLE. These naines continuously appear in the minutes of pro- ceedings for the next three or four years, along with others to whom we shall refer in due order.

A further meeting of office bearers, etc., was held on September 23rd, 1851, in the schoolroom, when it was resolved :—

Ist—That this meeting is of opinion, that a meeting of the members of society in this circuit should be held in the Philosophical Hall, for the purpose of furthering the cause of Wesleyan Reform by giving information and showing the necessity of Reform. Further, that a tea meeting be held, and Messrs. JOSEPH FAWCETT, Jos. ARMITAGE, and JOSEPH Woop be a committee to prepare the tea, and Messrs. BRIERLY and HAMMOND arrange for the speakers.

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2nd—Resoly ed that the thanks of this meeting be presented to Messrs. MALLINSON and BRIERLY, our delegates, for their efficient services in attending the People’s Conference held at Newcastle, 1n August, and also to Mr. HOUGHTON, our representative to the Wesleyan Reform District Meeting held at Wakefield, and that this meeting provide the treasurer with funds to pay them their necessary expenses.

Evidently the meeting accomplished its purpose, for the next minute enables us with a little 1magina- tion to picture the gathering and the appeal. The climax was reached in the appointment of a committee which became the nucleus of Brunswick Street Church. Here is the list, and in reading it, we note with interest, how many have long since gone beyond ecclesiastical controversy into peace.

GEORGE MALLINSON, RICHARD PORRITT, JOSEPH SYKKES, LIDSTER, JOSEPH WEBB, J. ARMITAGE, BENJAMIN HEvy, Jos. KAYE, R. BUTTERWORTH, J. ARMITAGE, Birkby, JNO. J. JEBSON, J. LONGWORTH, R. HOUGHTON, WM. MALLINSON, JNO. WRIGLE\ JOSEPH BRIERLY, G. NOBLE, JAMES MALLINSON, D. MIDGLEY, EDWIN LIDSTER, J. CROSLAND, JOSEPH FAWCETT, J. BARRACILOUGH GEORGE SCHOLES, J. WATERWORTH, SAMUEL BOOTH, J. CARDWELL, J. HAMMOND, with power to add others.

Such a list is enough to convince a dispassionate reader that the occasions of controversy must have been real and serious to provoke such action. However we may deprecate the strife, it 1s plain from what followed this was no sham fight.

It was a struggle between Conference authority and the people’s will. No pain or prejudices should

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hide from us this outstanding fact. As the Rev. WM. REDFERN has well said in his admirable handbook on ‘Modern Developments of Methodism,” p.p. 95-6, “The one cause of it undoubtedly was_ pastoral supremacy in the Conference and in the circuit, pastoral supremacy which was asserted more and more emphatically as years went on. The occasion of the storm might be some irrelevent incident—an organ, a college, or a pamphlet: the real cause was

pastoral supremacy ....... If the preacher was supreme in the Conference he was supreme also between the Conferences ....... The preacher

had the right of nomination, he had also the power of expulsion, and he had the power of dismissing a meeting as he thought ft.” We have given this quotation to make it clear the cause in which the Brunswick Street founders spent themselves was the right of the laity to govern. The Minutes reveal how interested the men were in the Reform movement, then so powerfully affecting Methodism. They sent men and means to Reform meetings. They met month by month and in their own words ‘‘ discussed the probable future aspect or result of what may be expected from the circumstances and visible tendencies of the present movenient in town and circuit.

In the month of March, 1852, a committee was appointed to arrange for the holding of a Wesleyan Reform District Meeting and to prepare for a meeting prior to that when speakers were expected to propogate Reform, among them Rev. WM. GRIFFITHS.

The Huddersfield Chronicle of April roth, 1852, gives a capital account of this meeting, held in the Philosophical Hall, under the presidency of a Mr. G. W. HARRISON, of Wakefield. He was supported by the members of the Reform Committee, whose names have just been quoted.

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The chairman remarked that since meeting them 15 months ago, two principles had more clearly than ever revealed themselves as actuating the conduct of the superintendent ministers of their body. First— ‘‘ Every man able but refusing to pay his penny per week and his shilling per quarter is expelled.” Second—‘: The divine right of the pastorate was exercised in all directions.”

On these two themes he waxed eloquent and then called upon a Mr. WM. MArTIN, of Altrincham. Evidently this gentleman was the speaker of the evening and one or two quotations from his lengthy speech will indicate how Methodism appeared in that day to one in the position of spectator and actor. Said he, ‘‘ We behold scenes of desolation and the ravages ofaterrible convulsion. Families are divided, churches deserted, societies ruined, truth trampled under foot, justice feared, mocked and spat upon, conviction ignored, conscience enthralled, progress resisted and religion dishonoured. the people suspected and despised by the ministry, and the ministry distrusted and despised by the people. All is antagonism and ruin. The causes of this,” con- tinued he, ‘arose from the fact of Methodist preachers having usurped the entire legislative, executive and administrative and judicial functions of the society, demanding from the people unquestioning submission to their authority and judgment. If they looked at the government of Wesleyan Methodism they would find that the theory was based on suspicion and jealousy of the laity.”

One is not surprised to find after this meeting, that month by month entries occur in the old “ Minutes” recording the appointment of delegates to Reform meetings, and the voting of sums from £10 to £20 at different dates to ‘‘ The General Reform Fund.” But the reader who has followed this record will ask

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whether the events as described by Mr. MARTIN had any counterpart at Huddersfield. On the surface, circuit work was going on, ministers were preaching and in authority. These Fountain Street meetings were not suppressed. As Trustees many of those present felt justified in thus using the premises while striving for liberty in what was still their beloved church. Entries speaking of ‘their painful position,” the necessity of ‘‘ maintaining their ground” occur frequently from this time onwards, and in September, 1853, it is clear troublous times were not far distant. On the 13th of that month we read— ‘‘ This meeting strongly recommends that every office bearer be particularly urged to attend the next Quarterly Meeting who may be favourably disposed towards the principles of Wesleyan Reform, and this meeting recommends that the Quarterly Meeting takes prompt action (7 case the preachers should dissolve the meeting or actin a manner contrary to the same— and should all pass off quietly—this committee 1s

requested to meet on the Tuesday after Quarter Day, at 7-30."’

All passed off quietly but pastoral supremacy was evidently possible at Queen Street Wesleyan Chapel. Let us see how it acted and what it accomplished when it was at last in operation.

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CHAPTER III.

Pastoral Supremacy and some frutts thereof.

In his little book on ‘‘ Modern Developments of Methodism,” the Rev. WM. REDFERN observes that at this period ‘“‘the occasion of the storm might be some irrelevant incident—an organ, a college, or a pamphlet, the real cause was pastoral supremacy.” Through differences of opinion on connexional finance the feeling at Queen Street found expression and on the 5th of January, the long expected breach took place. The Rev JONATHAN BartsEs failed to carry his nominees for office. He left the meeting without appointing ofhcers. Promptly the provisions of the September committee were carried into effect and Mr. GEORGE MALLINSON was voted to the chair. The meeting went on, elected officers, did business, went home. Brunswick Street Society was born that hour. The ministers did their business in their homes, ignoring the Quarterly Meeting Officials, the officers returned the compliment by going on with business minus pastoral supremacy. The Conference acted swiftly in asserting discipline. The Rev. ISAAc DENNISON was a firm believer in the 1835 Rule. Upon his own authority, without trial, charge or enquiry, he cut off from membership three-fourths of the officers and members from church fellowship. No doubt Conference authority to him was everything. Itis not necessary to write him down as a tyrant; he believed in the Conference. A special District Meeting com- posed of Conference ministers of the district upheld his excommunication of trustees, local preachers, teachers and members who were the strength and soul of the Queen Street Society. The Conference ratified his act. Pastoral supremacy was alive at last. At the first meeting of leaders in October, the leaders were asked if they were carrying out the Conference

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resolutions. They declined to answer. At a later meeting those who had of membership from Mr, DENNISON were asked to withdraw. They refused and the minister with zs colleagues and supporters withdrew. Mr. BUTTERWORTH then took the chair. and business was done then and for several years afterwards by the Reformers without the minister.

It is not a pleasant story but it is the truth that for several years the two parties went on side by side until it was clear union was impossible. Not for vanity or pride but for the sake of principle these men at last divided. A few remained; the rest went out and left Conference rule behind.

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CHAPTER IV. The Exodus and the Men who led 7t.

A greater misjudgment could hardly be passed upon the doings of the men of Brunswick Street fifty years ago, than to classify their story as a mere squabble.” In that day they were part of a great host that went out not knowing whither, rather than submit to assertions of authority at which we now marvel. Surely a prerogative which almost emptied Queen Street Chapel of many of its best men and members, and cost the denomination itself one hundred thousand members demanded reconsideration. Fortunately for all parties the years have brought adjustments and reconciliations, while Dr. Gregory’s illuminating ‘‘ Side Lights on Method- ism” justifies every reformer, who, half-a-century since laid his all on that fiery altar. The testimony of the Brunswick Street founders is there for all men to read in the pages of the Huddersfield Examiner, which records the first meeting held outside Queen Street premises. Inside Queen Street there had been a previous meeting on April 6th, 1857, presided over by Mr. THoMAS MALLINSON. Pastoral supremacy put forth its strength in the persons of Revs. A. S. JAMES and G. W. OLVER. Reforming zeal poured forth its appeal and the issue was at last settled in the following words :—‘‘It is the purpose of this meeting to maintain the unity and co-operation which: has hitherto existed between the members of it, and should it be deemed desirable to form a separate church, they hereby pledge themselves to unite heartily and cordially with it.” Only four hands were held up against the resolution. On April 8th, a committee met and agreed, ‘“‘ That in the opinion of

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Top group left to right— . MALLINSON,

GELDER, ROBERT BUTTERWORTH, WM. LIDSTER, JOHN SCHOLIS, WY THOMAS MALLINSON, GEO. MALLINSON, Senr., JOHN TAYLOR,

ET TT,

rroup of founders and Original Lrustees.

Bottom group left to right—

JOS. BRIERLY, JOHN DODDs, JAS. SCHOLEFIELD, BENJAMIN HkEY, RICHARD PORRITT,

JAMES SHAW, GEORGE SCHOLES,

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the meeting a separate church ought to be im- mediately organised, and be designated the Free Wesleyan Church.” An honourable surrender of the Trust premises of Queen Street and Fountain Street was arranged, the trustees being idemnified from all pecuniary and personal responsibility. As one of them said, ‘‘ They left without a shilling’s worth of Queen Street property in their hands.” Pastoral authority possessed the buildings but lost the men.

The tea and public meeting on Easter Tuesday, 1857, revealed the men to the public, and it is time now to study them. They were men of repute, leading citizens, public spirited critics and administrators of local affairs. Some of them held magisterial office, others were known as manufacturers, traders, loyal men of their day and generation, justly esteemed for their worth and working capacities. Through the years they aimed for a share of church government, they were ruling their souls, meeting in _ classes, leading in prayer, and ordering their daily business with integrity and merit. They were making soul as well as fortune. In the public meeting, THOMAS MALLINSON, the Nestor of the reformers, advised brotherliness and fairness to opponents. BENJAMIN Hey pleaded characteristically they should “Let bygones be bygones’”’; he said that during the week Revs. JAMES and OLVER had been and offered him the presidency of Queen Street Schools if he would stay. I said ‘‘No! it is the price of blood, I will not.” JOSEPH BRIERLY asked the friends to note they had 350 members and 20 class leaders, enough to show they were not a tew disaffected men, but a body of believers asserting a principle. GEORGE MALLINSON in a few words said that he knew not why Mr. DENNISON had turned him out, but here he stood, a free man, after striving seven years for peace and having no sacrament for three years.

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Mr. GEORGE GELDER said the offer to Mr. Hry reminded him of Satan’s offer to the Master, ‘“ All these things will I give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Hewas glad Mr. Hk&y had refused

to sell his principles for promotion. Other speakers, Messrs. A. BOLD, J. WEBB, and JAS. SHAW followed, and then came an example of pastoral authority in the statement of Mr. JOHN CARR, that more than 100 of them in that room had been expelled with no charge against them. He moved they proceed to arrange for the building of a chapel. Messrs. NIELD and JOSEPH FRANCE followed, and then came the test ofa principle—the price its advocates will pay.

In this case the chairman announced that a willing shilling given by those who could offer no more, would be as gladly welcomed as the £100 by those who could lay so much upon the altar. Promises flowed on to the platform, and the result was asum of £1759 8s. 6d.

In what spirit was the case presented to the outside world? Fortunately a circular is in print that tells us how the men faced the situation created by their principles and put it to the public. On reading it, one is conscious the quality of the cause was matched by the calibre of its advocates.

Gy

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CHAPTER V. An Appeal and an Accomplishment.

The appeal for public approval and support was made in the following words :—

PROPOSED NEW CHAPEL

FOR THE FREE WESLEYAN CHURCH, HUDDERSFIELD

In presenting to the Christian public the claims of the ‘‘ Free Wesleyan Church ” of this town, it may be expected that the promoters will feel wishful to go into a somewhat lengthened detail of the circum- stances which have led to their separation from the Wesleyan Methodist Society, and present such a case of necessity as would not only justify, but demand, the adoption of the course which they are now pursuing in forming themselves into a Free Church, whilst they maintain ¢he doctrines, and ADHERE TO THE ORDINANCES OF THE BODY from which they

have withdrawn. To do this, in a case where the arguments are obviously very greatly in their favour, and where the chief point in dispute on their part has been for the maintenance of Scriptural authority, in all matters of church government, rather than obedience to the contrivances of a merely human system, would not only prove an easy, but would appear to be an inviting task, when the doing of it would not subject them to those ecclesiastical penalties which Wesleyan ministers have usurped the power to inflict. To wage war, and protract hostilities, however, is no part of the object proposed by the “ Free

Wesleyan Church.”

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The duties with which it is immediately charged are of too high and responsible a character to permit of further waste of time, either in support of the step which has already been taken, or in further animad- version and exposure of a system which, for so many years, has laid prostrate under the arguments, and encountered the condemnation of all sections of the Christian church.

After years of fruitless conflict, on matters of discipline, with the representatives of the Wesleyan Conference, it was determined, to convene by announcement from the pulpit, a meeting of the society and congregation worshipping in Queen Street Chapel, to determine what steps should be taken in the contemplated event of the trustees retiring from all further control over the Trust Estate (which they had engaged to do, on being released from all their liabilities in connection therewith,) and ceasing to have any further connection with the Wesleyan Methodist Society.

Such meeting was accordingly held, in the vestry, on Monday, April 6th; and the causes of dissatisfaction were very forcibly recapitulated by the various speakers. Opportunity of reply, and explana- tion, was also afforded to the Conference preachers, two of whom were present; but so completely were they unable to deal with the facts and arguments which were adduced, that, on a Resolution being put to the meeting, which involved the immediate formation of a SEPARATE CHURCH, it was unhesitat- ingly adopted, with but fouwrv dissentients.

Such a state of feeling left no room for doubt or hesitancy as to the course which should be pursued ; and, at a subsequent meeting, held the same week, upwards of £1,700 were subscribed towards the erection of a suitable place of worship.

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In the meantime, the Philosophical Hall has been hired for twelve months, in which to conduct public worship; and suitable rooms taken for the like period in Queen Street, for the purposes of the Sunday and Day Schools, and for class and committee rooms.

With such conveniences as are thus afforded, the “ Free Wesleyan Church” is endeavouring to provide for the spiritual wants of hundreds of those who have been wantonly sacrificed and squandered in the maintenance of supreme pastoral authority.

These, then, are the circumstances under which an appeal is made to the benevolence of a Christian public, in behalf of a temple in which its promoters seek first to honour Him for whose Headship in the church they have felt it their highest privilege to contend, and whose glory on the earth they would thus seek to promote.

The ‘‘ Free Wesleyan Church,” founded on con- gregational principles, already numbers about three hundred communicants, with a matured and efficient staff of officers. Its Sunday Schools contain upwards of three hundred and fifty children, under experienced teachers and superintendents; and the Day School, supported on the voluntary principle, has nearly one hundred pupils on its books.

The following sums have already been subscribed towards the erection of the Chapel and School, on which it is proposed to expend about £4,000; and your generous aid is respectfully solicited on behalf

of the same object

GEORGE GELDER, JAMES MALLINSON, May 13th, 1857 Society Stewards.

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79

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

TO THE

CHAPEL BUILDING FUND.

£ os. d. Mr. Thomas Mallinson 200 Wm. Mallinson ... 200 ,, Jas. Mallinson...... 100

G. Mallinson, jun. 100 Robt. Butterworth 100

,, Joseph Bentley ... 100

,, John Taylor,

Newsone...... 100 ,, Joseph Brierly...... 100 ,, David Midgley ... 100 », R. Porritt............ 50 ,, William Lidster... 50 ,, G. Gelder............ 50 ,, Benjamin Hey...... 50 ,, John Carr.......... . 950 ,, B. Thompson ...... 50 Mrs. D. Shaw..........-- 50 Mr. James Shaw......... 50 ,, Nath.Houldsworth 30 ,, George Scholes ... 25 ,, Fred. Shaw ......... 25 Mrs. 20 Mr. Benj. Dickinson . 15 ,, Joseph Fawcett ... 10 ,, Jos. Crosland ...... 10

Together with a number of smaller sums.

£s.d. Mr. William Nield ...... 10 00, ,, Jas. Longworth ... 10 0| ,, S. Furniss............ 10 O 0| ,, W.Rogersand fam. 10 0! ,, JamesCocker do. 10 00 ,, Joseph Armitage... 10 I ,, Godfrey Noble...... 10 0| Mrs. B. Dickinson ...... 5 0| Mrs. Hammond & fam. 5 5 0| Mr. Geo. S. Scholefield 5 5 0| Mrs. Jackson ............ 5 0| Mr. W. W. Gregory ... 5 0| Mrs. Fred. Shaw......... 5 O| Mr. W. Firth ............ 5 0| ,, J. Crompton......... 5 0! ,, G. Wilson ............ 5 0| ,, W. Gledhill ......... 5 0| ,, G. Woodhouse...... 5 0'0| ,, John Berry............ 5 0| ,, John Priest ......... 5 0| ,, John Unwin, 00 Sheffield... 5 Mrs. N. 5 ool ” Starkey 5 £1785 10 O

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From the contents of this circular it will be seen worship was conducted in the Philosophical Hall. This Hall was used for sometime; ministers of other

denoniinations rendering assistance with ready helpers in the conduct of Sabbath services. While a constitu- tion was being drafted, the church was growing and it was soon clear to all that a minister was needed to shepherd the flock. In April, a Sites Committee was formed, Mr. WILLIAM MALLINSON being appointed treasurer, and Messrs. JAS. SHAW and THOS. WRIGLEY secretary and assistant secretary of the scheme. Later a Building Committee was constituted, the members being—Messrs. THos. MALLINSoN (chairman), Jos. BRIERLY, J. CARR, J. TAynor, B. H&y, GEORGE MALLINSON, J. BENTLEY, R. BUTTERWORTH, W. LIDSTER, R. PORRITT, with the treasurer and secre- taries of the Sites Committee. A ‘ Constitution ” Committee as it was termed, drafted a constitution for the new church, and in July, 1857, rules were read and adopted. The opening sentence reads thus :— conviction of dutv to God, the church, and themselves, conviction matured by lengthened deliberation conducted in the spirit of prayer, induced the founders of the Free Wesleyan Church to sever old ecclesiastical ties, and to constitute themselves a church of Jesus Christ, of purely scriptural organisa- tion and character.” The evidence that these men were determined to abolish that which constituted the bondage of other days lies in the regulations that ‘‘ All members should be admitted through the Leaders’ Meeting, and can only be deprived of such membership by the Leaders’ Meeting.’ Again, ‘‘ No leader shall be appointed to any class agazust the declared wishes of a majority of its members.” Further, ‘“‘ All members over 21 years of age shall be eligible to take part and vote at business meetings of the church.” Following these arrangements came the call of a pastor.

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In July, 1857, Rev. JAS. COLLIER, of Oxford, accepted the pastorate and from then to 1862 dis- charged with tact and ability the unusual duties of an office not without its perils in view of the recent experiences of his leaders. He lead them well and drew up with care and precision, a doctrinal statement, evangelical and sound in content, and sufficient to serve as the basis of faith and practise then con- sidered essential to the of Brunswick Street by its founders.

What strikes the historian in turning over these records of the ‘ Fifties”’ is the caretul, business-like, fine tempered way in which the new situation was met and handled. As we shall see, the opening day was marked by words from the chairman of that public function, indicative of strength, unity, and above all moral honesty and fine charity of spirit towards former associations. In December, 1857, the site was selected and plans drawn by Mr. JOHN KIRK were accepted. In March, 1858, tenders for the erection of the New Chapel were let, amounting in all to £5457. On March 16th, 1858, with Jos. BRIERLY in the chair a Trust Board was formed. TZhzs zs the first meeting called a Trustee Meeting, ‘There is no previous meeting giving information as to when, how and by whom the Trustees were appointed. From various minutes, however, it may be inferred that at that date the following persons constituted the Trust Board. There were present—Messrs. J. BRIERLY, W. MALLINSON, JAs. and Gro. MALLINSON, J. CARR, W. LIDSTER, G. GELDER, R. PORRITT, JOHN TAYLOR, B. HEY and Jos. BENTLEY, and absent, but acting with them in

Trust affairs— Messrs. THOS. MALLINSON, GEO. SCHOLES, D. MIpGLEY, N. HOULDSWORTH, and R. BUTTERWORTH. Of these men several ultimately resigned, others were never entered on the deed of 1865 and the majority have died one by one—not one now remaining,

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25

On Easter Tuesday, April 5th, 1858, the Stone Laying was accomplished, 1n severe weather, but in the presence of some 3500 spectators—a token in numbers

alone of the interest then taken by the public of Huddersfield, in what was transpiring. A long pro- cession marched from the Philosophical Hall to the new site. Ministers of other churches were present. The Rev. Dr. BRUCE read out a hymn and J. HANSON offered prayer. A trowel was presented to Mr. GEo. MALLINSON, father of Wm. and THOMAS MALLINSON, and the ceremony of stone laying was quickly but reverently discharged owing to the stormy weather. Adjournment was made to Ramsden Street Congrega- tional Church, and there Mr. MALLINSON in simple and dignified language afhrmed that their controversy was one concerning rights. Having asserted freedom by their action they would remember their ‘‘liberty was only liberty to do right.” They had to opponents or Queen Street, and would leave the past and hopefully go forward sure of time’s vindication of that day’s work. The principles of the new church were then ably expounded by Rev. J. After prayer by Revs. ENoCH MELLOR and R. SIMPSON, tea was served. Then followed a crowded public meeting, under the presidency of Mr JOSEPH BRIERLY. Revs. M. CHISHOLM, KHNOCH MELLoR, JAMES CAUGHEY (the famous American Revivalist), delivered addresses commending this venture of faith, while Messrs. GELDER, CARR, MALLINSON, BENTLEY, WRIGLEY, SCHOLES and JAMES MALLINSON were not behind-hand in en- couraging their fellow-workers to perseverance. Limitations of space forbid anything like a full account of the proceedings then most ably recorded in the current Auddersfield Examiner ot that week. That Brunswick Street men were in earnest, the day’s proceedings made clear beyond dispute.

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26

On September 5th, 1859, Brunswick Street Free Wesleyan Church was opened for public worship. The living society for two years had

held services, gathered converts, and met its membership under authorised leaders. The opening morning witnessed a crowded congregation spell- bound under the eloquence of the famous Rev. W. Brock, of London. The collections amounted to 4390. After service came a public dinner. THOMAS MALLINSON, Esq., was in the chair. Said Mr. MALLINSON—‘‘ They left the Wesleyan body because they thought there was an assumption of the pastoral, on the part of the authorities, which was not scriptural. It was no part of their aim to keep up a standing quarrel. They were quite willing to let bygones be bygones, and co-operate with all Christian churches seeking Christ’s king- dom. From the first they had found themselves of great strength, union, and unity of purpose. They had found their principles equal to the test of changing their spiritual home and seeking another. For awhile they were shepherdless, but other pastors had nobly helped them. On one occasion Mr. SKINNER had come forward and given them the sacrament, for two years denied them by the church with which they were then connected. Their pastor was now the Rev. J. CoLLIER. They had over 300 members, and had on their rolls 500 to 600 scholars. Their new chapel had cost 6000 guineas. At their first meeting to promote its building they had got 1700, since 2000. A large bazaar worked by the ladies had resulted 1n 500 guineas more, so they had now 2500 guineas. They hoped by opening collections and services to raise £1500 and reduce the debt to £2000. There were 16 persons willing to be responsible for that amount if only the £1500 was raised. Let them try to do it and go forward.”

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Other speakers were Revs. J. COLLIER, R. SKINNER, W. Brock and R. BrucE, M.A The evening sermon was preached by Rev. W. Brock, and the collections for the day amounted to £390. On the following Sunday, Rev. R. M. DAvik&s, of Oldham, predched, and the collections were £340. The late Dr. PARKER, of London, preached the following Thursday and again the giving was remark- able, £118 being collected. Further services brought the total opening proceeds to the magnificent sum of

£1265.

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CHAPTER VI. The Trust Board.

Of the long list of men entrusted with the care of Brunswick Street Trust affairs much might be said.

The earlier Trustees, without exception, recognised in their action, assertions of spiritual values before which all other considerations should give way. Their trust business was the expression of a moral trust committed to them: in that spirit they managed finance, kept the church in repair and nominated for the church’s approval its ministry. Of the original list of names not one remains in service; death or resignation has removed them. ‘The true achievement of these men is not in the building they reared; it is found in the life they lived, the men they influenced, the children who here and elsewhere perpetuate their spirit and generosity. Of the trustees who have from time to time been elected, it is enough to observe that they one and all recognise as one said not long ago, ‘There is no place like Brunswick Street to us: no other church can ever take its position in our hearts.”

The policy of the trustees has not been infallible ; it has, however, been throughout dictated by disinterested affection, and an amount of voluntary

service which is beyond praise.

List OF FORMER TRUSTEES.

The first five names were never inserted in the Trust Deed, but acted in that capacity, and either died or resigned before the Deed was signed. For some two years the contents of the Deed were carefully considered and on July ist, 1865, signatures were

appended.

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I.

29 Acted but did not sign the deed.

THOMAS MALLINSON, died April 9th, 1865. JOSEPH BENTLEY, died July 4th, 1858. DAVID MIDGLEY, resigned June, 1865. NATHANIEI, HOULDSWORTH, resigned February, 1863. JOHN CARR, resigned June, 1865.

IJ.—First Trustees actually signed Deed, July 1st, 1865.

GEO. MALLINSON, senr. WM. MALLINSON, died December 16th, 1902. JAMES MALLINSON, died March 6th, 1867. GEORGE MAI,LINSON, died December 26th, 1870. GEORGE GELDER, died April 17th, 1899. GEORGE SCHOLES, died December 8th, 1872. WILLIAM LIDSTER, died May 15th, 1883. RICHARD PORRITT, died September 16th, 1886. BENJAMIN HEy, died September 16th, 1883. JOHN TAYLOR, died August 22nd, 1876. ROBERT BUTTERWORTH, died October 14th, 1882. JOSEPH BRIERLY, died October 27th, 1893. JAMES SHAW, resigned May, 1881. JOHN SCHOLES, died JOHN DODDs, resigned May, 1881. JAMES SCHOLEFIELD, died October Ist, 1887. GEORGE MALLINSON, died

III.—First election of New Trustees, June rst,

1881.

THOMAS ARMITAGE, died March 20th, 1894. JOSEPH HAMMOND, died October 10th, 1900. JOHN C. MILLER, resigned May, 1891. JOHN HENRY STUTTARD. EDWIN WALKER, resigned May, 1891. JOHN HENRY WHITELEY, resigned May, 1891.

IV.—Second election of New Trustees, June 3rd,

189gI.

JAMES ARMITAGE. GEORGE BEDFORTH. GEORGE HERBERT Cook (Chapel Steward). JosEPH HAywoop (Secretary of Trustees). PARRY HOLROYD (co-president Young Men's Class). THOMAS RD. PORRIT?Y (Church Secretary). JOHN WM. SENIOR, died September 10th, 1893.

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V.—Third election of New Trustees, Feb. 22nd, 1899.

JoHN WILLIAM SYKES (Treasurer of Trustees and School Superintendent).

FRANCIS WEBB (Chapel Steward and Church Treasurer) JOHN LEE (Senior Poor Steward). WALKER BATTIVE.

WALKER T. PRIEST (Deputy Church Secretary). VI.—Present Trustees, Jubilee Year, 1907.

Mr. JOHN Hy. STUTTARD Mr. PARRY HOLROYD ,, JAMES ARMITAGE », JOHN WM. SYKES

,, JOSEPH HAYWoop ,, WALKER T. PRIEST ., THOS. R. PORRITY », FRANCIS WEBB ,, GEORGE BEDFORTH », WALKER BATTYE ,, GEORGE H. Cook 1, JOHN LEE

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CHAPTER VII.

Progress and Pastorates.

After the opening services, the Brunswick Street cause started out in life as a fully equipped church, and year by year justified its existence by welcome accessions of membership. An organ was also placed in the chapel and opened in July, 1860. It cost £700. Sermons on Sunday were preached by Rev. J. R. CAMPBELL. M.A., of Bradford, and the collections came to £270 14s. 53d. On the following Tuesday the Rev. Wm. Brock preached, and a further col- lection realised £185 5s. 73d. An Organ Recital by Mr. A. DEAN, Jun., of Highfield Chapel, and selections of sacred music by the choir, realised 4124 4s. od. The total for the week came to 4580 4s. 1d. If the Brunswick Street friends had money they gave in those days, as they have always given it, with a liberal hand.

By 1862, the membership had varied from 306 in 1857 to 341 in 1859, and again in 1862 shrank to 313. In that year Mr. CoLLIER resigned the pastorate, and temporary pastorates were held by Rev. Tuos. STEPHENSON, at that time American Consular Agent, who held office for two years, and the Rev. RICHARD WHEATLEY, who retained the pastorate until 1866. These were very able men who ministered to the people with considerable acceptance. Meanwhile the Brunswick leaders were on the look out for someone to: call to the pastorate, whose services might be sufh- ciently weighty to command attention within and beyond Brunswick Street. It is no disparagement whatever to the capable services of the early pastors of the church, to say that their ministrations did not bring into Brunswick Street that element of relation- ship to a larger church life, which association with a

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settled denomination implies. The situation was singular, and it was singularly met. Through some means now beyond tracing, the name of the Rev. MARMADUKE MILLER, of the then United Methodist Free Churches, was brought before the Brunswick Street Trustees. This denomination was formed in 1857.. It was at this time only nine years old, had a number of capable preachers, and some 40,000 members. Among its ministers was the Rev. MARMADUKE MILLER. For two years negotiations went on between Brunswick Street Church and Mr. MILLER. The church leaders and trustees were shy of connexional ties: he could not accept a call that did not somehow recognise his denomina- tion. Eventually a working arrangement was arrived at respecting both sides, and on the understanding that connexional funds would be supported. Mr. MILLER entered on the pastorate in 1866. A year or two later he went as the appointed representative of Brunswick Street Church to the Free Methodist Assembly. Statistics of church progress were furnished for the Connexional ‘‘Minutes”’; representation to the District Meetings followed. Eventually the church and its branches were entered as the Brunswick Street Circuit in the ‘‘Minutes’”’ of Free Methodism. From Mr. MILLER’S time to this Jubilee, the pastorate has been filled by a succession of Free Methodist ministers, while the financial arrangements with that denomination have been sacredly and faithfully carried out by the church officials. The system of lay and ministerial representation to the Annual Assembly has been observed up to the present time. The pastor, the Rev. Bruck W. ROSE, was the last Brunswick Street Circuit representative to the closing conference of Free Methodism in Newcastle, held in July, 1907, and also represented Brunswick Street Circuit in the historic Conference of the newly formed United

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Methodist Churches, held in City Road Chapel, London, September 17th, 1907.

The pastorate of the Rev. MARMADUKE MILLER was one of considerable power. He was in the prime of life, and Brunswick Street drew out his best thought and energy. For six years he attracted large con- gregations by his sermons, lectures and utterances on public questions, such as Disestablishment, Edu- cation, Free Churchmanship. His lectures on ‘Thomas Carlyle, Tom Hood, John Wesley, and Shakespeare’s are still remembered. During the pastorate, he was President of the Free Methodist Annual Assembly. A newspaper cutting of August, 1872, sums up briefly the change wrought in his time. he came the membership was 320, when he left it was 437, and the collections showed an increase from £452 to £599 per year.” At a farewell meeting, after a pastorate of six years, he was presented with a purse containing 200 guineas, together with an illuminated memorial, and some articles of furniture. He left Huddersfield to under- take editorial work in London, and was for many years, until his death in 1889, one of the greatest forces in Free Methodist Connexional life.

It is impossible to adequately represent all that MARMADUKE MILLER meant for Brunswick Street Church and the denomination he loved and served. One who knew him in those days writes of him as “The greatest Free Methodist that I think ever has been or will be, and certainly one of the greatest Nonconformist leaders of his generation.” Without subscribing to every word of this, it 1s permissible to quote this judgment as a sample of the way he impressed men in the days of his strength.

From 1872, the church was ably served by the Rev. ANTHONY HOLLIDAY for six years. Like his predecessor, he was then in his prime. Formerly a

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schoolmaster, he had by continued study and earnest ministry taken a foremost place among Free Methodist preachers. During his residence in Huddersfield, he held successively, the offices of Connexional Secretary and President of the Free Methodist Churches. His warm heart, his catholic spirit, his evangelical leanings, allied to a fine presence and most winning manner, rendered him a worthy successor to Mr. MILLER. On leaving in 1878, a purse of gold containing £100 was presented to him in the presence ofa largely attended meeting of the church and congregation.

The Rev. RICHARD GRAY succeeded Mr. HOLLIDAY, and during his ministry, by steady, faithful efforts, the membership rose from 404 to 466 members. Brief pastorates were held by Revs. Wm. and Wm. BOYDEN, from 1882 to 1884, when the Rev. ALFRED JONES came to the church. His vigorous, masculine discourses gradually drew round him numbers of thoughtful men. The cast of mind was a contrast from the style of former pastors, and to this day Mr. JONES’ sermons are remembered and quoted as among the most scholarly and informing ever preached in Brunswick Street.

In 1887, the Rev. FRANK E. CHESTER, M.A., gave Brunswick Street the surprise a fresh young mind can supply to a congregation settled to soberminded- ness and dignified eloquence. Earnest, impulsive and direct, strongly affected by the coming of that current of science and criticism, which has in these days so affected the presentation of doctrinal and social questions, Mr. CHESTER freely poured out his thoughts. The result was a period of unsettlement, having far-reaching effects upon the preacher and his hearers. His ministry at Brunswick Street terminated in 1892. His ready ways with children of the Sunday School, and his week-night Bible Classes are to this day in some homes a pleasant theme.

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Riv. Rb. WHEATLEY, 1864-1866.

REV. THOS. STEPHENSON 1862-1864.

ee Sa Dh ae

REv. J. COLLIER, 1857-1862.

REV. MARMADUKE MILLER, REV. ANTHONY HOLLIDAY, 1866-1872, 1872-1878,

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In 1892, the Rev. BENJ. J. TUNGATE was called to the pastorate. His lengthy ministry at Cleckheaton had given him an aptitude for training young people, which found ample scope in the sphere presented by Brunswick Street. School and church alike profited by his wise and skilful ministrations. The pastor’s Bible Class was largely attended. A Society flourished during Mr. TUNGATE’S ministry, many of the members of the congregation contributing to one of the most successful periods in the history of sucha society. A glance at the year book shows incidentally how from numbers alone the true work of a pastorate may be obscured. In 1892, the number of members is returned as 342; in 1898, the number is 343, an apparent addition of only one member in six years. But on looking over the list of members year by year added to the church roll, the discovery is made that 58 members were added to the church register during Mr, TUNGATE’S ministry. The wear and tear of church membership is often a serious drain upon its numbers. By removals, deaths, withdrawals and other causes a register may be so depleted, that although progress is being made and members are received the results to an outsider appear the same. Mr. TUNGATE’S work abides to this day and he himself writes of his pastorate in Huddersfield as “among the choicest years of my ministry.”

In 1898, Mr. TUNGATE left Brunswick Street, and for two years a double pastorate was entered upon of a remarkable character, father and son co-operating in the work of Brunswick Street and Rashcliffe churches. The Rev. JAMES and HENRY 5S. DINSLEY successfully carried out this unique association of forces. This arrangement terminated in Igoo, and Rev. JAMES KING succeeded them. From then to 1906, large numbers were added to the church register though the numbers returned were in 1900, 339

Page 42

members; in pastorate can never be completely gauged by statistics. The essential thing to note here is that from 1857 to the present pastorate, ministers have from time to time served Brunswick Street with diversities of gifts, not to add to numbers but to educe characters. Statistics may vary; spiritual influence abides to-day

and to-morrow.

1906, only 352.

36

The results of a

In 1906, the Rev. BRUCE W. ROSE commenced his pastorate; his claim to remembrance at present lies in the value this record may possess to those who read it, as the outcome of his researches into the archives of Brunswick Street Church.

BRUNSWICK STREET PASTORS FROM ITS

COMMENCEMENT :—

1857 to 1862 Rev. JAMES COLLIER.

1862 to 1864 1864 to 1866 1866 to 1872 1872 to 1878 1878 to 1882 1882 to 1883 1883 to 1884 1884 to 1887 1887 to 1892 1892 to 1898 1898 to 1900 1900 to 1906 1906 to

9”

9”

THOMAS STEVENSON. RICHARD WHEATLEY. MARMADUKE MILLER. ANTHONY HOLLIDAY. RICHARD GRAY. WILLIAM JACKSON. WILLIAM BOYDEN. ALFRED JONES. FRANK EDWARD CHESTER. BENJAMIN JOSEPH TUNGATE. JAMES DINSLEY and Rev. H. S. DINSLEY. JAMES KING. BRUCE W. ROSE.

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CHAPTER VIII.

Brunswick Street School: its Founders, Officers, and Teachers.

Though much ‘has been written concerning the Church, too much cannot be said about the Sunday School. The brevity of the record is no measure of the incalculable results in the lives of 10,000 scholars passing in half-a-century through its doors. When the scholars went out with their teachers from Fountain Street School, in 1857, only one teacher and herclass remained! The seceders quickly constituted themselves a school. From then until the present hour, Brunswick Street Society has had the happy fortune to employ many of its best men in school work. Service, which is too often left to anyone, has here called forth for the last half-century the unstinted labours of the leading men of the Church. Many names can have no mention here, but in the memories of thousands their teaching is gratefully inscribed. A_ roll call of teachers would stir emotion in many a scholar far away from Brunswick

Street, and remind many a distant teacher of Sabbaths which the years have filled with mystic power and tenderness. The list of former superin- tendents can be read: it acts asa connecting thread into which other names can be intertwined. Before we reproduce it, we will, however, place before the reader a complete list of officers and teachers of 1857. Time’s changes will be vividly realised when the reader is reminded that of this honoured roll of names, but two or three are living to commemorate

this Jubilee of 1907.

Page 44

TEACHERS AND OFFICERS,

Superintendents :

Mr. BENJAMIN HEy.

Mr. JOHN CARR.

Treasurer:

Mr. WM. LIDSTER.

Ma:ie—

9

+]

99

7?

2)

x9

9?

79

9)»

7?

1857.

Mr. Wm. MALLINSON.

Secretary:

Mr. W. W. GREGORY.

Teachers : Female— Mr. THOS. WRIGLEY Miss DYSON SAMUEL FURNISS 1, JACKSON DAVID SHAW »» SOYKES THOS. WEBB ,, SUGDEN AARON SYKES ,, BUTTERWORTH JNO. DODDS ,, PRIEST THOS. ARMITAGE 1, ©. JACKSON JOSHUA SCHOFIELD ,, MALLINSON GEORGE SLATER ,», BURLEY MATTHEW WEBB ,, MOSLEY R. H. BUTTERWORTH ,, FREEMAN JAMES FITTON ,», WEBB THOS. CROSLAND ,, LIVERSEDGE GEORGE WOODHOUSE ,, ©. WEBB J. H. STEPHENSON ,, ROGERS JONAS BROUGHTON ,, HAMMOND J. H. STUTTARD ,, ARMITAGE Wo. LOFTHOUSE ,, SCHOLES JAMES WADDINGTON ,, NORTH MILES ARMITAGE ,, RICHARDSON JOEL LOFTHOUSE ,, MILNER J. B. LITTLEWOOD ,, DICKINSON ED. LIVERSEDGE ,, CARR SANDERSON

9%

9

2)

J. JACKSON S. A. ROGERS NEILSON M. SYKES CROSLAND

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5

Present Trustees, Jubilee Year, 1907.

1 Messrs. PARRY HoLnoyp, 2 FRANCIS WEBB (Church Treasurer and Chapel Steward), 3 Jos. Haywoop, (Trust Secretary), 4 JOHN Wm. SYKES (Trust Treasurer), 5 WALKER T. PRIEST (Assistant Church Secretary).

6 G. H. Cook (School Secretary), 7 JOHN LEE (Poor Steward), 8 J. Hy. STUTTARD, 9 WALKER BATTYE, 10 JAMES ARMITAGE, 11 THos. R. Porritt (Church Secretary).

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On reading over this list, two names at once attract attention. For many years, until death in 1883 dissolved the partnership, Messrs. WM. MALLINSON I and BENJAMIN Hey held office as superintendents of the Sunday School. Mr. HEY was a man with a nature radiating affection. Beloved by all, he lighted up the school with the love of a childless man, whose heait went out to every teacher and scholar. The heart of each child was'a kingdom where BENJAMIN Hey ruled, a kingdom in which he received loving allegiance from his subjects. More will be said in the chapter on ‘‘ Personal Impressions” concerning this devoted school worker. We refer to him now because any notice of school officers without his name included would be an unpardonable omission. The ‘“ Hey”? Memorial Prize Fund commenced New Year’s Day, 1884, perpetuates his memory and worth.

Co-partner in service, and living on for a further period was Mr. Wm. Of him the f:xaminer of December, 1902, states ‘‘ He was an ideal superintendent. He maintained a firm and effective discipline by a kind and gentle rule, and possessed rare tact and discretion. He was 36 years of age when he was appointed superintendent of the school, and until illness prevented he occupied that honour- able post. We shall have occasion elsewhere to refer to the services rendered by him in other departments of church administration, but it is worth noting that from 1857 to 1900, Mr. MALLINSON’S name is year by year registered as one of the school superintendents.”

Another school worker who for some years occupied a post of honour was Mr. GEORGE SCHOLES. He was one of the founders of Brunswick Street, one of its class leaders,'and for 10 years a superintendent. He was a man of strict integrity, and had a modest, unassuming manner, too much so almost for the position he held. Lively scholars sometimes took full

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40 advantage of this modest worthy, and behaved accordingly. Those who were scholars in his day will not forget his peculiar way of closing the school. He would pronounce the usual benediction, concluding with ‘‘ for ever and ever, Amen, please distribute the hats and caps” in one sentence !

Mr. THOMAS ARMITAGE was of another order altogether. He was a supreme example of fidelity to duty, among many who in that day lived a life of ceaseless devotion and service for Brunswick Street. His regular and punctual discharge of obligations was of such a character that a person might safely set his watch by observing the movements of THomMAS ARMITAGE. He wasa stickler for keeping time, for exercising a self-sacrifice he vindicated by his example. The school was his delight. “In character,” says a friendly observer, ‘‘and at an earlier period perhaps, in physique he might have qualified for Cromwell’s Ironsides. He was made of the same strong texture, a Puritan down tothe ground, He believed something and stood to his faith at all costs.”” When he died he left a sum of money to the Sunday School for the purpose of providing an annual prize for the scholar obtaining the highest marks in Sunday School Union examinations.

Mr. GEORGE GELDER was still another type of superintendent, inasmuch as he was not only an honoured school worker, but for many years as a local preacher was in great demand for school anniversaries and like celebrations. His speeches might sometimes be classed as orations when at some school or church festival he was called upon to speak. His apt quotations, choice periods, and ready tund of anecdote made him often in demand on occasions when a case or a cause needed eloquent advocacy. For 15 years he served honourably as superintendent ; for many years by tongue and pen and the use of a capable literary faculty, he rendered to press and pulpit most valuable public service.

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AI

The present superintendent, Mr. JOHN WILLIAM SYKES, has the unique distinction of being the oldest scholar in the school, now remaining in active service. Beginning as a child in the Queen Street School, Mr. SYKES came out with the founders of the Brunswick Street Sunday School. He was at the stone laying of the chapel and school, and commenced teaching in 1865. In July, 1894, he was elected superintendent. Heis now the senior of the two officers in that position. He is also a leader, and treasurer of the trustees, much respected: for his punctuality, uprightness and genial rule in school affairs. For some years he also held office as Poor Steward, Chapel Steward, and is still Treasurer of Rashcliffe Church. Few men have a greater love for all that concerns Brunswick Street Church and School. In view of the Jubilee proceedings, it is fitting the senior superintendent should be one whose life association covers the school history from the day its doors were opened.

Mr. JOSEPH PENNY, the junior superintendent, has not long been connected with the school. Six years ago he became a teacher, and three years ago was elected as one of the superintendents. His fitness for that office lies in the record of his work in Leeds and Keighley. From 1878 onward, he filled the offices of secretary, teacher and superintendent, acting in the latter capacity some 18 years. As a Sunday School worker and member of the Leaders’ Meeting, Mr. PENNY has rendered valuable service.

Turning now from the superintendents to other school officers, the name of Mr. GEORGE HERBERT Cook comes uppermost. Like his colleague, Mr. SYKES, the present secretary was present at the formation of the Sunday School. For 33 years he has held office as secretary. He has seldom been late during the

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42

whole of this period. His capacity for detail is wonderful; his memory is unfailing in regard to school history. For years his tables of attendances, his lists of averages, have conveyed to the careless a rebuke in statistical form, or an encouragement through percentages. He is also a Trustee and Chapel Steward. On several occasions during his period of service, presentations testifying the esteem of his fellow-workers and friends have been made to to him. His help in the preparation of this history has been invaluable.

Mr. WILLIAM WHEATLEY, who has held office as Treasurer for 13 years, though not taking an active part in school work, yet generously supports its funds, and is seldom called upon in vain to aid any good cause in the church. His name perpetuates the memory of a worthy father and an honoured mother, to whom the interests of Brunswick Street Church

were a sacred charge.

Of past and present teachers only a few names can be mentioned. Putting aside the names of some whose work was mainly done in the Young Men’s Class, the name of Mr. GEORGE SLATER must not be overlooked. He was a faithful teacher in the Sunday School from its commencement. He tookalso adeep interest in music, and older scholars will recall how he, along with Mr. BEN STockS arranged several musical festivals in the chapel. These gave much pleasure to the audiences, though to the two gentle- men named they brought financial loss. He has been worthily followed by his son, Mr. SAM SLATER, the present librarian, who taught some years in the school,

Page 51

SUPERINTENDENTS, OFFICERS AND TEACHERS OF BRUNSWICK STREET

1907.

SUNDAY SCHOOL,

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43

and has acted in the Band of Hope in various official duties for many years. The Hymn and Tune Committee has long numbered him among its indispensable members.

Mr. JAMES ARMITAGE, whose brother held office as superintendent, retired from school service some- time ago, with the noble tale of fifty years’ association in school life and work behind him. He is still in Church affairs acting as leader and trustee, while his heart remains quickly and often responsive to the claims and attachments of school life.

Among the teachers of a bygone day, the memory of JONAS BROUGHTON is still cherished, from the fact that he took the children in their tenderest years, taught and rhymed the truth into them and made the gospel live in parable and story. He was fond of. composing odes and commemorative pieces for special meetings, and in genial and ingenious couplets would often contrive to happily express the foibles and virtues of his wide circle of friends.

The following extract from an old scholar now in New Zealand, will show how the years yield up their tribute of remembrance. It was written on Whit- Sunday of this year, 1907, by Mr. JOSEPH ARMITAGE, and may serve as a sample of other tributes space will not allow us to reproduce.

“To-day is Whit-Sunday, and my thoughts go out to you across the sea. It brings to my mind thoughts and remembrances never to be forgotten. In former days we used to meet there amidst the throng of old and young. It was a glorious time. I have been calling to mind our old supers., teachers,

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44

and scholars, in those and other days. Some of these remain; many have gone to that land from which no traveller ere returns. They were real grand men and women—BENJAMIN HEy, Wm. MALLINSON, JAMES LONGWORTH, the BROTHERS LIDSTER, JOSEPH HAMMOND, our brother, THOMAS ARMITAGE. How many others along with them bore the burden and heat of the day. Of the

women, think of the Misses HAMMOND, BURLEY and CROSSLANDS. Think, too, of the good men like the WHITELEYS, the WASHINGTONS, of J. HAywoop, H. TELFER, the grand and good G. H. Cook, our old secretary, J. W. SyKES, P. HOLROYD, SAM SLATER, T. COLBECK, and my old friend, PETER FALCON, with many Others .......... Having lived in those grand old times, let us be reminded of the word ‘‘ where much is.given much will be

Sunday School teaching rests on the principle that whoso saves a child endows a commonwealth. To read from across the seas this spontaneous outburst of an old scholar, is assurance enough that amid many disappointments, schooi teaching here and there yields up character, citizenship. and spiritual loyalty, good for the heart and good for the

state.

Of the lady teachers we are not unmindful, and in the chapter on ‘‘The Women of Brunswick,” tribute is paid to their gracious service in the Sunday

School.

In 1904, the Sunday School Union excited much interest in school circles by offering Diplomas of Honour for long service. The Brunswick Street list, drawn up on that occasion, gives an inspiring revelation of the quality and duration of the labours which have made the school in bygone years so

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45

successful. The names are worthy of mention, if only to perpetuate a distinction in a field of service that too seldom finds a permanent remembrance in print.

Mr. JAMES ARMITAGE, 50 years (retired.) ,», HERBERT TELFER, 35 years. ,, JOSEPH HAYWOOD, 34 years. ,, JOHN WM. SYKES, 31 years. (Senior Superintendent.) ,», GEORGE H. COOK, 31 years. (Secretary.) Mrs. ALFRED OWEN, 30 years. Miss PORRITT, 37 years. Mr. PARRY HOLROYD, 27 years. ,, JOSEPH PENNY, 27 years. », FRED B. LAWTON, 26 years. Mrs. JOSEPH HAMMOND, 25 years (retired.) Mr. SAMUEL SLATER, 25 years. ,, THOS. R. PORRITT, 25 years (retired.)

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THE JUBILEE List OF TEACHERS AND OFFICERS.

Superintendents : Mr. J. W. SYKEsS. Mr. J. PENNY.

Treasurer: Mr. WILLIAM WHEATLEY.

Secretaries : Assistants : Mr. G. H. Cook. Mr. G. G. SLATER, » W. H. Towrson. Teachers : Male— Female— Mr. W. BATTYE, Hon. Miss PORRITT Rev. B. W. ROSE Mrs. A. OWEN Mr. P. HOLROYD » G. STORK , F. B. LAWTON » A. W. WHITELEY ,, J. HAYwoop I Miss G. NOBLE ,, Hi. TELFER I ” E. WATSON ,, H. BOOTH » ©. lL. PORRITT ,, J. S. BURLEY , M. lL. CROSSLAND ,, Lt. A. ARMITAGE » R. WHITELEY 1, J. W. DopD » HH. MELLOR ,, EB. PRESTON I » J. 1. STUTTARD ,, G. BLACKBURN » G. M. SLATER , H. L. EDWARDS » ATKINSON » N. A. HAYWOOD » B. PRESTON » TELFER » A. M. SYKES , A. S. HAYwoop » ANNIE ASTLEY » H. B. BERRY I » ©. NOBLE ,» J. H. HOLROYD 5 G. H. CROSSLAND

I » MABEL HAYwoop I , M. BEDFORTH » M. WEBB » HOLROYD

Present Number of Scholars, 322; Number of Teachers, 40.

Page 57

REV. RICHARD GRAY, REV. WM. JACKSON, 1878-1882. 1882-1883.

REV. WM. BOYDEN, REV. ALFRED JONES, 1883-1884, 1884-1887,

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SUNDAY SCHOOL cCoMMENCED APRIL, 12th, 1857.

THE FOLLOWING IS ‘THE LIST OF OFFICERS, FROM 1857 To 1907.

Superintendents : 1857 to 1883 Mr. BENJAMIN HEY 1857 ,, 1862 ,, JOHN CARR 1857 ,, 1902 » WILLIAM MALLINSON 1857 ,, 1860 ,, THOMAS WEBB 1860 ,, 1862 5», WILLIAM W. GREGORY 1862 ,, 1877. ,, GEORGE GELDER 1862 ,, 1872 ,, GEORGE SCHOLES 1876 ,, 1881 5 JAMES LONGWORTH 1877 ,, 1894 », LHOMAS ARMITAGE 1882 ,, 1889 ,, JOHN HENRY STUTTARD 1883 ,, 1884 ,, JAMES J. DODDS 1889 ,, 1897. ,, JOSEPH HAYWOOD 1894 ,, —— _ ,, JOHN WM. SYKKEs (still in office) 1897 ,, 1904 ,, THOMAS R. PORRITT 1904 ,, ——__,, JOSEPH PENNY (still in office) Secretaries : 1857 to 1860 Mr. WILLIAM W. GREGORY 1860 ,, 1863. = ,, EDWIN LIVERSEDGE 1863 ,, 1865 » R. H. BUTTERWORTH 1865 (5 months),, J. H. SfEPHENSON 1865 to 1868 ,, EDWIN LIVERSEDGE 1866 ,, 1870 ,, THOMAS C. BENTLEY 1868 ,, 1873 » WILLIAM MONKHOUSE 1870 ,, 1871 », LHOMAS COLBECK 1871 ,, 1874 ,, GEORGE T. PORRITT 1873 ,, 1875 ,» JOHN W. WASHINGTON 1874 ,, —— .,, GEORGE H. Cook (still in office) 1875 ,, 1876 » WALTER DICKINSON 1876 ,, 1879 ,, GEORGE H. ELAM 1880 ,, 1882 ,, JOHN W. DICKINSON Treasurers : 1857 to 1883. Mr. WILLIAM LIDSTER 1884 ,, 1888 ,, GEORGE SLATER 1888 ,, 1894 ,, JOHN W. SYKES

1894 ,, ——_,, WILLIAM WHEATLEY (still in office)

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MINISTERS WHO HAVE PREACHED AT THE ANNIVERSARIES.

I

Year Preacher. Musical Conductor. Organist. Col. 1857 |Rev. J. Todd W. W. Gregory £50 1858; ,, J. Collier I 35 1859 ,, Thomas A. Martin 40 1860! ,, J. Collier J. Gledhill I 45 1861, ,. J. Gutteridge my I A. L. Peace 40 1862; ,, M. Miller B. Stocks I I 46 ,, J.S. Withington ! 4] 1864! ,, Wm. Marshall Ly. S. Hirst 44 1865| ., J. S. Withington ' A. Pearson 44 1866, ,, J. Gutteridge ; I 3 75 1867 9 + : ” 57 1868| ,, M. Miller ; 61 1869 9 I rr 9 60 1870 ; 9 60 1871 7 - 63 1872 99 rr) 76 1873 - Hartley 80 1874| ,, A. Holliday 73 1875| ,, M. Miller |W. H. Marshall 76 1876| ,, A. Holliday ns I 3 73 1877 64 1878 I 64 1879; ,, J. S. Withington 57 1880; ,, A. Holliday I 60 1881 5, M. Miller I I 3 72 1882} ,, A. Holliday |S. Slater I 58 1883 ,, W.R.Sunman I 7 I 55 1884| ,, A. Holliday I 3 57 1885 5 55 ,, J. M. Mather |G. Bedforth 60 1887 I ,, W. Redfern B. Stocks 53 1888| ,, J. M. Mather J. Marshall 47 1889| ,, S. K. Hocking ! 82 1890! ,, A. Holliday 7 I 60 1891 I ,, W. Redfern 53 » ©. Chester ) I _ 1892 , J. Thomas ) " I ” 52 4 } 1893 I ” fot Me A. Wigglesworth 41 1894| ,, A. Holliday 3 43 1895 ,, J. M. Mather 7 50 1896 ,, B.J. Tungate G. Bedforth 60 1897 I ,, J. B. Stoneman 7 46 1898 I ,, B. J. Tungate F. Haigh 45 1899! ,, Dr. D. Brook G. Bedforth 55 » J. Dinsley I spat - 1900 ” OH. S. Dinsley B. Stocks 9 45 1901| ,, J. B. Stoneman’ G. Bedforth 40 1902| ,, James King S. Slater 40 1903; ,, T. Nightingale |G. Bedforth bs 51 1904 ,, James King 45 1905 I 23 T. Nightingale I 9 47 1906| ,, James King I 43 1907 I T. Sunderland |S. Slater I 63

I 29

99

Page 62

tle ete et Ee

BRUNSWICK STREET FREE WESLEYAN CHURCH LEADERS’ MEETING, 1907.

Page 63

CHAPTER IX. Church. and School Organisations.

I. CHURCH.

Having now related the origin and history of the Church and School, it is of importance to note the organisations which have contributed in varied ways to the well-being of the members and scholars. Life finds many types of expression, each characteristic of a need and an outlet of energy suited to the

demand.

The Leader’s Meeting is a well-known Methodist institution. It transacts Church business, and is in fact the Church Executive. The decisions of this meeting, composed as it is of pastor, trustees, local preachers, leaders, stewards, secretaries and repre- sentatives of church organisations, are often of considerable importance. Nowadays the exercise of its authority over the church register is taken as a matter of course: once on a day, the word of the minister made and unmade members. The con- stitution is now elastic, democratic and thoroughly representative. A glance at the list of stewards and treasurers is full of interest as showing how varied and frequent have been the types of men and change of officers during fifty years. Of all the officers, one stands out unrivalled in his length of service and know- ledge of polity, finance and administration, viz. :— Mr. JoHN B. LITTLEWOOD, for some thirteen years the Church Secretary. Another officer now retired, but worthy of mention in this connection, is Mr. JoHn HENRY STUTTARD. He is an old and valued member

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50

among the leaders, and has held at various periods important offices in the Church and School. He was a teacher when the School was formed, and afterwards acted as Superintendent seven years. Of present members of the Leaders’ Meeting, all devoted and true to their position in the Church, we can but say they gave freely of their time to its service. As types of their devotedness we may name Mr. PARRY HOLRoyD, for ten years a Church Secretary, and one highly esteemed as a trustee and teacher; Mr. A. W. WHITELEY, a former teacher, poor steward, and Church Treasurer, liberal in spirit and loyal in service; Mr. Tuos. R. PorRRITT, the present Church Secretary, for some years a faithful teacher and School Superin- tendent; with Mr. FrRAncis WEBB, the present Church Treasurer, who has for the last eight years discharged that office with business-like accuracy and promptitude,.

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1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894

CHURCH OFFICERS, 1857-1907.

CHURCH STEWARDS.

SECRETARIES.

GEORGE GELDER THos. MALLINSON MIDGLEY oe °s THOMAS MALLINSON ROBERT BUTTERWORTH

GEORGE MALLINSON 99 99 Rev. THos. STEPHENSON JAMES SHAW

99 99 99 99 9? 98 9° 99 > 9”

J. H. STUTTARD

v9 93

THOMAS ARMITAGE

TREASURERS.

JAMES MALLINSON JosEPH BRIERLY JAMES MALLINSON " BENJAMIN HEy " " "

GEORGE MALLINSON

JOHN SCHOLES

99

Joun B. LITTLEWooD

99

9

of

Joun HENRY WHITELEY Joun C. MILLER JOsEPH HAMMOND

9 99 19 9) os 99 99

99

99

PARRY

29 90 99 9? +) 99

Joun B. LITTLEwoopD

GEORGE DUNHILL Moxon, Jnr.

93 39 9° 99 oe 99 9s 99 99

ARTHUR WADE WHITELEY.

Page 66

52 CHURCH STEWARDS—continued.

SECRETARIES. TREASURERS. 1895 JouN B. LITTLEwWooD ARTHUR WADE WHITELEY

1896 ” rT) 1897 1898 ” 1899 Parry HOLRoyD FRANCIS WEBB 1900 ” I » Igo! i ” 1902 " 7 ” 7 1903 - I - 1904

I905 gi ee oe 1906 Tuos. R. PorRRITT

1907 9” 9 9°

Poor STEWARDS.

1857 1858 RICHARD PoRRITT JosEPH BENTLEY

1859 WILLIAM LIDSTER

1860 THOMAS MALLINSON ”

1861 RICHARD HILL - 1862 GEO. MALLINSON

99 g¢

1863 CHAS. OATES ° te " 1864 JOSEPH CARR I WILLIAM FIRTH 1865 ry - 1866 " 1867 GEORGE BARKER - 1868 wo MICHAEL BEDFORTH 1869 THOMAS ARMITAGE

1870 - ” 4, 1871 THOMAS FITTON 1872 BENJAMIN WAITE vs 1873 JAMES SHAW

~

1874 1875 J. H. STUTTARD 1876 " 1877. ‘JONAS BROUGHTON JouHN LEE

1878 m 99 . 99 ve 1879 JOHN B. LITTLEWOOD: 1880 : Jos. ARMITAGE, Senr.::

9°

1881 Law HARGREAVES: 1882 EDWIN WALKER WILSON FIRTH

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1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 189) 1900 IgOl 1902 19 3 1904 1905 1906 1907

Poor STEWARDS—continued.

EDWIN WALKER

EDMUND CROSSLAND

JAMES BURLEY

9 90

GEORGE BEDFORTH

JAMES ARMITAGE

9 99

WALKER BATTYE

" JOHN WM. SYKES 90 99 WALKER BATTYE FRANCIS WEBB JouN H. STUTTARD ALFRED ASTLEY JOHN LEE JouN S. BuRLEyY WALKER BATTYE

99 +]

JOHN LEE

WILSON FIRTH JAMES ARMITAGE

ARTHUR WADE WHITELEY

WILSON FIRTH J. H. WHITELEY JOHN LEE JouNn WILLIAM SENIOR

FRANCIS WEBB 99 99 JosEPH Haywoop FRANCIS WEBB WALKER BATTYE v9 91 ALFRED ASTLEY JOHN LEE JoHN S. BURLEY WALKER BATTYE A. W. WHITELEY H. TELFER

N. Haywoop

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Early in its history a Chapel Choir was formed. From 1859 to 1860, the first members were Mrs. DowE, Mr. J. GLEDHILL, and Mr. Brook. In 1861, Mr. BEN STOCKS was appointed choirmaster, a position he still retains, being now in his 47th year of honourable and lavish service. The organist, Mr. WIGGLESWORTH, commenced his valued and capable services in 1892. He not merely plays an instrument, but with- much care and reverent feeling makes his portion of the service a true interpreter of spiritual emotion by his well-chosen voluntaries. In 1879, a voluntary choir was formed, with four paid principals. Of the work done by Mr. STOCKS it is not easy to write. Known far beyond the bounds of Brunswick Street Church as a leading vocalist and conductor, able doubtless, many times over, to have received elsewhere recog- nition at his own price, he has yet remained true to Brunswick Street Church Choir. Many singers owe him an untold debt of appreciation for his careful training, his fearless discipline, his culture in them of taste and accuracy. The musical portion of the Sunday services is in the hands of a master of music, whose aim is to make it stir up soul and heart in all harmonious toil of love and praise. A generous response to any appeal for their services has always been made by leader, organist and choir. Ministers are sensitive to this portion of church worship; one who ministered here years ago may speak for all. Said he, ‘‘ The delightful and effective work of the choir under Mr. STocks gave additional inspiration

to pulpit effort.” As it was twenty years ago, so it is to-day.

Page 70

BRUNSWICK STREET CHURCH CHOIR, 1907. Choirmaster—B. Stocks, Esq. (Centre.)

Page 71

CHOIR AND ORGANISTS:

Opening Services, September, 1859.

1859 First Members—Mrs. DOWE, Mr. J. GLEDHILI, and Mr. BROOK.

1860 » - 1861 to— Mr. B. Stocks, Choirmaster.

ORGANISTS.

1859 Mr. HENRY MARTIN (Harmonium) Sept. 1860 Mr. A. L. PEACE June 1863 Mr. J. C. HIRST Nov. 1864 Mr, ALFRED PEARSON ” 1872 Mr. HENRY HARTLEY - 1874 Mr. WILLIAM HENRY MARSHALT, Jan. 1888 Mr. JOSHUA MARSHALL Aug. 1892 Mr. A. WIGGLESWORTH (present Organist)

CHOIR.

Voluntary Choir commenced February, 1879.

Mr. B. Choirmaster. 1861 to......... Mr. A. WIGGLESWORTH, Organist. 1892 to.........

List of Members of Brunswick Street Chotr.

Sopranos. Miss Cox (Principal) ' Miss SENIOR », NICHOLSON ,, BLACKBURN »» STOCKS ,, WEBB »» J. STOCKS ., MELLOR ,?

J. T. STUTTARD Mrs. TINKER I Honor-

,, A. ASTILEY , W.T. PRIEST ) ary

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Contraltos. Miss E. BEAUMONT (Principal) I Miss COOPER ,, KAYE ,, DYSON KH. SLATER ,, G. SLATER ,, KE. HANSON I ,, E. HoLRoyYD ,, LINKER ,», LAYLOR

Miss FE. A. PORRITT (Honorary)

Tenors. I Mr. CUTTELL (Principal) Mr. A. GELDER , F.B. LAWTON ,, P. REDFEARN », J. WoopcockK », H. Moss A. TINKER (Honorary) F. HAIGH Basses. Mr. Stocks (Choirmaster) Mr. SAM SHAW ,, F. W. SHAW (Principal) ., H. SHaw (Sec.) ,, J. A. ARMITAGE (Treas.) ,, F. SHAW 7 ,», EF. WOMERSLEY ,, &. A. ARMITAGE ,, G. WASHINGTON » B. WEBB ,. J. Moss ,, W. RIPPON

Page 73

The Prayer Leaders at one time were a well- organised body of men. Along with a staff of twenty local preachers they were called upon at Hillhouse, Rashcliffe, Northgate, Back Spring Street, Newsome and Primrose Hill, to set fire to emotion and keep enthusiasm well warmed. If in this latter time we see the dreams of these earnest men unrealised, it is well to say of each of them—‘‘ Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in it that it was in thine heart.’”’ Ifthese men did not realise their ideals we can be glad they saw them, and were moved by them to prayer and toil. Pastorates are not the best training grounds for keeping in full swing an active body of local preachers. Nor can a body of prayer leaders work a non-existent plan. A plan of the preachers and prayer leaders for 1872 1s cheerful reading as indicative of past doings; asa criticism of the present it is full of admonitions. It may be wise to ask if the passing away of the old order of class meetings and the prayer leaders’ plan, has been satisfactorily replaced in the newer methods of church devotion. No church can long exist which does not educe by its meetings the equivalent of the old soul kindling unction 1n which our fathers did their greatest deeds and said their holiest words.

At one time a Mission Church and School were carried on in Northgate. The work was commenced in 1869. It was carried on by earnest teachers under the superintendence of Mr. J. B. For seven years he held that position, Messrs. Ep. and T. R. PORRITT acting as secretaries. In 1883, scholars and workers were incorporated into Brunswick Street School. A similar enterprise was commenced at Newsome in 1876, but after awhile it was discontinued. It would be contrary to history to suppose that all the attempts made by associated workers of Brunswick Street were uniformly successful. Failure overtook

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them in some directions, and organisations once begun in enthusiasm failed through secessions, indifference, or were transferred and incorporated into other forms of church work under other names. Tract Societies, Domestic Mission and Benevolent Societies are no longer in existence, other times

demanding different methods,

II. SCHOOL.

The Young Men’s Bible Class has always held a prominent position in the Sunday School, but having self-government in large measure, may fitly be con- sidered among the auxiliary organisations of the church. Its teaching has been characterised by breadth, depth and freedom. Its leaders have been far more concerned about sending young men into the world able to give a reason for the faith that is in them than to teach them any narrow view of life and thought. ‘‘ Truth in Jesus” the teachers have always seen is a larger thing than any one man’s interpreta- tion of it.

Of the Presidents holding office the most prominent has been Mr. DAvID SHAW (now of Leicester). Heled the class many years and exercised a most commanding influence over its members, in fact it implies no injustice to his successors in saying, that the class was in the zenith of its influence during his presidency.

Mr. JAMES LONGWORTH also won many minds during his term of office by his thoughtful and inspiring addresses,

The late Mr. JoHN Dopps was a shrewd kind hearted Scotchman, always ready to assist any scholar who was rather slow and obtuse. Being connected

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“>

REV. F. EF. CHESTER, M.A., B. J. TUNGATE,

1887-1892. 1832-1898.

REV. JAMES DINSLEY, > REV. JAMES KING, 1898-1900. 1900-1906.

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with many educational movements he was deservedly elected one of the first members of the Hudderstield School Board. For some years he taught the class much to its spiritual and mental profit.

The late Mr. EpMUND CROSSLAND for two genera- tions was held in the highest esteem by young men. He held office in two separate terms. His modesty and charming character deeply impressed many of his hearers. One writes of him gratefully, ‘‘he loved noble thoughts and lived a beautiful life. In his heroic facing of pain in his last long illness, he presented a sermon that many as long as they live will never forget.”

Another man of worth and high character was the late Mr. JOSEPH HAMMOND. His winning manner, conciliatory attitude, his sense of justice and generosity, added to absorbing devotion to the interests of the class were of rare service in retaining allegiance to his message and himself.

No wonder men in centres like London and Glasgow, in countries so far apart as China and the United States, write from time to time bearing willing testimony of the value of the class teaching to them. In character and success they are richer and purer for having met in Brunswick Street Young Men’s Class.

Tne present conductors, Messrs. HOLROYD and LAWTON, are worthily upholding the past traditions of the class. Each Sabbath finds them endeavouring, not unsuccessfully, to lead the members in their dis- cussion of all problems of present day life and thought from the standpoint of Christ Jesus. The class numbers about 45 members, the present officers being as follows—Secretary, Mr. HERBERTSHAW; Treasurer, Mr. Hy. JOHNSON.

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The Thursday Evening Bible Class was com- menced in 1887, during the ministry of the Rev. FRANK E. CHESTER, M.A. From its inception this class has been of immense value as a training ground for preparing young people for the responsibilities of church life, and teaching them the principles of

Christianity. Its numbers have from year to year varied, but successive pastors have gladly turned to this class as one of the brightest centres of school and church life. It numbers at present 65 members. Whenever any minister refers to this class in corres- pondence or conversation, there can be no doubt of its value and the appreciative view held of its possibilities by the pastors who have had it in hand. The last session was very successful, two text books in “The Religions of the World ” and ‘‘ The teaching of Jesus,” being carefully studied during the meetings, while for the literary study of the class, a series of studies in the men and times covered by Charles Read’s famous ‘‘ Cloister and the Hearth,” were given by the pastor. Mr. FRANK HAywoop is _ class secretary.

Next in order comes the Band of Hope. When the church was founded, the Christian churches of Huddersfield had not fully realised their sense of responsibility towards the young life within their circle. The policy of total abstinence from intoxi- cating liquors once presented, appealed to them, and in Brunswick Street Sunday School was soon accepted. The one man to whom is due the honour of intro- ducing this movement in Brunswick Street School is Mr. ALFRED TINKER. At a meeting of the Young Men’s Bible Class in 1869, he read a paper on “ The propogation of Temperance among the young.” A discussion followed resulting in a request being made to the authorities for permission to start a Band of

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Hope. ‘This was readily granted. The Rev. MARMA- DUKE MILLER was made first President, and Mr. ALFRED TINKER was fitly appointed the first Secretary. This society has from the first been a most flourishing and healthy institution. Among its most devoted workers may be mentioned Mr. SAm SLATER, who for years has at various times held office as secretary, treasurer, and conductor at the Annual

Tr

Festivals. Messrs. JOE SyKES. E. A. Woop, R. STOCKDALE, and JOHN MARSHALL have also made this work a hobby and a delight. The present president,

Mr. JosEpH Haywoop, has long been attached to the temperance cause, and at present 1s also president of the Huddersfield Band of Hope Union. He is still a teacher in the school, and also acts as secretary of the Trustees. His colleague, Mr. F. B. LAWTON, as ductor-in-chief, is seldom absent from his post. The Band of Hope recently lost in the lamented death of the late Mr. Wm. BENTLEY, a secretary, who for many years was a tireless though unassuming temperance worker. The present indefatigable secretary, Mr. SYKES SENIOR does one thing and does it weH— ‘‘He looks after the Band of Hope.” The numbers ° at present are 378 with an average attendance of 150,

A Literary Society has for many years carried on with varying success. From 1870 onwards, a band of intellectuals have held communion > with the great souls of literature, and tested to the full the piquant delights of discussion. This Friday night meeting to-day needs more recognition than it receives from the younger members of Brunswick Street School and congregation. The old Society made some good speakers and the same results are still possible. The presidentis Mr. PARRY HOLROYD;

Mr. JAMES HOLROyD acts as secretary.

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One very useful and unobtrusive institution is the old Sick and Burial Society established in 1848, and brought in from Queen Street at the 1857 exodus. By weekly payments, varied according to age, any scholar, teacher, or member of the congregation, may make suitable provision for sickness or death in the same way as In similar friendly societies. Its present officers are:—President, Mr. G. H. Coox; Vice- President, Mr. J. W. SyKEs; Treasurer, Mr. A. W. WHITELEY; Secretary (for 22 years) Mr. SAM SLATER; Auditor, Mr. H. L. Epwarps. Number of members, 209. The investments and funds are in flourishing condition. In the course of its existence this old Society has been of great benefit in times of sickness and bereavement to many families.

Minor organisations that still serve a_ useful purpose in school life are the Library, established in 1857, and renewed from time to time, the Junior Missionary Society, the Bible Reading Association, with 176 members reading daily the International Bible Reading Association Lessons. Messrs. SLATER and JOE SYKES, with Misses CROSLAND and WARING, attend to these three institutions with promptitude and care.

Of the School Funds, little need be said as we have already mentioned them in speaking of those whose name they bear. The ‘‘ Armitage Examination Prize Fund” of £10, established 1895, provides interest which 1s annually expended in a book prize for the scholar obtaining the highest number of marks in a Sunday School Union Examination.

The ‘‘Hey” Memorial Prize Fund commenced New Year’s Day, 1884, consists of £100 invested in the Bradford Corporation at 34 percent. The interest is used to defray cost of book prizes for regular attendance.

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In all the organised work of the Sunday School and auxiliary organisations, a vast amount of personal service has been put forth by families, some members of which have retired, died, removed or emigrated, while others remain, perpetuating an elevating tradition of Christian service in their presence and in

their names.

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CHAPTER X. I The Women of Brunswick Street Church.

“The women of Brunswick Street were in my judgment its greater glory.” So writes one who. knew the church in the early eighties. No effort to meet church finance from the first bazaar of £500 in

1858, to the present Jubilee proposal to raise £1,000, can have its tale told without including the women of

the Church, The 1907 list of officers of the Ladies’ Sewing Meeting is but the successor of lists which, in bygone years, recorded some of the noblest toilers who ever loved a Christian society. The present officers are:—President, Mrs. A. W. WHITELEY ; Vice-President, Mrs. HAywoop; Secretary, Miss STUTTARD; Treasurer, Mrs. G. H. Cook.

Among those who long served in this meeting, the name of Mrs. JOSEPH HIRST will recall the memory of one without whom no bazaar, sewing meeting or social function, could be properly carried out. Even when invalided for some time before her decease, her one thought was Brunswick Street Church. Mrs. WAITE was another gracious soul, for many years the president of the Ladies’ Sewing Meeting. Her husband was for long a respected and well-known class leader. Mrs. WAITE preached with needles and scissors, sermons that were in the making until strength failed that dauntless, resolute, cheerful spirit. Mrs. Jos. BENTLEY made a third in this trio; of her, one much indebted to her kindly help says :—‘‘ She was all that old fashioned Methodists have ever meant by a mother in Israel, a succourer of many.” Mrs. BEDFORTH, Senr., Mrs. T. ARMITAGE, Mrs. B. DIcKINSON, Mrs. Rp. PORRITT, are also names readily recalled as past workers who gave energy

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LADIES’ SOCIAL SEWING MERFRTING, 1907.

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and thought for untold hours, that Brunswick Street might flourish, while Mrs. J. Hy. STUTTARD is proof that the same spirit has lived on until do-day.

If only these are mentioned, and other names rise spontaneously into recollection, let the reader believe that not unwillingness but space forbids further reference. Many names like that. of Mrs. EDWIN WALKER (now no longer living in Huddersfield) recall bygone services full of con- siderateness and Christian grace. I

For besides this loving work, was toil of an equally valuable order given through speech. Among the teachers, wise and lovable, rank many of the women of Brunswick Street. Miss WEBB was a highly intellectual woman, who had a wonderful influence over her pupils. Appreciation from her was discrim- inating and valued none the less that its recipient understood every word was weighed. Miss BUTTER- WORTH (now Mrs. JOHN SHAW), bright, unselfish, energetic, taught for many years in the school. Former scholars to this day speak in glowing words of her winsome gospel. The Misses BuRLEY one of whom is better known as Mrs. EDMUND CROSSLAND, thought no sacrifice too great, no task too heavy, no distance too far to be overcome if their beloved Sunday School might profit. For 30 years Mrs. CROSSLAND has taught and to this day her calm serene presence isa benefaction. Of Mrs. JOSEPH HAMMOND what can one say? Like Mrs. CROSSLAND she has given much to the school; both have given to the Sewing Meeting countless hours of ceaseless toil. Both have been blessed with godly men who along with them lived and prayed for the church of their choice, until God took them to Himself.

These women are but types of many kindred souls, keen to serve, and wishful for nothing but the

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welfare of Zion. To-day there are scme retired trom teaching, such friends as Mrs. E. W. HARGRAVE, Miss M. WHITELEY, Miss BENTLEY, Miss M. MALLINSON and the Misses Appleton, whose thoughts turn often to the school. There are others re- presenting honoured names long familiar through their parents to Brunswick Street, who count it no small joy to be still numbered as teachers. Of those who led the classes in the days of class meetings we elsewhere speak, in the chapter on ‘Classes and Leaders.”’

In listening to the conversation of Brunswick Street members and friends, it is impossible to over- look the place occupied by the women of the church in teaching and serving. That they support the work of God’s house is a matter for congratulation. Speaking of the low value placed upon the service of Christian

womanhood, the late Dr. PARKER once said—“ Is it not the mocker’s taunt that ‘women keep up the church?’ It may be, but it is a fool’s gibe! The woman does keep up the church—God bless her! But she keeps up more. She does keep up the church, but she also keeps up the heart of the world; the patience of the world; the home that covers your unworthy head. O mocker, and hard of heart! Yes, she keeps it all up, and God will in turn keep up her dear, great heart.” To the truth of every word in this eulogy, the history of Brunswick Street Church and School bears abundant witness. Whenever any enterprise has been commenced and carried through, the historian finds it a true record that ‘‘ they came both men azd women, as many as were willing-hearted . and brought a freewill offering unto the Lord.”’ So long as the women care for a church its destiny 1s

sure.

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DISTRICT LADY VISITORS, 1907.

es

Since the year 1889, invaluable help in visiting

the members of the congregation has been rendered by a number of lady members of the church. Their visits have been much appreciated by the people, and of great assistance to the pastor ofthe church. Below is the present list of districts and helpers :—

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

1—Leeds Road, from Fitzwilliam Street East.

Mrs. JOHN WM. SYKEs and Mrs. A. W. WHITELEY.

2—Bradford Road, from Hillhouse Lane. Mrs. BATTrvE and Mrs. STUTTARD.

3—Bradford Road to Hillhouse Lane, Fitzwilliam Street, &c.

Miss BENTLEY.

4—Hillhouse and Birkby. Mrs, W. T. PRIEST and Miss R. WHITELEY.

5—Lowerhead Row, Hawk Street, &c. Mrs. BATTYE and Mrs..STUTTARD.

6—King Street to East Parade. Miss APPLETON and Miss PorRRITT.

7—Turnbridge, Aspley, Moldgreen, and Somerset Road.

Mrs. RosK and Miss BK. A. Porrirr.

8—Bankfield Road, Folly Hall, Lockwood Road, &c.

Mrs. STORK and Mrs. SHAW.

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No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

668

g—Grove Street, Spring Grove Street, and part of South Street, &c.

Miss NoBLE and Miss S. L. PORRITT.

1o— Spring Street, George Street, &c. Mrs. J. HAywoop and Mrs. J. S. BURLEY

11—West Parade, Portland Street, and Trinity Street.

Miss MALLINSON.

12—West Hill, Park Drive, and Marsh, Mrs. ARMITAGE and Mrs. T. R. PORRITT.

13—New North Road and Edgerton. Mrs. HAMMOND and Mrs. WEBB.

14—Bath Street, Bradley Lane, and Belmont Street.

Mrs WHITELEY and Mrs. J. WM. SYKES.

15—Cambridge Road. Mrs. HAMMOND.

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The following ladies are members of the existing Social Sewing Meeting, held on Friday afternoons of each week.

SOCIAL SEWING MEETING, 1907.

President— Vice-President— Mrs. A. W. WHITELEY. Mrs. J. HAYWoop. Treasurer— Secretary— Mrs. G. H. Cook. Miss J. T. STUTTARD. Members— Members— Mrs. JAS. ARMITAGE Mrs. SHAW

» TL. C. BENTLEY WALKER BATTYE ,, CROSSLAND ,, PARRY HOLROYD » HELLAWELL ,, KILNER ,, LHOS. R. PORRITT ,», PENNY BRUCE W. ROSE J. H. STUTTARD », JOHN WM. SYKES

., EDWIN SYKES ,». SAML. SLATER ,, STORK , H. TELFER ,, GEO. WASHINGTON », WHEAWILL ,, WEBB Miss ARMITAGE », BENTLEY ,, PORRITT ,, A. PORRITT

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CHAPTER XI.

The Congregation— Memories and Impressions.

We have already mentioned the names of well- remembered workers in speaking of the Trustees, School Teachers, Temperance Workers, and Ladies’ Meetings. It is now time to make even an imperfect and fragmentary attempt to recall in a few sentences, some of the Brunswick Street founders, workers and hearers. The men celebrating this Jubilee are inheritors, the dead have gone from us. Time has made it possible to pay a scanty tribute, not to all of them, but to a few of those without whom this history

would be incomplete.

GEORGE MALLINSON was better known by a later generation through his two sons, THOMAS and WILLIAM, but as the man chosen to lay the foundation stone he distinction. He endured much between 1850 and 1857 for conscience sake; when at last he reached the day that saw Brunswick Street Church begun, he turned to the future leaving bitter- ness behind. He built up a good business as woollen cloth merchant; he also built up his soul and his family in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. If the reader will turn back to the story of the stone-laying of Brunswick Street, he will know what manner of

man laid it.

THOMAS MALLINSON died before the Trust Deed was signed, seeing but a short time of service. When leaving Queen Street in 1857, he received and refused a hearty invitation given him to join the Anglican

Church. MALLINSON lived on until I902. From all

points of view he was a remarkable man. ‘‘As he grew older in years he grew younger in thought,

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always coming nearer to the ‘Our Father’ of childhood’s faith,” says one profoundly influenced by him. Another writes, ‘‘He was one of the biggest ‘humans’ I have ever met; to have fellowship with him was a liberal education.” His library was always at a minister’s disposal, and the pastors of the church found in him a friendly and sometimes critical hearer and helper. On all departments of trust, church and school affairs, he impressed a mind and will of clear- ness and tenacity. Of his public and philanthropic services many still living can bear witness; here we speak of him as he was ‘‘a leader” in the full sense of that much-abused Methodistic term. Huis work in the school we have already described. When he died in 1902, Brunswick Street Church lost one of its elect.

JOHN SCHOLES was another well-known leader. At his beautiful home, ‘‘Clough House,” the minister found an unfailing friend. In church life, every thought, word and action, bespoke the true gentleman, and those who knew him best loved him most.

Another well-known character was JOSEPH ARMITAGE, whose two sons THOMAS and JAMES perpetuated by their mutual service the memory and worth of atrue man of Brunswick Street. At15 years of age he joined Queen Street Wesleyan Society, and for about 30 years taught in the Sunday School. For 15 years he was also aclass leader. When the great secession took place Mr. ARMITAGE went also. He was one of the founders of Brunswick Street, and to the day of his death prayed and toiled for its prosperity. His son THOMAS held many positions; his son JAMES retired from school work within recent years, after over 50 years of unswerving attachment to the school. Some of the grandchildren also are still with us. Another son in New Zealand, Mr. JOSEPH ARMITAGE, wrote recently in affecting words of his memories and thoughts of the scholars he knew 20 years ago.

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It is not the least valuable tribute to the influence of Brunswick Street parents and founders that from far distant lands, as well as from some nearer home, have come many touching testimonies to the moral and spiritual worth of JOSEPH ARMITAGE his co-workers and fellow founders. Wecan but mention

the fact. we should require another 50 pages to set forth the esteem bygone scholars feel for the Sunday

School. BENJAMIN Hey lived to express the noble sentiment of the aged apostle John. ‘“ Little children love one another: keep yourselves from idols’”— might be taken as the benediction of a life full of good works and passionately in love with the face of every Brunswick Street scholar. He lived for this school. He had public positions and did business as a dyer: but to him the scarlet threads of sacrifice were the ties with which to bind and colour young people’s hearts in sacred service. In sincerity, honesty,

equable temper, and spiritual loyalty, this man was a prince in Israel. He was the Brunswick Street

Mr. Greatheart. An entirely different but representative type of congregational life and character was expressed in RICHARD PORRITT. far-seeing, resolute, he built up a solid business; he also trained with his god-fearing, much respected wife, a worthy family of sons and daughters. Some have gone from Bruns- wick Street, but the Misses are respected teachers, while Mr. THos. Rb. PORRITY® is the esteemed church secretary. Of RICHARD PoRRITT, it is true, his children rise up to call him blessed.

Of the men nearer the present day it is not needful to write, as they are fortunately still in association with us if not in active service. But one name may be inserted, if only to place on record the grateful feeling still cherished by all Brunswick Street friends towards

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the name of EDWIN WALKER. Says one who valued highly his fellowship, ‘‘ He is still living so I may not say all I would like, but when he removed to Norfolk, one of the most prized assets of our church life was in a measure lost to us.” No one will dispute the justice of this tribute, when his varied services in all capacities are recalled. Alike as friend, official, hearer and member he merits remembrance. Of many acts, the one most characteristic of the man, was his extinction of the chapel debt then standing at about #1850, The ladies of the church after the bazaar of 1887, had resolved to wipe it out. Mr. Walker canie into line with their desires, but instead of another bazaar, canvassed the congregation himself, heading the effort with a noble donation of £3co. No wonder he succeeded in clearing off the debt. But the success was due not so much to money, as to personality. Mr. WALKER had that indetinable charm of personal force which defies analysis, added to a modest and unswerving loyalty to his Master. Along with his kind-hearted wife this man stands out in Brunswick Street history a fine example of beneficence and

Christian worth,

There were many families then, as now, whose names do not officially appear. Anyone who knows the congregation of a church is aware of many persons seldom named in official records who make up the congregation in its tone, temper, liberality and number. Both yesterday and to-day it 1s true here, that many names remind us of those who mean for a church and a minister much attentive hearing, loyal support, generous giving. ‘To mention this fact is to recall at once names such as those of Messrs. KIRK, NIELD, FOWLER, MELLOR, BEDFORTH, SCHOLE- FIELD, STEAD, SCHOFIELD, VICKERS, WILSON, G. WILSON, HASTWOOD and FITToON. ‘‘ Nocungregation,”’ says a former minister, ‘“‘could be more appreciative,

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reverent, and attentive. Any man with a message was heard with an intelligence which compelled him to do his best.”

‘‘ Brunswick Street congregation, more than any other congregation that I have ever known,” says another who ministered to it, ‘“‘ suggests to me to-day the high possibilities that are within the reach of a Noncontormist Church, when it is true to its best traditions.” This is a wisesaying. If the names and glories of the past can be but dimly suggested in these hints and outlines of former members, they at least compel us to observe the future 1s ours. Men may make or mar not only their day but that which follows. This Jubilee revives and honours the story of worthy men and women: fhe centenary tale will be according to our contribution No one can recall names like MALLINSON, SHAW, LIDSTER, SCHOLES, BRIERLY, BUTTERWORTH, WEBB, NIELD, BENTLEY, ‘TAYLOR, LONGWORTH, LIVERSEDGE, WHEATLEY, DICKINSON, BROUGHTON, HAMMOND and CROSSLAND, to say nothing of names borne by those still worship- ping here—without hearing ‘the voice of a trumpet behind,” stirring the children of the Jubilee year to consecration. ‘This honourable list of names will not be called in vain if those who read will sustain fitly the church and the school these men and women loved beyond degree.

Gi

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CHAPTER XII. Preachers, Prayer and Class Leaders.

Among the most interesting meniorials of past days are the Circuit Plans. To-day we have a small plan containing the names of two ministers and four local preachers. The plan for 1872-3 from September to February, gives the names of 1 minister, twenty- nine local preachers, 3 on trial, and 18 groups of prayer leaders responsible for services and meetings at Brunswick Street, Hillhouse, Rashcliffe, Northgate and Back Spring Street. It is impossible to reproduce in these pages a copy of this plan; for the sake of comparison and suggestion we may quote the first 23 names of preachers. The reader will note the changes of 35 years as he tries to to count those remaining on Brunswick Street plan in 1907.

PREACHERS IN 1872—

Rev. A. HOLLIDAY J. H. LEES THOS. COLBECK H. POGSON W. WILSON A. NEWSOME N. HOLDSWORTH Jos. SCHOFIELD C. EF. CooK GEORGE GELDER J. C. HAIGH W. KAYE R. WHITAKER On trial— JONATHAN BEELEY JNO. COOK Jos. HAYWOOD W. BELLARBY J. O. HAIGH J. W. SCHOLES J. A. LIVERSEDGE H. TEILFER JOSIAH FOWLER

PREACHERS IN 1907 (not including Hillhouse pastor and local preachers)— Rev. BRUCE W. ROSE GEORGE BLACKBURN [L. CLAYTON Rev. A. SIMPSON HERBERT TELFER HENRY BOOTH In 1872, there was a vigorous system of mission work carried on, which found abundant employment for local preachers. The sole existing causes that took root, and to-day possess chapels and ministers are Hillhouse and Rashcliffe. Into the reasons for the comparativelv small outcome of all the energy

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expended it is useless to enter. That men in that day saw great things possible is undoubtedly the fact; that results came short of the vision is no uncommon experience. As time passed on, the restricted calls upon the preaching power of the local preachers, owing to the cessation of meetings and services, told its tale in a diminishing supply of men. The pastorate possessing as it does many advantages, has un- doubtedly the tendency to lessen the demand for local preaching. Churches depend on the minister, and the day has not yet arrived, when the preaching power no longer required for pulpit work, is successfully conserved in some other equally effective form of church service. .The leakage here is serious and we cannot here stay to fully discuss its total cause or suggest a remedy. Our purpose is historical. We sometimes talk as if a church like Brunswick Street had one long record of unceasing progress and developed abundantly all its forces. That is not the case. Periods of success and decline are here as else- where plainly visible, and in the line of local preachers there is a failing of numbers admonitory insignificance. All Methodist Churches should above all things breed or inspire the preaching spiritin young life. Methodism knows little of a solitary religion or of isolated churches. Its strength lies in its associations and continuous extensions.

Of the men, who 35 years proclaimed the gospel, mention may be made among others of JONATHAN BEELEY, “ brother Jonathan ’”’ as he was called. His erect and sturdy figure will not easily be forgotten by those who knew him; in moral calibre he was a staunch Puritan. Hewas an old-fashioned Methodist, not afraid to ejaculate during prayer or sermon a hearty ‘‘ Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!” Powerful was he in prayer, both in voice and matter. He was a strong believer in instant conversion and would not

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give much for the safety of the souls of those unable to name the day and hour of their new birth. When the cause at Hillhouse was started Mr. MILLER dubbed him ‘ Bishop” and placed him in charge of the church, and “ Bishop” he remained to the close of his life.

Mr. H. PoGson was a faithful local preacher, who not merely preached but begged from time to time for the Local Preachers’ Mutual Aid Society. In order to give all an opportunity of helping, he would ask for a penny each from his hearers. This request often repeated led to his being known as ‘‘ Penny A son, the Rev. Dr. POGSON, is widely known in the United States as a popular preacher.

Mr. JNo. Cook in his younger days had the distinction of preaching with one of the greatest preachers England has ever heard. The late C. H. SPURGEON and Mr. Cook were college chums. For some time Mr. Cook worked on the Brunswick Street plan, but later on he rejoined his own denomination and now attends New North Road Baptist Chapel.

Mr. HERBERT TELFER still keeps his name on the circuit plan. Living for some time at Almondbury, Mr. TELFER found a congenial field of labour in the Zion Chapel until his return to Brunswick Street. For a number of years he served Hillhouse Church in various ways. but later has taken his old place in the Mother Church as a teacher, leader and local preacher. To him the compiler of this history is much indebted for the loan of plans, notebooks and journals containing information, much of it unobtain- able elsewhere.

Of the remaining names we cannot here write; several are elsewhere mentioned in this history: the rest are not readily recalled in any other terms but these: ‘‘they were good local preachers, always

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willing to take appointments.” It is scant remem- brance, but to Methodist minds the few words convey a volume of meaning in view of the difficulties often

met with in the arrangement and filling up of circuit plans.

No record would do justice to the past: which overlooked the Class Leaders. To-day, this honoured term may mean an official designation of some person keeping a mere register of names; once on a day the name stood for the central figures in a_ spiritual fellowship of incalculable value. The present genera- tion often disparages class meetings; it has heard such gatherings described in terms of reprobation, caricature or contempt. Occasionally words are dropped full of regret by those who know these meetings, indicative of a sense of loss at their extinction. The writer of these lines recalls that the late Dr. DALE, in a great sermon on Methodism, lamented the lack in Congregationalism of some such outlet for emotion and thought as the class meeting supplied. He praised the institution, not denying its liability to defect, but extolling its value as a medium for fellowship. That prince of Congregational preachers was right in his perception of the signifi- cance of a Class Meeting. Granting such meetings are unpopular, unappreciated and not desired, does not alter the undeniable fact that no meeting has yet been devised of equal value to the Class Meeting in its best forms. The recent debate in the Mother Conference of Methodism, revealed the strength of this institution in its helpfulness to those who know how to get most out of zt. Its critics are mostly (though not always), the people who have lost the glow and flow of emotion and spiritual thought, or have never felt this holy unction. Our purpose is not to do anything more than record now the fact, that class meetings have passed out of the organizations

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that meet from week to week at Brunswick Street. Whether their passing means gain or loss time will prove. Some equivalent as a spiritual channel of expression is being generally sought to-day in church life; there are not wanting signs that at this church, once the centre of a large group of classes. some modern methods of expressing the genius of Christian fellowship in addition to those fortunately in existence, will ere long be operative.

A glance at the list of 1870, given in the first published church manual, shows how constant and varied was the interchange of spiritual sentiment. Here is the list on page 12 of the year book :—

CLASS LEADERS AND THEIR TIMES OF MEBRTING.

Mr. THOMAS ARMITAGE ... Thursday Evening, 8 o’clock ,, W. BELLARBY do. do. do. ,, JONATHAN BEELEY...... do. do. do. ,, EDMUND CROSSLAND... Monday Evening, do. ,, WILLIAM FOWLER ...... do. do. 7-45 ,, GEORGE GELDER......... Thursday Evening, 8 o’clock ,. BENJAMIN HRy ......... do. do. do. ,, WILLIAM KAYE ......... Tuesday Evening, do. ,, WILLIAM LIDSTER ...... Thursday Evening, do. ,, EDWIN LIDSTER ......... Sunday Afternoon, 2-30 ,, JAMES LONGWORTH ... Thursday Evening, 8 o'clock ,, WILLIAM MALLINSON.. do. do. do. ,, HENRY POGSON ......... do. dy. do. ,, GEORGE SCHOLES ...... Monday Evening, 7-30 1, JOHN SCHOLES do. do. 8 o'clock , J. H. STUTTARD ......... do. do. do. ,. THOMAS SMITH Sunday Morning, 9-15 ., THOMAS Thursdey Evening, 8 o'clock ,, RICHARD WHITTAKER do. do. do.

Female Classes:

EMMA Wednesday Afternoon, 3-30 MARY ANN Thursday do. 8o’clock ANNIE BUTTERWORTH

... Wednesday Evening, 7-3 ELIZA BENTLEY......... y Hvening

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From any point of view these leaders taken as a body were a fine body of devoted men and women. JAMES LONGWORTH hada room filled week by week with youth, hope and experience, led by a devoted man into the presence of God. The brothers EDWIN and WILLIAM LIDSTER had with other leaders turned out in 1857 from Queen Street, but they kept the fervour and meaning of the Class Meeting. They led and prayed, and gave, setting example and encouraging their comrades in good work for Brunswick Street. THOMAS ARMITAGE superintended scholars for some years; he examined himself and others in the faith week by week in his beloved class. JOHN HENRY STUTTARD Is still with us. As senior trustee he now stands at the head of the Trust Roll. But as leader, church secretary, and school superintendent, he has rendered a long account of faithful service to the church he turned to in his youth. GEORGE SCHOLES, the father of John Scholes, thought the class the gate of heaven ; his fellow-leaders to a man agreed with him. women: it is only needful to watch the faces light up of those still able to recall the utterances of the faithful four, prosaically called ‘Female Class Leaders.” Brunswick Street Church has many memories that cannot be penned. They are not to be reckoned as history; they are there in the hearts of many now with God. A few survive still, whose voices grow tremulous with deep emotion, whose words are charged to the full with mingled joy and regret as they try to tell us how much it meant in those days ‘‘ to meet in

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CHAPTER XIII. Flillhouse and Rashcliffe.

In the year 1868, the efforts of the Rev. MARMA- DUKE MILLER and the local preachers were centreing upon the rearing of some permanent church life in other parts of the town. Brunswick Street was vigorous, financially and numerically powerful, and to Mr. MILLER it seemed almost criminal not to attempt some form of church extension. In August of that year therefore a Leaders’ Meeting appointed a com- mittee to form a church at Hillhouse. Messrs. GEORGE and JOHN SCHOLES, PETER FALCON, JAMES ARMITAGE HERBERT TELFER, JAMES DAWSON, Senr., WILLIAM WILSON and LAW HARGRAVES were the men called forth and in a month’s time they started a class. Mr. THos. BUTLER conducted it for two years and was succeeded by Mr. JOHN SCHOLES. In 1872 the late JONATHAN BEELEY, ‘‘ the Bishop,” led it for some time, being followed by the late BENJAMIN STEAD until the date when Mr. CHARLES BURGIN was appointed as Home Missionary. A second class was formed later led for some years by Mr. PETER FALCON.

The Sunday preaching services and week-night class meetings were regularly held week by weekina room known as Proctor’s Schoolroom. The New Connexion friends had for some time previously tried the same experiment with little result ; the Brunswick Street effort seemed likely to meet the same end. Fortunately it was agreed to start a Sunday School. From that day the cause prospered. The school was opened in 1872. Messrs. Jos. HAywoop and ALBERT NEWSOME being the first secretaries. In 1873 the first anniversary and tea meeting proved most suc- cessful gatherings. Nearly 300 persons sat down to

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tea, and the report showed 119 scholars and 15 teachers. Subscriptions were later on guaranteed to cover the salary for three years and a home missionary was secured in the person of Mr. CHARLES BURGIN.

The feeling in favour of a chapel gained ground, and when Mr. GEorGE BARKER promised the first £100, followed by Mr. Wm. MALLINSON’s promise for a similar amount, it was soon clear that building projects would be more than dreams. A healthy revival in Mr. BURGIN’S ministry facilitated progress. Messrs. FALCON, STEAD and LIDSTER toiled hard to make the chapel a possibility and in 1873 saw their labours on the way to fruition. The corner stone was laid in that year by Mr. JOHN SCHOLEs, plans for the building being prepared for the Trustees by Mr. BEN Stocks, the choirmaster of Brunswick Street. In 1874, the building was opened by Rev. JOHN GUTTRIDGE, having cost £3135 ; donations and subscriptions left a debt of £1600. From that date onwards the church has nobly striven to reduce its liabilities. It was well served in those early years by a capable group of young ministers. All were promising men and as probationers they served Hillhouse, preaching also at Brunswick Street, as the Junior Ministers. The Revs. FRANCIS MARRS, JAMES HARRISON and W. H. Brookes thus served the two churches until 1882. In that year the church undertook to accept a full connexional minister. It was then determined to to release Hillhouse from its close association as a branch of Brunswick Street Church, and make it an independent church. A liberal subsidy for seven years was paid by the mother church, commencing at £70 and decreasing £10 per annum, towards the expenses of Hillhouse Church. A membership of 82 members was transferred from the Brunswick Street register, with Mr. H. TELFER as church secretary and Mr. A. NEWSOME as treasurer. In 1884, the church

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was recognised as a Separate circuit by the United Methodist Free Church Assembly. From that date the church at Hiullhouse has conducted its own affairs, and the Brunswick Street Church has always with a friendly eye followed its developments. The present pastor is the Rev. T. A. JEFFERIES, and the membership numbers about 115 full members. The Trust Debt is now about £950. The following is the list of Hillhouse Ministers,

1876-1907 :— UNDER BRUNSWICK AS ASSISTANT MINISTERS.

1876 FRANCIS MARRS 1878 JAMES HARRISON 1881 W.H. BROOKES

HILLHOUSE PASTORS.

1883 EDMUND TEBB 1894. JOHN GASKELL 1885 A. G. MACHIN 1897 THOMAS LETCHER

1888 EDWARD LANG 1904 R.H. KIPLING 1891 J, W. THOMPSON 1907 T. A. JEFFERIES

RASHCLIFFE MISSION CHURCH.

This society dates from March 27th, 1871, when, at a Brunswick Street Leaders’ Meeting, Messrs. T. FITTON and W. HAIGH were appointed to make enquiries as to the prospects and propriety of forming a Sunday School in that district. Their report was considered on April 5th, and though the Leaders did not feel prepared to sanction the full scheme, they agreed to be responsible for the expenses of the Mission—as an experiment—1in a cottage then occupied by the Temperance Society. On February 14th, 1872, Mr. THOMAS FITTON was appointed Treasurer, and the effort was continued in a

very modest way until April, 1874, when the Quarterly Meeting was so far satisfied with the results that they

voted £25 per annum to enable the workers to obtain more commiodious premises.

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The Sunday School continued to grow in numbers and interest, these premises présently became too small, and an effort was then made to provide the Mission with a building of its own; this was consum- mated in 1878, when, on February 21st, an Iron Chapel and School were opened by the Rev. MARMADUKE MILLER. The cost of the erection was £783 8s. od.

The efforts made by the late Wm. LIDSTER in monies and seeing to the erection of this building are still gratefully remembered.

On January 29th, 1879, the first Board of Manage- ment consisting of 13 members—6 from Brunswick Street and 7 from Rashcliffe, was elected, the Pastor

and Secretary of the Brunswick Street Church being ex-officio members.

The first Board of Trustees was elected at a meeting held at Brunswick Street, March 15th, 1882.

These held office until April 21st, 1892, when the Trust was transferred to a new Board, which now holds office under the Reference Deed of the United Methodist Free Churches.

Up to September, 1882, the pastoral work of the Mission was mainly conducted by ministers who worked conjointly the Missions of Hillhouse and Northgate, supplemented by lay preachers and other outside helpers. Since that time the following have ministered at Rashcliffe :—

Sept., 1882 to June, 1887, Mr. R. J. WALSHAW. June, 1887 ,, Aug., 1893, ,, JOHN SILVERWOOD. Aug., 1893 ,, Mar,, 1896. ,, Jas. J. Dopps. Mar., 1896 ,, Aug., 1898, Local Preachers. Aug., 1898 ,, Aug., 1900, Rev. H. S. DINSLEY. Aug., 1900 ,, Aug., 1901, Local Preachers. Aug., 1901 ,, Aug., 1903, Rev. T. A. JEFFERIES. Aug., 1903 ,, Aug., 1905, Rev. ERNEST H. Tuck. Aug., 1905 ,, Aug., 1907, Rev. W. T. SHALLARD. Aug., 1907 Rey. ALFRED SIMPSON.

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83

For many years great exertions had been made to raise funds for a new Chapel ; these efforts were in due time rewarded, a neat and substantial building having been erected (from plans prepared by Mr. B. Srocks) at a cost of £1370 11s. 6d. The Opening Services were held on December 3rd, 1904. The present debt now amounts to some £50. The membership 1s 67. I

There are various auxiliary agencies in a flourishing condition. The Sunday School and Young People’s Senior and ‘Thursday Evening Classes, the Band of Hope, the Mothers’ Meetings, conducted by Mrs. STorRK and Mrs. CROSSLAND, and the Monday Evening Sewing Meetings, give every evidence of considerable possibilities, .if only the Rashcliffe Church will rise to its opportunities. Situated in the midst of a dense population, with a record of thirty-five years of service given to it, there is ample room for extension in influence and numbers. The present pastor, a newly-appointed probationer, Rev. ALFRED SIMPSON. Mr. LEONARD CLAYTON Is the secretary, Mr. J. Wm. Sykes, of Brunswick Street Church, acting as general treasurer. Messrs. HUGHES, TATE, CROOKES and ARMITAGE, are a faithful quartette in church and social work, deserving every encouragement in their difficult task, while Mr, and Mrs. Blackburn, with others who could be riamed if

one had space, are always ready to aid the work at. Rashcliffe.

Page 106

CHAPTER XIV. A Voluntary Church and what it can give..

Brunswick Street Church is a voluntary society of Christian believers, neither asking nor receiving State support. It recognises the priesthood of all believers, minister and people alike believing of each other, ‘“‘ He made zs to be a kingdom, to be priests unto His God and Father,” (R.V.) Its doctrinal standard is evangelical. Its financial needs and gifts are met by voluntary offerings and donations to the objects appealing to the mind and heart of the church. It would be a laborious task to set out in detail the amounts given for specific funds; it is possible, however, to give a fair idea of what has been contributed by tabulating the amounts annually recorded, along with the church members returned in each year as on the Church Register. There are sums given to objects of a special character, such as the Free Methodist Twentieth Century Fund of 1900, when 400 guineas were contributed, which do not find a place in the yearly total. Generally speaking, the sum in a given year 1s approximately correct, as a sample of voluntary finance for that year. The purposes for which monies have been raised are varied as the following list shows. The objects claiming support change with the altered conditions of church life, and the different views held as to the direction of church generosity. Here is a sample of the various calls upon a voluntary church :—

Pew and School Poor Fund Bazaars and Sales Rents Tract Societies of Work Chapel Anniver- Dorcas Society Class Monies sarles Infirmary Funds Literary Society School do. Poor Children’s I Young People’s Missionary do. Treat Classes Choir do. Band of Hope Deaf and Dumb Harvest Festivals Sewing Meetings Institute Y.M.C.A.

Free will Offerings Prize Fund

Page 107

TABLE OF AMOUNTS RAISED YEARLY FOR

CHURCH PURPOSES, 1857-1906.

No. of I No. of Total Income Total Amount Year. each Year. Year. vem- each Year. £ S. d. £ Ss. d.

1€82 454 I 1267 I 16 1883 359 I I122 O 1884 I 354 I 1333 I 11 1885 I 361 I 1630 I Io 1886 I 385 I 1278 I 6 1887 I 372 I 2494 I 6 1888 I 374 I 1487 I 4 1889 I 380 I 1288 I 12 1890 I 380 I 1134 I II 1891 I 355, 908 I 7 1892 I 342] 934] 2 1893 I 351 I 1144 I 3 1894 I 352 I 931 I 12 1895 I 373 I 1087 I 14 1896 I 337 I 1351 I 4 1897 I 337 I 14 1898 I 343 I 880 I I1

1899 I 351 I 1851 8 1900 I 339 I IIOI O IQOI 322 I 1398 I 9 1902 337 I 1627 I II 1903 I 355 I 1169 I 13 1904 351 I 1982 2 1905 366 g67 I 16 1906 I 352 I 1379 I I2

1857 I 3° 190 I 17 1858 I 340 I 297 I 19 1859 I 340 I 454 I 1

1860 I 337 I 777 I 1861 310 I 727 I 16

1862 I 313 675 8 1863 264 655 I 18 1864 I 664! 8 1865 I 273 I 743 I ! 1866 I 280 I 895 I 16 1867 I 283 |} 902 I 1868 I 316 I 1122] 7 1869 I 357 I 1120| 2 1870 I 390 I 1256 I 18 1871 397 I 1201 I 18 1872 I 387 I 1222 I 7 1873 I 391 I 1167 I Io 1874 I 401 I 1135 I 9 1875 I 383 I 1089 I 3 1876 I 423 I 1264 I 19 1877 I 395 I 1178 I 7 1878 I 404 I 1238 I 3 1879 I 429 I I2I9 I 8 3 6

= HM OO HF ONUONON DNDN

=

CON ON O

DHO OH O WYSA O OW

1880 I 456 I 1331 1881 I 466 1015 I I

I

Average No. of Members annually recorded from 1857-tg06—358.

Total of Amounts annually recorded, exclusive of special sums, such as Free Methodist Silver Wedding and 2oth Century Funds, and aid to other Churches, £57,252 10s. 7d.

Of the 306 members registered in 1857, only 5 remain, No. of scholars, 1857-1907—7,000.

‘ @o God be all the Glorn.”’

Page 108

CHAPTER XV. Whither ?

This record does not pretend to fully relate the tale of half-a-century in church life. The real experiences, the joys and sorrows, loves and hopes cannot be here chronicled. There are, however, men and women to-day doing good work as citizens and lovers of home and children, who owe all their religious and moral inspiration to Brunswick Street Church and School. The men of yesterday are gone and the conditions of their day also. We shall not honour them best by perpetuating their methods, but by keeping their spirit of sensitiveness to the demands of the hour.

The Brunswick Street Church has had a steady membership annually renewed, with but few periods of Revival Services. An army may number 10,000, but every commander knows the waste that has to be replaced during war service. life there are every year deaths, removals and_ withdrawals. changing the fersonelle of a membership slowly but surely. Only five persons remain of the original 306 first enrolled! A few family names appear through the fifty years continuously, but how many have disappeared? Itis for the children to-day to decide whether they will keep up not only the numbers but the influence of this church. They live in a day when most happily all branches of Methodism say lovingly :— 7

a6

Let us no more contend, nor blame Each other, blam'd enough elsewhere! let us strive In offices of love how we may lighten Each other’s burden in our share of woe.’’

Page 109

87

The signs are many that a search after unities, social activities and moral elevations, characterises the present earnest minds in church and state. There is a growing impatience with the policy that magnifies differences, along with a welcome perception that matters of polity and organization are temporal, while all fellowships in the love of the Master and a neighbour’s good are eternal. Says Marcus Aurelius, “Men are born to be serviceable to one another.” The same may be said of churches. The future of Brunswick Street Church 1s assured, if in association with a congenial polity and larger church life, as expressed in a union like that of the new United Methodist Church, its children remember

‘‘ Life is only bright when it proceedeth Towards a truer, deeper life above.’’

FINIS.

Page 110

CHAPTER XVI.

DIARY OF BRUNSWICK STREET CHURCH EVENTS,

LIST

1857 April6 1 7 , 8 i , 15 ,, 19

,, 28 July 25 Mar. 5 Apnls 1859 Mar.15 7 Sep. 7

1858

1860 July 15

1862 Jan. 27 Dec. 9 April 7

1, 27

July 1 »» Mar.15 1866 Aug.— 1868 July 6

1863 1864

1865

9?

1870 Jan. — 1871 April 5 » Oct. 17 », Mar.13 july 1 » Aug.— » Oct. 30 1874

OF MEMBERS, SEAT HOLDERS, &c.

Secession decided. Trust Deed of Queen Street relinguished. A Free Wesleyan Church decided upon. First Leaders’ Meeting.

Sunday Services and Sacrament in Philosophical Hall.

Sites and Building Committees formed. Revs. J. Collier, of Oxford, called to pastorate. Contracts let for New Chapel. Stone Laying by George Mallinson, Esq. Doctrinal Standard adopted.

Chapel opened. Rev. W. Brock, of London, preached. Opening collections at all services totalled £1265 14s. 4d.

Organ opened. Cost £650. £580 Is. 4d.

Rev. J. Collier resigned. Rev. Thos. Stephenson called to pastorate. Trust Deed adopted but not signed.

Rev. R. Wheatley called to succeed Rev. T. Stephenson, resigned.

Collections

Trust Deed signed.

Relief voted to Lancashire Distress Fund. Rev. Marmaduke Miller commenced pastorate. Hillhouse Committee secured a preaching room.

Rev. Marmaduke Miller First Representative to Assembly.

First Church Manual issue. Rashcliffe Mission financed. Rev. Anthony Holliday called to pastorate. Plans for Northgate Mission accepted. Farewell presentation of £200 to Rev. M. Miller. Rey. A. Holliday commenced pastorate. Mr. Charles Burgin appointed to Hillhouse.

Hillhouse Chapel opened, at aé_ cost of £3293 10s. 7d.

Page 111

1876 Jan. —

i]

,, 24

July 20

1878 Aug.—

1880

1882 Aug.—

>?

,”

1883

1884

1885 1887

9?

1889 1892 1896 1898

1899 1900 1901 1902

1904 1906 1907

Oct. 15

1, 16

1, 17

>” 18

July — Aug.—

Mar. 23 } 1, 26 I

Aug.—

Aug.—

Aug.— Oct. 23

Mar. 5) Bazaar realised £625

8 I

Dec. 3 Rashcliffe Chapel opened. Aug.— Oct. 20 Jubilee Celebrations.

89 Junior Minister requested for Hillhouse. Free Will Offerings adopted. Vote of £200 in aid of Rashcliffe Mission.

Rev. Richard Gray commenced pastorate.

Iron Church built and opened at Rashcliffe. Cost £650.

Bazaar held, realised £97 lls. 6d. Sale of Work realised £248 6s. Id. Rev. Win. Jackson commenced pastorate.

25th Anniversary. Special collections, £53 5s. 5d.

Public Tea and Meeting. Chairman, Mr. B. Hey. Speakers, Rev. M. Miller, W. Jackson and others.

Old Scholars’ Gathering. Chairman, Mr. Geo. Slater. Addresses by teachers and scholars.

Social Gathering of Branch School Scholars and friends.

Hillhouse made Independent Church.

Rev. Wm. Boyden commenced pastorate. Special collection, £88 4s. 7d.

Rev. Alfred Jones called to pastorate. Special collection, £125 17s. 6d. Chapel Repainted &c. Cost £373 4s. 6d.

Grand Jubilee Bazaar, raised £1247 5s. 1d.

Rev. Frank E. Chester, M.A., pastorate.

Extinction of Chapel Debt, £1800. Rev. Benj. J. Tungate commenced pastorate. Bazaar realised £468 15s. 9d.

Rev. James and H. 8S. Dinsley commenced as co-pastors.

Chapel Renovation and Structural Altera- tions agreed upon, to cost £1200.

Bazaar realised £834 14s. 9d. Rev. James King commenced pastorate. Rashcliffe Bazaar realised £151 18s. 44d. 20th Century Fund promises £422 2s. Od. 14s. Od. sranted to

commenced

Rashcliffe, £350. Cost £1370 Ills. 6d.

Rev. Bruce W. Rose commenced pastorate.

Page 112

TRUSTEE BOARD—LIST OF OFFICERS, 1857-1881.

YEAR. SECRETARY. TREASURER. CHAPE] STEWARDS.

1857 Mr. James Shaw Mr. W. Mallinson pro tem. 9 1858 Mr. George Gelder 1859 9 ‘9 Messrs. D. Midgley and George Mallinson 1860 99 99 99 99 99 1861 I 9 9 ”? 9 9 1862 Mr. Benjamin Hey 9 9 R. Porritt 9 1863 Mr. James Shaw 7) ” 9 ” 1864 9 9 9 re) 9 1865 9 ” ” 9 7 1866 9 9 ” 1867 ” ” ” 19 9 1868 9 9 9 1869 3 ) » John Scholes 1870 Mr. James Scholefield I 187] , 3 I Benjamin Hey 1872 9 9 9 ” 9 1873 ” 1874 9 99 9 9 9 1875 9 9 I 9 9 99 1876 93 ” 9 9 9 1877 Mr. Jas. Scholefield ” 9 99 ” 1878 - R. Porritt ys 1879 9 ” 9 9 1880 Mr. Joseph Brierly ‘9 ‘3 188] 99 9 9 9

Page 114

ee

ee

Ce

BRUNSWICK

Ma

Petree

STREET FREE WESLEYAN

eg

“HURCH.

(From original drawing of Mr, John Kirk, Architect.)

Page 115

TRUSTEE BOARD—List oF OFFICERS, 1882-1907.

YEAR.

SECRETARY.

TREASURER.

CHAPEL STEWARDS.

1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907

Mr. Thos. Armitage

99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 Mr. Thos. R. Porritt 99 99 99 99

99

99 Mr. Joseph Haywood 19 9 99 99 99

99

Mr. James Scholefield

79 9

99

Mr. Edwin Walker

99

99

Mr. George Bedforth

9 99 99 79 99 99 99 99 99 79

99

Mr. J. Wm. Sykes

Messrs. R. Porritt and John H. Stuttard

9

bi]

99

9

29

99

99

99

9

99

9

99

99

9

99

79

9

99

99

99

9

29

9

99

9

99

John Scholes

Joseph Brierly and Edwin Walker

>]

5 Jno. Hy. Whiteley

99 99

John Scholes and John H. Stuttard George Bedforth Geo. H. Cook ” Parry Holroyd James Armitage Geo. H. Cook J. Haywood 5 » James Armitage Geo. H. Cook Jno. W. Sykes Francis Webb 9 Walker T. Priest Thos. R. Porritt Geo. H. Cook James Armitage and Francis Webb

Francis Webb and Geo. H. Cook

Page 116

1857

1862 1863 1866

1868 1869

1870

1871 1872 1873

1874

1875 1876

1877 1878

1879

List OF CHURCH MEMBERS.

REVISED OCTOBER 12TH,

Armitage, James Hammond, Ellen Littlewood, John B. Stuttard, J. H. Whiteley, Mary Ann Bentley, Annie

‘Whiteley, Martha

Hammond, Emma Littlewood, Mary Ann Sykes, Mary Ann Washington, Mary H. Owen, Annie A. Senior, Hannah Armitage, Eliza Ann Bedforth, George Whiteley, Arthur Wade Whiteley, John Henry Haywood, Joseph Thompson, Eliza Ann Haywood, Lydia Cook, George Herbert Lee, John Burley, James Astley, Alfred Porritt, Catharine Appleton, Elizabeth Porritt, Eliza Ann Astley, Mary Porritt, Sarah Martha Cawthra, Emma Porritt, Edward Hanson Hannah Wood, Martha Cook, Mary Ann Hanson, Wright Lawton, F. Brook Slater, William Sutcliffe, Frederick Wheawill, Hannah Pearson, Emily J. Mellor, Eliza Holroyd, Parry Mallinson, Wilhelmina

1879 1880

1881 1882

1883

1884

1885

1886

1887

1907.

Holroyd, Betsy J. Appleton, Emily Slater, Clara Elizabeth Porritt, Thomas Richard Slater, Samuel Watkin, Ellen Washington, jonn Wm. Battye, Elizabeth Westoby, Margaret Crossland, Eliza Blackburn, George Blackburn, Sarah Hannah Sharp, Annie Stuttard, Ruth Messenger, Mary Ann Waite, Eliza Porritt, Sarah Lucy Bentley (Mrs.T.C.)Annie Burley, Martha A. Armitage, Julia Sykes, Joe Littlewood, Mary Sophia Dutton, Sarah Burley, John S. Hill, David Crossland, Marion L. Crossland, Edith A. Cawthra, Annie Sophia Gelder, Arthur Moxon, George D. Mallinson, Ann Marshall, John Kaye, Florence Fitton, Helena Marshall, Mary Kinson Edwards, Florence Eastburn, Mary Dibbs, Lydia Whiteley, Rosa Webb, Francis Webb, Emily Birkinshaw, Emily S.

Page 117

1888

1889

1890

1891 18Q2

1893

1894

1895

1896

1897

1898

Sanderson, Mary Ann Armitage, Thomas A. Birkhead, Sarah A. Armitage, Mary A Brook, Sarah Ellen Wakefield, Ellen Lawton, Mary Jane Bedforth, Marion Knight, Charlotte Ann Knight, James Nicholson, Beatrice Burley. Florence Wakefield, Jno. E. Mellor, Hannah Senior, Emma Parry Tinker. Mary Whiteley, Mary C. Battye. Walker Johnson, Hannah Lee, John Wm. Lee, Emma Stuttard, Lily

Hargrave, Elizabeth \W.

Hinchcliffe, Mary J. Armitage, Geo. Herbert Priest, Walker T. Sykes, John W. Priest, Edith E. Earnshaw, Janet Edwards, H. L. Wadsworth, Hannah Mallinson, Ada Waterworth, Lizzie Wadsworth, Joseph Wigglesworth, Arthur Noble, Gertrude Stork, Clara Gelder, Florence Barlow, Florence Whitteron, John Womersley, Annie Crossland, Gertrude H. Iredale, Annie Coates, Mabel Sykes, Selina Haywood, Norman A. Holroyd, H. Lavinia Sutcliffe, M. Elizabeth Berry, Harry B. Wadsworth, Samuel Wadsworth, Gertrude Stuttard, Jane T.

93

I

1898 Astley, Annie

1899

Ig00

IgOI

Waring, Annie Waring, Florence E. Waring, Mary E. Waring, Beatrice Hirst, Mary Herbert, Lalla Stuttart, Lizzie S. Wadsworth, Mary E. Ellis Miriam Berry, Alfred Hoskins, John Slater, Elsie Tinker, Ethel Mary Hanson, Elizabeth M. Haywood, Mabel Armitage Lilian Johnson, E. Kathleen Webb, Rosa Blakey, John Blakey, Annie Moss, Emily Blackburn, Ethel Bake, William Booth, Fanny Kilbride, Kate Whitworth, William Astler, Amy King, Laura Hirst, Harriet Iredale, Louisa Binns, Clara Carter, Florence E. Goddard, Edith Dickinson, Emily Mallinson, Agnes Mallinson, Mary Preston, Bertha Noble, Carrie Haywood, Florence Penny, Joseph Penny, Mary Alice Redfearn, Percy Gelder, Maria Louisa Gelder, Rosa Kaye, Mary Hannah Woodcock, John Stocks, Lucy Atkinson, Eliza Stuttard, George E. Ellis, Clara Jane Haywood, Mary T.

Alice

Anne

Page 118

IQOI

1gO2

1903

1904

Sykes, Adeline M, Senior, Lilian M. Armitage, Florence B. Hanson, Annie Genders, Emma Shaw, Thirza Schorah, William Atkinson, Ethel Slater, Gertrude M. Haigh, Mrs. Penny, Annie Glendinning, Mabel Whiteley, Frederick Whiteley, E. Kate Berry, Emmeline Astley, Lucy E. Atkinson, Annie Dixon, Louisa E. Hellawell, Betsy Smith, Alice Towlson, Beatrice Dodd, Joe William Blackshaw, Mary Law, Frank Law, Mrs. Copley, Grace Astley, James W. Dibbs, George Ellis, Nellie Whitworth, Mary E. Slater, Hilda M. Armitage, Arnold Holroyd, Eleanor Mary Dutton, Elizabeth Maud Haywood, Arthur Stanley Haywood, Frank Senior, Norman

94

1904

1905

1906

1907

Haigh, Elizabeth Telfer, Herbert Telfer, Mary Telfer, Ernest Telfer, Elsie Moss, Herbert Atkinson, Albert Slater, Geo. Gilbert Cook. Wm. B. Cook, Ernest Crook, Grace Copley, Helen Booth, Henry Booth, Mary Ellen Dyson, Annie E. Heppenstall, M. H. Tinker, Isabel Kaye, Sarah E. Pearson, William Asher, Alice Rose, Bruce W. Rose, Gertrude W. Sykes, Joseph Sykes, Cheresa Berry, Edith Holroyd, Jas. H. Slater, Florence Waring, Edith Stocks, Jessie Webb, Cath. May Webb, Albert F. Gelder, Fanny E. Holroyd, Emilie Telfer, Sarah Sykes, Edwin Sykes, Harriett Pacey, Hannah

Page 119

ee

BRUNSWICK STREET CHURCH—INTERIOR FROM REAR OF GALLERY. HARVEST FESTIVAL, 1907.

Page 121

LIST OF SEATHOLDERS, 10907.

Mr. A. W. Whiteley ,, J. H. Whiteley ... ,, J. W. Washington ,, Hy. Washington... ,, Geo. Washington Mrs. Alfred Owen _... Mr. T. A. Armitage ... ,, Alfred Tinker Miss Gender ... Mr. W. Wheatley Mrs. A. Mallinson ... Mr. J. B. Littlewood ... ,, Alfred Astley Mrs. Ed. Mellor Mr. Herbert Telfer ,, Ernest Telfer ,, Henry Booth vee ,, Wright Hanson ... Mrs. E. Crossland Mr. Joseph Penny Miss A. Bentley Mrs. T.C. Bentley... Mr. Herbert Dickinson J. H. Stuttard ,, Arthur Gelder ,, Benj. Eastwood ... ,, Geo. Bedforth Misses Porritts’ Misses Appleton Mrs. J. W. Senior Mr. J. S. Burley wee Rev. Bruce W. Rose... Mr. Edgar Preston Mrs. Gelder ... Mr. Parry Holroyd ... ,, Wm. Whitworth... ,, Walker Whitworth Mrs. Haigh ... . Miss Kilbride ... ., Heppenstall Mrs. Kilner ,, stork wes Miss F,. Watson

BODY.

Trinity Street Park Drive Somerset Road York Place Portland Street New House George Street Crosland Road, Lindley 19, West Parade Queen’s Road, Edgerton Vernon Avenue 9, West Hill Glebe Road, Marsh Spring Street 8, Croft House Lane, Marsh 12, 27, Thornhill Road 95, Leeds Road 36, Hill Street, Marsh Belmont Street Woodland Mount Woodland Mount Bryntirion, New North Road Ramsden Street Sunnyside, Birkby Hall Road Fitzwilliam House Rushfield, Almondbury Mount Joy Road, North Ives Westbourne Road, Marsh New North Road Westbourne Road, Marsh Cambridge Road Arthur Street 10, York Place George Street 48, Bradford Road 50, Bradford Road 17, Bradford Road North 84, Fitzwilliam Street 54, Spring Street Syringa Street, Marsh

Westbourne Road, Marsh

Page 122

Mr. Fred Shaw ,, G. H. Cook ,, J. H. Thorpe ,, W. Rippon Mrs. C. Wheawill Mr. Ben Stocks

,, James Armitage ...

.,, Chas. Fitton

,, Joseph Haywood.

,, M. Bedforth Mrs. Hammond Miss Mallinson

Francis Webb ...

Mr. John Wm. Sykes

,, Thos. R. Porritt...

Miss Hamniond Mrs. Hargrave Mr. G. Dixon ... » H. lL. Edwards Mrs. J. S. Stuttard Miss E.. Waite...

, Nellie Johnson ...

Mr. W. T. Priest Mrs. Hy. Dutton Mr. Edwin Sykes Mrs. Eastburne

Miss Annie Sharpe

,, Louisa Iredale

., M. Bland... Mr. Sykes Senior ,, Walker Battye

,, Herbert Towlson ,, Geo. Blackburn .

Mrs. Karnshaw Miss Clara Binns Mr. Harry Berry Mrs. Waring

Mr. J. E. Wakefield ... ,, Albert Atkinson...

Mrs. Kaye wes Mr. J. W. Driver Wm. Schorah Mrs. Jos. Copley ,, Westoby ... Mr. Herbert Moss

Mrs. Womersley ,, “A. Mather

96

11, Croft House Lane, Marsh 41, Bath Street 14, Portland Street Mountjoy Road Vril Ya, Marsh Cambridge Road Wentworth Street Imperial Road Sunnyside, Park Drive Croft House, Somerset Road Luther Place Belmont Street 34, Bath Street 45, Fitzwilliam Street Mountjoy Road 48, King Street 48, King Street 56, Holly Bank Road 4, Percy Street 22, Clara Street 22, Clara Street 5, Woodland Mount Woodfield, Lockwood Halifax Old Road Cobcroft Road Wasp Nest Road

GALLERY.

Moldgreen 4, Edward’s Buildings 2, Bath Street 6, Bath Street Leeds Road 64, King Street 84, Lockwood Road Buildings Leeds Road 50, Cleveland Road 11, Birkby Lodge Road Cowcliffe Hill Bradford Road 14, King’s Mill Lane Springdale Street Miln Road, Hillhouse Oakes, Lindley Croft House Lane, Marsh 25, Brook Street, Marsh Spring Street 12, Poplar Street

Page 123

Mr. Frank Law wee ,, Samuel Wadsworth Mrs. Hinchliffe Mr. John Lee ... Mr. David Hill ,, W. Scholey Mrs. C. Booth... Mr. Frank Dyson _... ,, Albert E. Wood ... Miss S. J. Hirst vee ,, Richardson . Mr. F. Sutcliffe Mrs. Hellawell Mr. Saml. Crossley ,, Joe Sykes... ,, F. B. Lawton ,, Wm. Ellis ,, Norman Thompson ,» Hy. King ... ,. Wm. Slater ,, Fred Ellis... _ ,, Walter Holroyd ... ,, Saml. Slater ,, G. E. Stuttard Mrs. Senior _... Mr. John Marshall

97

73, King Street 7, Cecil Street 39, Hillhouse Road 21, Back Spring Street 3, Newtown 55, Leeds Road Clement Street Portland Street Leeds Road 168, Leeds Road 7, William Street South 122, Leeds Road North Leeds Road North South Street 24, South Parade Fartown Green Leeds Road 39, Norman Road 30, Luck Lane 1, Birkby Lodge Road 1, St. John’s Road 7, Bow Street 26, Brook Street, Marsh 89, Leeds Road North Newhouse Chapel House

Page 124

Brunswick Street Free Wesleyan Church and nd Sunday School.

(+ @ @ © © © © © © @ © 8 8 4 © # #8 @ © @ © © © @ © © @ 4 4 4 @ @ 6 © 8 8 6 6 6 6 be

ee @ © © © © #8 © © © @ © © © © 6 © t © © © t © © 8 © t © #9 ee ee ee ee eee Oe ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee eee ee ee ee 6 6 6 6 Ht

Services and Meetings are arranged as under :

SATURDAY, October 19th, at 5 and 6-80,

Tea and Meeting for Present Teachers and Scholars.

SUNDAY, October 20th, at 10-30 and 6-30,

Special Sermons by Rev. Bruce W. Rose. Repetition of Anniversary Hymns and Tunes

Special Jubilee Offerings.

MONDAY, October 21st, at 6 and 7-30, Church and Congregational Tea and Meeting.

TUESDAY, October 22nd, at 5-30 and 7, Tea and Re-union of Former Teachers and

Scholar S.

WEDNESDAY, October 23rd, at 7-80, Church Reception and Conversazione.

SPECIAL ANTHEMS, HYMNS, GLEES & SONGS. All Friends of Brunswick Street past and present heartily invited.

Page 125

Monday, October 2\st.

Church and Congregational Meeting.

7-30 7-35 7-40 7-45 8-0 8-5 8-15 8-35

8-45 9-5 9-15 9-25 9-30 9-40 9-50 9-55

10-0

Tea at 6-0. 6d. each.

HyMn 693. ‘' And are we yet alive.” ... Huddersfield. PRAYER. Pastor, Rev. B. W. ROSE.

CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS.—B. STOCKS, Esq. SELECTION BY THE CHOIR. Rev. B. J. TUNGATE, a former pastor. Rev. WM. BARNES, President U.M.F.C. Assembly.

HyMn 49... ‘‘All hail the power” ... .... Diadem. (During Collection.)

Mr. PETER FALCON. SELECTION BY THE CHOIR. Mr. J. B. LITTLEWOOD. SELECTION BY THE CHOIR. Mr. WALKER BATTYE. Mr. F. B. LAWTON. APPRECIATION.

HyMNn Praise ye the Lord” and DOXxOLOGyY ...

Wareham. BENEDICTION.

As far as possible these time programmes have been arranged

to give speakers, singers, and audiences, every possible chance

to benefit by meetings.

Will all concerned please keep to time ?

Page 126

Tuesday, October 22nd.

Re-union Meeting of Former Teachers

7-0 7-5 7-10 7-15

7-30

7-40 7-50 7-59 8-10 8-15 8-30

8-40 8-55 9-5 9-15 9-25 9-30

9-30

and Scholars.

Tea 9-80. Meeting 7.

OPENING HyMN 242...'‘ Lord of the worlds above”... Darwell.

PRAYER. WELCOME BY PASTOR.

CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS— Councillor J. HERBERT THEWLIS, J.P.

ANTHEM. ... ‘* Praise the Lord ” ves ... Goss. CHOIR.

Mr. J. HAYWOOD.

HyMn 230...‘'Sweet is the work, my God, my King” Mainzer.

HyYMN 188...‘‘ Let all the world in every corner sing’’ 1905 Tunes. Rev. WHITAKER BRADLEY, of London.

ANTHEM. ... Lord our Governor” ... Stephenson. CHOIR.

Mr. J. W. SYKES. Hymn ... ‘‘Children of Jerusalem’’ .... 7907 Tunes. Mr. J. ARMITAGE. Mr. PARRY HOLROYD. APPRECIATION.

HyMwn...'‘'God be with you till we meet again’’ ... Sankey 494. DOXOLOGY.

Page 127

Wednesday, October 23rd.

Church Reception and Conversazione.

7-30 7-35

7-40

7-45

7-50 8-0 8-10

8-15 8-25

8-30 8-35 9-5 9-15

9-20 9-30

9-35 9-45

9-50 10-0

7-30.

PRAYER.

PART SONG... “‘When hands meet’’.... Pinsutt. Misses COX and BEAUMONT and Messrs. CUTTELL and SHAW. WELCOME TO MINISTERS AND FRIENDS FROM OTHER CHURCHES. SONG... “The Scent of the Lilies’’ ... ... Cobb. Mr. CUTTELL. Rev. A. WINFIELD, Crosland Moor.

Councillor J. WHITELEY, Longwood.

SONG... The Fairy Lullaby’’ ... .... Needham Miss COX. Rev. A. J. EFLLIS, Moldgreen. SONG... From Oberon in Fairy Land’’ Mr. SHAW. Rev. A. SIMPSON, Rashcliffe.

INTERVAL FOR REFRESHMENTS, 8-35 TO 9-0.

T. A. COCKIN, Esq., Sheepridge. SONG ... ... ... ‘‘Springtime’’ ... ... ... Newton. Misses COX and BEAUMONT.

Rev. T. JEFFERIES, Hillhouse. Sona... ‘'O Flower ofall the World’”’ ... Lindon. Miss BEAUMONT.

Mr. HERBERT TELFER. REPLY TO VISITORS.

SONG wee eee nee nee tee Miss STOCKS. APPRECIATION. DOXOLOGY.

Page 128

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.—Before the Exodus,

1835 Rule. Reform Movement. Fly Sheets. Union in 1907 and after... wee wee nes wes nes 5-7

CHAPTER II.—Exodus in Sight.

Queen Street and Reform. Book of Genesis. Resolu- tions. Committee of 30. Pastoral Supremacy. Reform Meeting. Methodism in the Fifties. Preparing for Action Lee ves vee .. 8-13

CHAPTER III.—Pastoral Supremacy and some fruits thereof.

Pastoral Supremacy in Action wee Lee wee 14-15

CHAPTER IV.—The Exodus and the men who led tt.

Queen Street Meeting, April 6th, 1857. Surrender of Trust Premises. The Easter Tuesday Meeting. Thos. Mallinson. Benj. Hey. Conference Ministers. Jos. Brierly. Geo. Mallinson. A Collection... vee aes vee vee ... 16-18

CHAPTER V.—An Appeal and an Accomplishment.

The case presented. The prospects of the new church. Subscription list. Services. Sites Committee. Constitution drafting. Therules. Call of Rev. J. Collier. Plansdrawn. Tenders let. Trust Board. Stone laying. Speeches. Chapel opening. Preachers. Sum collected ... ws» 19-27

CHAPTER VI.—The Trust Board. The men. ‘Their policy. Past and present Trustees ... 28-30

CHAPTER VII.—Progress and Pastorates.

Organ building and opening, 1860. Pastors. Revs. T. Stephenson. R. Wheatley. Marmaduke Miller and United Methodist Free Churches. Representation to Assemblies. Anthony Holliday. Richard Gray. Wm. Jackson. Wim. Boyden. Alfred Jones. Frank E. Chester, M.A. ‘Benj. J. Tungate. James and Henry Dinsley James King. Bruce W. Rose. Dates and list of pastors _ vee nee vee wee 31-36

Page 129

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CHAPTER VIII.—Brunswick Street School—its Founders, Officers and Teachers.

Fountain Street in 1857. List of Officers and Teachers, 1857. The first Superintendents. Benjamin Hey. William Mallinson. George Scholes. Thomas Armitage. George Gelder. Present Superintendents. John Wm. Sykes. Joseph Penny. School Secretary. George H. Cook. Wm. Wheatley. Geo. Slater. James Armitage. Jonas Broughton. An old scholar’s letter. Diplomas of Honour. List of Recipients. Jubilee list of Teachers and Officers. School Superintendents for 50 years. Anniversary Preachers nee wee soe wee ... 37-48

CHAPTER IX.—Church and School Organisations.

I.—CHURCH—Leaders’ Meeting. Church Officers. Chapel Choir. List of 1ts members. Prayer Leaders. Northgate Mission. Tract and Dorcas Societies. II,—ScHooL_—Young Men's Bible Class. Its presidents, David Shaw. James Longworth. John Dodds, Edmund Crossland. Joseph Hammond. The witness of the class. Present Superintendents. Messrs. Holroyd and Lawton. The Thursday Bible Class. Band of Hope. Alfred Tinker. Saml. Slater. Joseph Haywood, Sykes Senior, Numbers, The Literary Society. Sick and Burial Society.

Minor Organisations. School Funds ... ».. 49-63

CHAPTER X.—The Women of Brunswick Street.

‘The debt of the church to women. Former members and workers. Mrs. Joseph Hirst. Mrs. Waite. Mrs. Joseph Bentley. Mrs. Bedforth, senr. Mrs. T. Armitage. Mrs. Dickinson. Mrs. Porritt. Mrs. Stuttard. School Workers. Miss Webb. Miss Butterworth. Misses Burley. Mrs. Crossland. Mrs. Hammond. ‘Teachers retired. Dr. Parker on ‘‘the women of the church.” Present list of members of Sewing Meeting vee vee wee wee see ... 64-67

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CHAPTER XI.—The Congregation— Memories and Impressions

Geo. Mallinson. Thomas Mallinson. Wm. Mallinson. John Scholes. Joseph Armitage and his sons. Benjamin Hey. Richard Porritt. Edwin Walker. Hearersand Doers. ... ves ... 68-72

CHAPTER XII.—Preachers. Prayer and Class Leaders.

Plans of 1872 and 1907 compared. The failure of the preaching order. Jonathan Beeley. ‘‘ Penny Pogson.’’ John Cook. Herbert Telfer. Class Leaders. The Class Meeting. Its Unpopu- larity. Its Influence. Dr. Dale. List of 1870 Leaders. Some of the Leaders ... bee ... 73-78

CHAPTER XIII.—Hillhouse and Rashceliffe.

HILLHOUSE. The call to go forth. Its result. A Church saved by Building projects. Realization. A Ministry. A Circuit. Present state of Hillhouse. List of Pastorsand number of Members. RASHCLIFFE. Formation. Thos. Fitton. Iron Chapel. Trustees. Pastors. New Chapel. Pastors. Possibilities ... ... 79-83

CHAPTER XIV.—A voluntary church and its giving.

Brunswick Street notastatechurch. Doctrine evange- lical. Gifts voluntary. Purposes of contribu- tions. ‘Table of offerings ... nes bes ... 84-85

CHAPTER XV.—WhAtither ?

The need not methods but spiritual sensitiveness. Wear and tear of church life. Methodist

concord. Eternal fellowship. Union... ... 86-87

CHAPTER XVI.—Daiary.

Dates. Events. Pastorates. Trust Officers. Members. Seatholders. Programme of Jubilee Celebra-

tion. Contents, etc. wes ... 88-104