History of Methodism in Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and Denby Dale (1898) by Joel Mallinson

The following is the OCR text of a book and will likely contain conversion errors. This page is designed to be indexed by search engines. Click on a page number to view the book in your web browser.

The text is believed to be in the Public Domain.

Page 1

METHODISM

Page 5

HISTORY

OF

METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

BY

REV. JOEL

Page 6

NAYMAN, CHRISTY AND LILLY, LTD., PRIVTERS, MATTON

Page 7

CHAP.

I.

II.

III.

IV.

CONTENTS.

VENN

George III. — Huddersfield-- Venn — Extracts from Wesley's Journals—Netherthong—John

Page 8

CHAP.

VI.

Page 9

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

REv. JOEL MALLINSON (Frontispiece)

Mr. GEORGE GELDER

Page 11

PREFACE.

Page 13

HISTORY OF METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, HOLMFIRTH, & DENBY DALE.

Page 14

12 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

and the villagers, as elsewhere, were given to pugilistic contests, bull-baiting, intemperance, and dissipation. In his Walks about Huddersfield Mr. Phillips says, “The people were degraded and wild in their manners almost to savagery.” Mr. Wesley took the oppor- tunity of preaching to “the wildest congregation he had seen in Yorkshire, and believed some felt the sharpness of the Word, while all were restrained by an unseen hand.” The visit and preaching of Wesley, and repeated rumours of the doings of Methodists in Leeds and elsewhere, awakened no small amount of interest. The names of John Nelson, of Birstall, and William Shent, of Leeds, were already familiar. The story of Nelson’s conversion, through Wesley’s instrumentality, had a great fascination for the West Riding rustics, and those seriously disposed ever wel- comed his presence and preaching. Already from Netherthong, Honley, and Almondbury journeys to Birstall, to hear the converted stonemason and other kindred spirits, had been taken ; and tidings were circulated which roused curiosity and provoked admiration. By day at the loom or on the farm, and by night around the cottage hearth, the con- versation turned to the people called Methodists, and to the doctrine of Justification by Faith they persistently preached. Here one and there another wrestled with the Angel, as Jacob by the brook Jabbok, until they could speak of sin

Page 15

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 13

profound effects. For ten years his ministry in Huddersfield attracted hearers for miles round. A new impulse was given to religious life, and a new era dawned on the people. Venn never officiated at a fireless altar, and never preached soulless sermons. It is related that a neighbouring clergyman, lamenting his failure as a preacher, was advised by Mr. Venn “to burn all his old sermons, and try what preaching Christ would do.” Between Wesley and Venn a true affection arose. They were like-minded. The pulpit of the parish church was readily placed at the dis- posal of Wesley when he visited

Page 16

14 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

had no notice of my preaching before I came into the town. They quickly filled the church; I did not spare them, but fully delivered my own soul.” Other extracts of a like character might be given. In consequence of the evangelical ministry

NETHERTHONG CHAPEL.

of Mr. Venn, Mr. Wesley did not think it necessary for him or his preachers

Page 17

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 15

met together for prayer and Christian fellowship at Netherthong. Their number gradually increased, and, after prayerful consideration, it was resolved to build a chapel. Accordingly, a site was secured and careful preparations made, and in 1769 one of the first chapels of village Methodism was erected and opened. It was about the sixth Methodist chapel in England. The first was at Bristol, the second Birstall, the third Newcastle, and then Hipperholme, Howarth, and Netherthong. The Conference contributed £104, and in 1772 a further grant of 413 to this chapel. On two occasions Mr. Wesley preached in the chapel. The first was on July 8th, 1772, when he preached at ten

Page 18

16 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

eager seekers of mercy, and many remarkable cases of conversion were recorded. Ten years later a second revival was experienced, and almost every house resounded with repeated praise for one or more members of the family obtaining salvation. From Netherthong several have gone into the ministry, of whom we find the names of Revs. Jonas Jagger, George Jagger, Joseph Roberts, George Roebuck, and John Jagger. The last was the son of a greatly- beloved father, who had nobly served his generation and Methodism by a highly consistent life, faithful stewardship, and an effective advocacy of truth in the pulpit and on the platform. He lived toa patriarchal age. /ohn was converted in early life, and began to preach at the age of sixteen. He was a diligent student, sympathetic pastor, and useful preacher. He fell on sleep on April 25th, 1890, in the forty-first year of his age and the seventeenth of his ministry.

Page 19

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 17

of the Howarth Circuit. He rode over the surrounding hills, and frequently preached in farm-houses, cottages, and the open air. Grimshaw’s course of action was considered more than once by the Diocesan; and, had it not been for the success of his labours in his own parish, it is likely censure or imposed silence would have followed. He died in triumph in the early part of 1763. From Howarth, Birstall, and Netherthong, reports of revivals reached Almondbury. James Lockwood and Edmund Mellor became awakened to their danger as sinners, and impressed with the wisdom of seeking safety in Christ. They had con- versations about joining the Methodists, and ultimately decided to invite them to Almondbury. The Con- ference of 1765 made Azrstall the head of a Circuit which included the now Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Holmfirth, Denby Dale, and part of one or two other Circuits. The first appointed ministers were John Murlin, Parson

Page 20

18 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

the house of Edmund Mellor, Town End, in 1766, from the words, “ Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins,” ete. The next service was conducted by Parson Greenwood, who preached from “ God so loved the world,” etc., and subsequently John Pawson, who was twice elected as President of the Methodist

HOUSE IN WHICH THE FIRST METHODIST SERMON WAS PREACHED BY JOHN MURLIN.

Conference, preached from “As many as received Him, to them gave He power,” etc. The services incited the ungodly to violent persecution. The aged vicar, the Rev. Edward Rishton, in his eighty- second year, was alarmed at the innovation of Methodist preachers, and appealed to the Archbishop of York against “ the deceivers,” but was advised by

Page 21

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 19

his grace “ not to meet the evangelical movement with controversy and opposition.” Despite the wise counsel of the archbishop, the early Methodists of Almondbury were destined to bear and to bleed ‘neath the barb-pointed arrows of calumny and malice. The house of Squire Studderth, afterwards

SCENE OF THE RIOT.

occupied by the Co-operative Society, was licensed for preaching. In 1770 the Rev. William Darney, of

Page 22

20 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

on, and forthwith, headed by Joseph Kaye, constable and parish clerk, an excited mob broke into the preaching-place. Approaching the preacher, Kaye ostentatiously lifted his staff and with stentorian voice cried: “I charge thee in the name of King George to come down.” Darney firmly retorted: “I charge thee in the name of the King of kings to let me alone.” The retort was met by a brutal attack, in which the preacher was severely wounded and nearly killed. The assailants, when summoned before a Justice of the Peace—the Rev. Mr. Zouch, vicar of Sandal, near Wakefield—pleaded the “Five Mile Act” of Charles II. as justification. The Act was declared against them, and Mr. Zouch threatened transportation at the Quarter Sessions if the matter was not settled before then. The carrier-pigeon was not thrown up, according to previous arrangement, to announce on its return to Almondbury the triumph of the assailants ; but the delinquents, disappointed and crestfallen, returned home under cover of night. Shortly after, Rev. Robert Roberts, of Birstall, preached ; and after the service was entertained at the house of Abraham Moss. Exasperated by the result of the trial and taunted by the rabble, they threatened they “would do” for the next Methody who came. As Mr. Roberts was quietly seated in the house with his friend Abraham, there was a rush at the door; the next moment an excited mob entered and savagely assaulted the preacher, furiously dragged him out of the house, and violently molested him until he made his escape by taking refuge in the house of a publican. Colonel Hay’s representation of Jim Bludso, who sacri-

Page 23

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 21

ficed himself in saving others, is applicable to the protecting publican : He

Page 24

22 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

It was found in course of time that a decided change came over the people, and that a feeling of respect in word and deed was sensibly present. Meanwhile, the good work was gaining ground in other parts, Skelmanthorpe, Lockwood, Clayton West, Honley, Huddersfield, Lindley, Emley, and Thurlstone. Almost simultaneously these places established cottage meet- ings, from whence sprang flourishing causes. This was about 1770, the year Mr. Venn left Huddersfield. Several incidents contributed to spread, strengthen, and establish Methodism at that time in and around Huddersfield. Opposition, like the wind, had fanned the fire it could not extinguish. The storm is the Lord’s servant, and the flame is His messenger. The changed lives of new converts, sustained by consis- tent character, silenced many objectors. The rulers of the Jews, “beholding the man which was healed standing with Peter and John, could say nothing against it.” Where opposition continued, and for a time a Society was disbanded, like the early Christians, the members scattered abroad went everywhere preach- ing the word and testifying for Christ. The visits of the Countess of Huntingdon, the Rev. John Fletcher, vicar of Madeley, and of George Whitefield, who spent some weeks in Huddersfield in October, 1767, and preached in the parish church, were contributory to Methodist interests.

Page 25

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 24

according to the dictates of an enlightened mind. So, for miles round, Huddersfield witnessed the com- mencement of Methodist prayer and _ fellowship meetings and preaching services. PLACES AND MINISTERS IN BIRSTALL CIRCUIT, 1776.

Birstall Middlestown, Midgley Dawgreen Emley Hightown Lepton Mirfield Thong, Huddersfield Dorker, Ossett Southroyd Briestfield Shafton. Carleton Ambury (morn.), K. Heaton (nt.) Burton Gildersome. MINISTERS. John Pawson John Morgan Joseph Thompson Wm. Thompson.

Edmund Bray opened his house in Kirkgate, Huddersfield, for preaching. The house, unfor- tunately, suffered from a smoky chimney, and with difficulty at times could they see the preacher or comfortably worship. From this fact the house was called Reek ’em. Notwithstanding the inconvenience of the smoke, the congregation grew, and many were added to the “Church in the house.” Increased accommodation became an urgent necessity, and, after many prayers and frequent conversations, authorities were approached with a view of securing land called Underbank, at the end of the now Buxton Road. The round preachers, as the ministers of the circuit were called, periodically preached, and by their ministry, visitations, and counsels the Society con- tinued to report increase of membership. Others who were not members became sympathetic and evidenced a spirit of liberality. Parson Greenwood,

Page 26

24 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

who for the second term of years was stationed in the Birstall Circuit, with his colleagues Thomas Johnson and Thomas Lee, rendered excellent service in the transfer of land, the deed of which bears date 1775. In due course the chapel was built and opened. The chapel at Highfield had been incon- veniently crowded, and on the opening of Bank Chapel many joined the Methodists in worship. The chapel, in consequence, received the name “Catch ’em.” The debt incurred was considerably more than the friends could meet, and permission was asked of the Con- ference to collect beyond the circuit. Q. 23: “Our brethren at Huddersfield desire leave to collect money in the neighbouring circuits. May they do it ?” A.: “Yes; on the terms mentioned in the late Minutes.” Large congregations gathered, the ministrations were plain, pointed, and powerful, and times of refreshing were numerous. Four young men from Newsome were converted, and immediately under- took Christian work at home and neighbourhood. Prayer meetings and preaching services quickly followed, and so from the altar-fire at the Bank Chapel the lights of personal consecration were kindled, which in turn meant bright and shining lights of Methodist Societies in country places. In connection with the building of the brick Bank Chapel and the further development of Huddersfield Methodism, the name of Zhomas Goldthorpe has honourable mention. Five years before the opening of the chapel, he obtained a clear sense of his acceptance with God,

Page 27

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 25

while receiving, in the sacramental service at the parish church, the emblems of the offered body and shed blood of Jesus Christ. For some time before he had earnestly desired to live a godly life—a desire arising from a firm resolve made during a recent illness, in which he vowed, if God were pleased to spare his life, that life should be yielded up to God in love, obedience, and service. After prayerfully and deliberately pondering the question to which religious community he should connect himself, he decided to join the Methodist section of Christ’s Church. By careful reading of Scripture and attention to private and public means of grace, his Christian experience grew, and the fruits thereof were abundant and practical, He gave of his substance, collected sub- scriptions, and visited other places in the interests of the projected chapel scheme. His personal super- vision was unabated when violence and _ hostilities were threatened. To those who, like sleuth-hounds, ferociously attacked his good name or doggedly growled they would drive him from the town, he said: “You may kill me, but you cannot injure my soul”; and “ You may say you will hunt me out of

Page 28

26 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

from debt and in every prosperity. In his will he bequeathed “ the interest on four hundred pounds to be paid to legatees while they lived, after which the principal devolved on trustees for the good of the Gospel.” He was buried in Bank Chapel. Services were started in the house of Matthew Mellor, near Castle Hill, and over thirty persons obtained mercy there. A weekly prayer and ex- perience meeting, established at Lockwood, in the house of William Schofield, in the year 1770, was especially successful. Scores attended. ‘The meet- ings were spoken of in the shop and mills and in the homes of the hill-girt town. From that meeting several young men entered the ministry.

Page 29

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 27

that night it was resolved to hold meetings for prayer and praise. In 1772 John Nelson preached in the village. He was at that time stationed in the circuit for a second time. One Thomas Haigh was convinced of sin as he heard the mighty preacher, and found peace. He became an active worker, useful leader, and an effective local preacher. On Sunday, April 30th, 1788, John Wesley preached in Honley church, on “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” And many felt as well as heard the word. The members walked to Netherthong, Huddersfield, or Almondbury to public worship sum- mer and winter, and rejoiced in the preached word. The Sunday School at Hon/ey has always been an important feature. As early as 1790 the Wesleyans joined the Church of England and the Independents, and opened a school at Upper Steps Mill. It was the rallying place for teachers and scholars from Castle Hill, Berry Brow, Woodroyd, Smithy Place, Oldfield, Netherton, and South Crosland. Writing formed part of the curriculum of the school. The pen and other necessary material were of the most primitive descrip- tion. Each scholar was provided with a box of Calais sand for copybook, and a pointed piece of wire for pen. The writing was easily erased by running the hand over the sand. This method continued until 1814, when the Methodist scholars removed to Green Cliff, where the chapel was built. The school accounts were kept with commendable accuracy, and preserved with great care to the present time. A study of the books discloses the minute entry of the smallest item of expenditure, even to a halfpenny dip. Other

Page 30

28 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

entries show that scholars paid for instruction and for loss of books. The first reference to a School Feast is on June 7th, 1824, when 41 16s. 2d. was paid for two stone of malt and 160 cakes at 2d. each. The school had five sets of superintendents, of whom Squire Brooke was one for 1824 and 1825. On March 25th, 1827, there is an entry of a request of the committee in respect to the

Page 31

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 29

God, of great good. Preaching services were held once a fortnight in three cottage houses, of which John Schofield’s was one. The house of Joseph Shaw was /icensed for preaching. The house was built in 1717, and a slab-stone built into the wall over the door had the following inscription : Remember, thou that passeth here, Thy naked soul must soon appear To give account before thy God For all thy actions good or bad. It is related that on one occasion, while service was being conducted in one of the unlicensed houses, Mrs. Shaw thwarted the purpose of a drunken rabble to stop the service by summoning the congregation to follow her to the licensed preaching house. The congregation formed a line and walked in procession, singing as they walked, “ Jesus shall reign where’er the sun doth his successive journeys run.” And as they passed the public-house they struck up the verse: Jesus, the name high over all In hell or earth or sky. The preaching services were held fortnightly, and on the alternate Sunday the members went to Thur- stonland, Netherthong, and Kirkburton for worship. The difficulty of the small Society was not from factious assailants, incited by excessive libations, but from the persistent refusal of land on which to build a place of worship. Influence, adverse to the laudable wish of the godly few, was used, which provoked an emphatic denial of land, and for generations there was the refusal of land on the one hand, and the exercise of patience on the other.

Page 32

CHAPTER II. SHELLEY BANK AND HUDDERSFIELD CIRCUIT.

HE year 1770 saw the introduction of Metho- dism to the villages of Skelmanthorpe, Clay- ton West, Thurlston, Hardingley, and Shelley. Mr. Wesley visited

Page 33

METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC. 31

pillion on horse’s back. The chapel was settled on nine trustees for a term of 999 years. The deed contained the following extraordinary clause: “If after the death of Mr. Wesley there should be two Conferences, the trustees shall choose from which Conference they will be served with preachers : pro- vided always, that the persons so appointed shall not

SHELLEY BANK NEW CONNEXION CHAPEL.

preach any other doctrine than is contained in Mr. Wesley’s notes upon the New Testament and his four volumes of Sermons.” A clause of the character of the above might fittingly constitute a cross on the Methodist chart, clearly indicating a shoal where perilous danger exists. It proved to be perilous in this case. About midway between Huddersfield,

Page 34

32 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Wakefield, and Barnsley is Clayton West. Here the round preachers and others conducted cottage and open-air services. On the window of a farmhouse near the village is an inscription dated August Ist, 1771, and initialed “S.B.,” believed to be the initials of the Rev. Samuel Bardsley, who was in the Carver Street Circuit, Sheffield, and was closing his ministry there at that time.

Fear God and honour the King. Farewell, my friends, Farewell. I want your souls to Fare-well. For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

Emley was favoured with Methodist meetings and services. For many years Briestfield had a Society Class, led by John Green, to which Jonathan Bedford and others from Emley went. According to a Birstall Circuit plan for 1776, there was preaching in the village once a month. John Green, leader of the class at Briestfield, exercised his gifts as a_ local preacher. On several occasions he and his friends were mobbed. There was no resentment, but a quiet persistence. Affection for the people, conviction of duty, and earnest purpose rose superior to the senti- ment of peace at any cost, and with a dignified serenity he calmly pursued his holy duties and charged the ungodly to “flee from the wrath to come.” The Rev. Mr. Wooler, incumbent of Emley, rode over to Briestfield to persuade John Green to desist from preaching at Emley, but failed in his purpose ; neither promise nor compromise was con-

Page 35

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 33

ceded. In 1798 a room in the village was duly registered as a place of worship for Protestant Dissenters, and was entered as a licensed room in the Consistory Court of his grace the Lord Arch- bishop of York, and the licence signed by Joseph Buckle, the Deputy Registrar. John Silverwood was

INSCRIPTION ON WINDOW PANE,

one of the pioneers, and right worthily did he sustain the honour and character of Christian living. Thurlstone shared in the gracious wave of revived Christianity. The chapel was built about 1790. The trust-deed contained a provision to the effect “ that if at any time after the death of Mr. Wesley there should be two Methodist Conferences, the majority

3

Page 36

34 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

ef the Trustees should determine from which Con- ference they would have the ministers.” When the Kilhamite division took place, the majority of the trustees elected to have ministers of the Wesleyan Conference. The work of the Lord made steady progress, and the evenings devoted to Christian communion and united prayer proved incalculably helpful to young and old. Many unimpeachable lives and triumphant deaths conclusively answered disputants and confused controversialists. Hardingley is another village where, for over 120 years, Methodism has been recognised and welcomed, and, like Cumberworth, is greatly indebted to Metho- dist influence for the moral tone and religious principles that enrich its inhabitants and homes. In these country places Methodism was chiefly intro- duced by small manufacturers and employers of labour. In the market the news of prominent evangelical ministers, and the unconscious influence of their preaching over trade and commerce, were favourably discussed, and, returning to their respec- tive homes, the tradesmen re-told the news and repeated the expressed hope of Christianity sus- taining and extending trade. The doors were thrown open to the messenger and the message of the Cross. The love of the oft-preached Cross, like leaven, assimilated the heart and permeated the life.

Page 37

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 35

His lordship officiated at a small chapel at Cumber- worth for several years, and, when close on eighty years of age, travelled week by week about twelve miles to fulfil his duties, for which he received the allowance of £26 per year. Writing to an intimate friend, his lordship, under date 1651, says: “I preach every Sunday at a place in the mountains called Cumberworth, two miles beyond Emley, where I have Lawrence, the rector of Emley, for my host. It was proffered me by Mr. Wentworth, of Bretton, and I took it to be pointed out for me by God as a little Zoar to preserve my life, though it will not reach forty marks per annum. These wild mountaineers had taken a somewhat discreditable part in the Civil War against Charles I. from 1642 to 1649, and had become greatly demoralised in consequence of it, their mode of warfare being marked by plunder and lawless violence.” In the memorable year of 1770

Page 38

36 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Deputy Registrar. In this registered house the eminent physician Sir William Henry Broadbent, M.D., London, was born. Mr. Wesley preached July oth, 1784, and May 28th, 1786, at “ Longwood Flouse, near Lindley.” He refers in grateful words to his hosts: “They are a blessing to all the poor both in spirituals and temporals.” An _ en-

HOUSE AT LINDLEY, WHERE SIR WILLIAM HENRY BROADBENT WAS BORN.

couraging and growing class was under the leader- ship of Joshua Dyson. In 1795 the first chapel was erected. It was a plain, unpretentious building, having two small cottages at one end, one of which was occupied by the chapel-keeper. Over the cottage was a long, low-roofed building which, until 1853, served for the schoolroom and week-evening preach- ing services. The chapel had a three-sided gallery, approached by stone steps at each end and supported

Page 39

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 37

by wooden pillars. In the area there were two pews, one on each Side of the pulpit and Communion rails, and beneath the gallery the scholars were accommo- dated. Four other pews facing the pulpit were added subsequently. The chapel was lighted by candles, the snuffing of which caused no little amusement. The repeated preaching of Mr. Wesley in Hudders- field, Honley, and .Shelley was succeeded by his preaching on Heymoorhouse Common in the year 1788, on the ist of May, between Shepley and Shelley, to a very large congregation. George Smith, who heard Wesley, and two of

Page 40

38 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

misunderstanding, indifference, and hostility. The many lay-preachers in our Connexion have rendered priceless service. Had it not been for them in- numerable hills and dales and far-away retreats would have continued longer in spiritual destitution and darkness. Unnumbered thousands, pressed by care and need, bowed by age and infirmity, or starting upon life with its unknown and uncertain possibilities, have been strengthened, cheered, guided by the gospel of love and grace preached with great acceptance by lay-preachers. They have possessed an acquaintance of the peculiar trials and manners of the villages, and been able to adapt themselves to the idiosyncrasies of the people. Methodism has reaped where it hath sown. From the villages rich harvests of renewed souls have enriched the Church. Many of our most illustrious preachers and leaders have hailed from the villages. In 1779 there was a remarkable

Page 41

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 39

revival of the work of God. Many had found peace with God ; sometimes sixteen, eighteen—yea, twenty in one day.”

Page 42

40 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Swain, now in the Barnsley Circuit, Flockton in the Ossett Circuit, and Dean Head in the Stainland Circuit. The Huddersfield (Queen Street) Circuit had two ministers appointed to it—the Revs. Parson Greenwood and Thomas Johnson. They were not strangers to each other nor to Huddersfield. Parson Greenwood had been appointed on three occasions to the Birstall Circuit. The first two appointments were for one year each, and the third appointment was for two years. On the last occasion Thomas Johnson was his colleague for the two years. They were men of tact and ability, devoted to their work and to their people. They had won the esteem and confidence of the Circuit when it formed part of the Birstall Circuit, and the appointment was regarded with considerable favour. They knew the characteristics of the West Riding folk, their deep convictions

Page 43

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 4!

walked in the fear of God and were multiplied. The attendance at the weekly class meeting indicated a healthy tone of spiritual life. That meeting promoted union, oversight and mutual edification, developed talents of affection, fluency, and energy which other- wise would have remained dormant, and encouraged the habit of meditation, watchfulness,

Page 44

42 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Thee we expect, our faithful Lord, Who in Thy name are joined ; We wait, according to Thy word, Thee in the midst to find.

The prosperity and perpetuity of Methodist interests were due largely to individual fidelity to the means of grace. Faithfulness thereto incited personal holiness and mutual sympathy. Within eleven years of the formation of the Queen Street Circuit, Huddersfield, the venerable founder of Methodism died. With the word “ farewell” on his lips John Wesley fell asleep in Jesus. The announce- ment thrilled England and America beyond expres- sion. From one end of our own land to the other there came a deepening sense of our loss and of our responsibility. The thousands gathered into the fold of Christ’s Church mourned thedeath of their leaderand shepherd, and reconsecrated themselves to the work of seeking and saving the lost. Within twelve months of his death, Wesley visited Huddersfield, and preached at Halifax, where, “on tottering up the pulpit stairs, the whole congregation burst into a flood of tears; and more than once his memory failed him.” .The ministers stationed in Huddersfield when Wesley died were George Story and Robert Smith. They were not slow to take advantage of the occasion, and with solemn earnest- ness strove to incite the Societies to holy emulation of the saintly spirit and life of their departed chief. Young men were enjoined to whole-hearted dedi- cation and self-sacrificing labour. Men were perish- ing, and the appeal was who will “consecrate his

Page 45

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 43

service this day unto the Lord?” ‘he appeal was not in vain. Abraham Moss, the converted shoe- maker, had taken more or less a leading part for over twenty years in the Methodist Society at Almondbury, and resolved, God helping him, to exhort publicly. Though forty-one years of age, he gave himselftopreach- ing,and for forty-eight years faithfully kept his appointments. In his first year’s preach- ing he had over one hundred appoint- ments. He urged the supreme importance of the

Page 46

44 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

was good old Abraham Moss, a cobbler, who lived at Almondbury, and preached not only at the Wesleyan chapels and stations in the neighbourhood, but occa- sionally as a supply at Dogley Lane. On these occasions he was my father’s guest, and amongst my oldest and treasured memories are those of him. His picture still abides as a clear mental photograph. His quaint appearance and dress, his grave, solemn, impressive voice and manner as he used to say grace before and after meals, made them like a very sacra- ment to me. He was one of that apostolic band ‘of whom the world was not worthy.’ ”* Another young man,

Page 47

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 45

feel so strong this morning; I can manage both services.” He mounted the gig and immediately sank lifeless into the arms of the driver. Mr. Thornton took an active part in the erection of the first Queen Street Chapel, in 1800, and in the erection of the present substantial and commodious building erected nineteen years later. The trustees of the Queen Street Chapel erected a tablet to his memory, with the following inscription : To the memory of Joseph Thornton, of Huddersfield, who was born January I, 1765, and died February 20, 1831. At this time

Page 48

46 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

action and reaction is unceasing. The ecclesiastical. and the political are not excepted. The principle is in the nature of circumstances and events. At the Conference of 1795, after fasting and prayer, a com- mittee of nine preachers was appointed to draw up the Plan of Pacification, which decreed certain regu- lations as to the Lord’s Supper, baptism, the burial of the dead,. and the trial of preachers, carefully. guarding the sole right of the Conference to appoint the preachers. The plan was rightly named one of “ Pacification.”. The Conference strove to avoid controversy and contention on these sacred ques-

Page 49

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 47

place in times of political disquiet. The French Revolution on the one hand and the Irish Rebellion on the other shook Europe to its foundations. It is impossible to say to what extent the ecclesiastic and politic influences act and re-act on each other. The connexional controversy in the opening years of the nineteenth century was reflected in serious loss of membership. The following show how far the Societies in the Huddersfield Circuit were affected :

Mem. Mem. Mem. Mem. Places. in in Places. in in

Page 50

48 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

The membership in 1797 was 1,714; and the membership two years later was 949, being a loss of 765 members.

New places Mem. Mem. New places Mem. Mem.

opened in in opened in in _ in 1798. 1798 1799 in 1798. 1798. 1799. Smithy Place. 29 26 Langsett 12

Page 51

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 49

Methodists. Chapel cases arose which occasioned bitter feeling and legal proceedings Chapels were erroneously transferred to the New Connexion, and for years the contentions of the two Conferences were

continued.

Page 52

CHAPTER III. OLD BANK CHAPEL.

HE dates 1797 and 1849 are as landmarks in Methodism. Between one and the other are sayings and doings, circumstances and characters, we would not overlook. The Superintendent, George Highfield, was comparatively young, for in December, 1839, forty-two years after the memorable year of 1797, we find him giving a ticket of membership to a veteran Abraham Moss, who was then in his ninetieth year. Abraham said, “God had been good, and religion was better than ever.” He had tried it for seventy years and knew what he was saying. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” When George Highfield replied, he fully endorsed Abraham’s assertion, for he, too, was old. Moses said, “ Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led these forty years in the wilderness,” and he could not forget. And the old man’s thoughts reverted to the experiences of forty years. Then joined the Apostle, “ From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” He had gone through the conflict, and like a warrior bore 5°

Page 53

METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC. 51

the scars of combat. He gloried in them ; but would not in his advanced life wish to go through the experiences of the past. “Let no man trouble me.” And he, like his friend Abraham Moss, was saved from the trouble to come of 1849. In 1798, of the ten places reported to the Quarterly Meeting as being newly opened, we have Thurstonland with forty members, and

Page 54

52 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

were drawn by magnetic lives and impassioned entreaties. At the Conference of 1798 the Conference asked, “What can we do for our brethren who have their chapels and houses taken from them?” Answer: “This year we will assist Nottingham and Hudders- field, as they are places of the first importance. First, by subscribing something handsome ourselves ; and secondly, by dividing the kingdom between these two places, and making a public collection in all our chapels as soon as convenient after the first quarter.” Assisted by these means, and favoured by providential circumstances in obtaining land, the Society pro- ceeded to erect a small chapel, which was enlarged twice before the large and elégant chapel in Queen Street was built. Correspondence and interviews: were exchanged _ by representatives of the Wesleyan and New Connexion Conferences, with no likelihood of the matters in dispute being amicably and justly disposed of; and after years of waiting and hoping, the Wesleyan Conference resolved on an appeal to the Court of Chancery. The chapel at Brighouse, near Halifax, was taken as atest case. On the 5th of March, 1810, the case was heard and determined before the Master of the Rolls. His verdict was, “That as, what was now called in the pleadings, for the sake of distinction, the old Conference was the ONLY Conference which existed at the time of the execution of the trust deed, and for many years afterwards, it must be determined to be ¢hat Con- ference only which was referred to in the deed. And as the Trustees had not reserved by any clause in the

Page 55

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 53

deed power of making new regulations by any decision of a majority of themselves, they must be compelled to execute the trust according to the laws and regulations of that Conference, for the use of which they held the trust estate, and admit those preachers only who were sent by the old Conference.” This decision legally empowered the Conference to demand the restoration of chapels that were in dispute. Three years after the decision of the Master of the Rolls, the solicitor to the Conference wrote on its behalf to the trustees of the chapel at Huddersfield “for the possession and enjoyment of the above- mentioned chapel and premises, etc.” The trustees met, and communications made, which resulted in the

Page 56

54 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

the Superintendent’s desk. After the reading

Page 57

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. I 55

devotion to the Methodist cause, the alternate Sunday morning preaching services and Sunday evening prayer meetings were transferred to the house of Charles Whittell, which, in course of a short time, became inadequate to the congregations. A site for a chapel was obtained from Mr. Batty, of Fenay, and the foundation stone of a new chapel was laid July Ist, 1814, by the father of the Rev. W. L. Thornton, who, in 1864, was elected President of the Conference. The entire cost was £1,155. Before the chapel was completed services were conducted in it. On Christ- mas morn, 1815, at six a memorable prayer meeting was held, when 300 persons were present. The hearty singing and the earnest prayers of that Christmas morn hallowed the time and place, and from that scene and day holy influences went which long inspired with hope and strength. The chapel was formally opened on Whit Sunday, 1816, by the Revs. D. McNicoll and W. McKitrick, and the mem- bership in one year rose from twenty-four to 100. The Sunday School, which was commenced

Page 58

56 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, Several additions were afterwards made, and altera- tions effected to both the chapel and school. The services of the Rev.

Page 59

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 57 -

associated with the building of the Almondbury chapel and early aggressive Methodist work in the place. With conspicuous faithfulness he discharged the duties of local preacher and class leader to the

edification and comfort of all. His long life was characterised by signal activity and exemplary godliness.

The result of the serious division was a reduction of members in Queen Street Society to 127. The names of Webb, Brooke, James Lockwood, Thomas Mitchell, and Joseph Thornton are amongst those who continued faithful. They were “troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; perplexed, but not in despair ; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” They prayed, and made suppli- cation. The ministry of Highfield, Gloyne, and Drake was accompanied by demonstrations of the Spirit, and many believed unto salvation. <A plot of ground called “ Bone Croft” was leased ‘for a chapel and

Page 60

58 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

eagerness of the congregation to receive the Word. This is most likely, we think, because of the crowds that gathered, the willingness to stand, or, if overcome with sleep, to be roused up by an official. The Word was precious in those days, and it was accounted so. In 1808 and 1809 Robert

Page 61

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 59

convinced of sin. On returning home she said to her husband, “I have been to the Methodist chapel, and I have heard such a man as I have never heard before. If he is right, ] am wrong. I will hear him again.” She heard him again, with the result that light—the light of God’s reconciled face—shone into

Page 62

60 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

necessary to acquire larger accommodation, and a chapel was built in 1822. The opening services were conducted by the Rev. David Stoner. Abel Taylor, of Longwood, an earnest local preacher, was appointed class leader, to the joy and spiritual progress of the Society. Afterwards the late Mr. Butterworth Broadbent had charge of the class. It is impossible to recall his name without feeling that in his life were enshrined the elements of a bright and manly religion. At the time he was a leader at Outlane he had the oversight of a class at Longwood. A man of strict’ uprightness and thorough kindness, of unassuming manner, assiduous in work, and commanded the ad- miration and respect of all. His sun went down while it was yet day. Among his last words was an expression of regret he had not more strength to sing the beautiful hymns he had so often sung when in health. I Some years after, at a missionary meeting held at Outlane, his son, Arnold, then a young man full of hope and promise, when called upon to address the meeting, began by a very tender reference to the memory of his father, and then said he hoped so to live and serve the Church of his choice as to be worthy of the name he bore. Father and son have since met in heaven. Their names are an inspiration to heroic and devoted lives. The Outlane Society has, like many good people, known what it is to be in want of money, especially when they wished to build the chapel they now have. Their

Page 63

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

perty, including chapel of 500 sittings, complete with organ, school, and class rooms for 300 children, is free from debt. The hearty congregational singing, led by an efficient choir, is a characteristic feature. Our hymns are made good use of, and, by means of well- selected tunes, largely become the people’s liturgy and the exponent of their hopes and fears, sorrows and joys. Charles Wesley is to them a second

Psalmist.

Page 64

62 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

were evident signs of a most prosperous Circuit. Mr. Newton and his colleague, the Rev. John Brown, were most cordially welcomed, and the year was entered upon with renewed consecration to God. In the new Circuit were Thong, Thurstonland, and Hepworth, and 376 members. The congregations increased, and a spirit of earnest expectancy and fervent desire possessed the people, and the work of conversion followed. The old chapel became inadequate, and the trustees and congregation resolved on a new chapel. The present site was secured for 999 years, at a rental of £22 per annum, and a larger and. more suitable place of worship was built to accommodate about 650 persons. A two-storeyed school was built behind the chapel, the boys occupying the lower room and the girls the upper. The trustees gave the stone. Some of the fittings of the chapel at the top of Victoria Street were utilised in the new erection. There were seventeen trustees, of whom the Revs. John Barber, Jonathan Parkin, and Robert Newton were three. The cost of the chapel was £2,700, towards which subscriptions amounting to 4750 were given. Before the chapel was completed, services were held therein, the congregation occu- pying the gallery, with temporary seats formed of planks. The chapel was formally opened on April 17th, 1811, by the Revs. Jabez Bunting, Richard Elliott, and others, and the collections amounted to £52 17s. 114d. The choir was situated in front of the pulpit, and various kinds of instruments accom- panied the singing. The lighting was by candles for over a quarter of a century, when oil lamps superseded

Page 65

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 63

the candles. The return of membership at the first quarterly meeting of the new Circuit was as follows:

Holmfirth 180 members and 11 classes. Thong

Page 66

64 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

allies, were confiscated; the Berlin Decree and the retaliatory councils of the British Government, with the indifferent yearly produce of agriculture, told with crushing severity on the English people. A deep-seated and widespread dissatisfaction reigned. Many West Riding workmen joined together to destroy machinery in revenge for existing evils. A secret conspiracy was formed, headed by an imaginary General Ned Ludd. Hence the agitators and avengers were called the Luddites. The organisation was cemented by a solemn oath. Their plunder, demoli- tions, and violence were strangely attributed to divine overruling, as on a former occasion the merciful heal- ing of a demoniac was falsely attributed to Beelzebub. It was determined. by the Luddites to remove one Mr. Horsfall, of Marsden, who was known to favour power- looms, a newly-invented machinery. Three men were chosen by the confederacy to carry out the murderous purpose. On Tuesday, April 21st, 1812, Mr. Horsfall was returning home from the Huddersfield Market, by way of Crosland Moor, when he was shot by agents of the league. He was taken into the “ Warren House” Inn, and died there. The unhappy men were arrested, condemned, and hanged. It was sus- pected stolen firearms were secretly hid in the roof of a chapel in the Holmfirth Circuit. The roof was searched, but no firearms were found. The Societies were thrown into alarm, and feeling rose to a high pitch of excitement. Mr. Newton did his utmost to allay the Luddite feeling, and on leaving the Circuit received a letter of thanks from a magistrate for his efficient help in the preservation of law and order.

Page 67

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 65

The

Page 68

66 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

beloved for his devotion, courtesy, and power as a preacher. The Linthwaite chapel was the second

LINTHWAITE CHAPEL, HUDDERSFIELD.

village chapel in the now Huddersfield Circuits. With varying results the Society worshipped in the old chapel until the erection of the present one in the

Page 69

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 67

year 1867, at a cost of about 43,000, and the gift of the late Mr. George Mallinson, who died in the hope of the Gospel, April 3rd, 1885. Interesting reminis- cences are given connected with Methodism in Lin- thwaite. Squire Brooke preached in the old chapel April 15th, 1826. During the service he observed a stranger in the pew of Thomas Shaw, of Low-West- Wood. After the service he asked Mr. Shaw, at whose house he was to dine, “Who is that young lady that sat in your pew this morning?” “She is Miss Martha Smith, of Greetland, and has come to request you to preach there. She will be at my house to dinner.” Miss Smith became the wife of Squire Brooke. The popular preacher always attracted large congregations because of his unique character and remarkable usefulness. On one occa- sion he said to Abraham Ashton, the chapel-keeper, “John, have I preached from this text here?” “ Yes, sir.” “And this text?” “Yes, sir.’ “And this?” “Yes, sir.’ Thinking the chapel-keeper was mis- taken, he quoted another. Again there was the answer, “Yes, sir,” when the squire replied, “ Nay, I never have; I never preached from the text in my life.” It was not unusual for members of the con- gregation to make audible responses when the sermon was being preached. It happened that one George Dyson, subject to fits of depression, was, with Betty, his wife, listening to a cheering discourse on the goodness of God, when Betty, anxious her husband should be encouraged to greater hopefulness, repeat- edly said, “ Yer thee, George ; does tha yer ought?” It was too much for the despondent husband, who at

Page 70

63 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

length warmly answered, “I wish tha’d ’old thee noise, and leave me alooan.” Revival services were held, and anxious the following day should not go by without a service, one of the members said, “I will undertake to secure a preacher.” Early the following morning a journey was taken to Thurstonland to secure James Hobson.

Page 71

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 69

three brothers, Edmund, John, and James Sykes. Edmund was a local preacher fifty-eight years, and class-leader fifty-six years, and died November 4th, 1866. John is gratefully remembered as class-leader and Sunday School superintendent, which offices he faithfully sustained for fourteen years. James was a man of God, and rendered excellent service. Samuel Dyson, converted when nineteen years of age, during a lovefeast conducted by Squire Brooke. He was appointed class-leader by the Rev. Thomas Dickin, the first Superintendent of the Buxton Road Circuit when divided from Queen Street at the Conference of 1845, and was placed on trial on the local preachers’ plan in 1852, and for twenty-nine years acceptably kept his appointments. Like Enoch, “he walked with God,” and after a few hours’ illness, like Enoch, “was not, for God had taken him,” April 19th, 1881, aged 66 years. Abraham Ashton, for many years chapel-keeper and Sunday School teacher, loved by all and a lover of all,a man of simple and transparent life, who lived to the age of eighty-three, and at the moment of death waved his hand and said “ Whoam /”—true Yorkshireman that he was! Then there was good ¥ohn Walker, who died in 1895, at the age of eighty-four. A man who did more by his thirty years’ superintendency, fifty years’ leader- ship of a Society Class, and many years’ visitation of the sick than earth will ever know. He, for sixty-four years of Christian profession, maintained

Page 72

7O METHODI>M IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC.

another name of precious memory—Senjamin Lock- wood ; converted in early life, Sunday School teacher, class-leader, choirmaster, trustee. While yet young he fell a prey to small-pox, to the deep grief of the whole township. A minister’s house was built in 1867, and ever since the Society has had the personal supervision and influence of a resident minister. The Sunday School has received constant attention, and scholars have received good, several of whom have entered the Methodist ministry.

Page 73

CHAPTER IV. DENBY DALE.

Page 74

72 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

years worshipped in the Shelley Bank Chapel. On the trustees electing to join the New Connexion, he opened his warehouse at Denby Dale for Methodist services until the present chapel was opened. His life, shadowed by sore trial, clearly witnessed to the suff- ciency of grace. For several years he was a Circuit steward, trustee,and class-leader, and, after sixty years’

Page 75

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 73

rather larger than ours. I hope it will be made a blessing to the inhabitants of that place, for many of them want both civilising and humanising.—Yours, etc., JOHN

Page 76

74 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

and Kirkburton made substantial progress. A chapel was opened in Cowms, vigorous meetings held, and in the following year 170 sittings were let. In 1816 a chapel was built at Kirkburton, the site of which was given by Mr. Joseph Savage. The Country Methodist Society gave four local preachers to the Circuit, and two preachers—the Revs. Joseph Earn-

PONTEY CHAPEL.

shaw and John Booth—to the Connexion. The -neighbouring chapel at Pontey was well attended. The singing was accompanied by the bass, played by Jonathan and George Smith, and led by John Horn, standing, with swallow-tailed coat, in front of the

pulpit, with one hand on his chin and beating time - with the other.

Page 77

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 75

In 1816 we have the appointment of George Sargent, James Sykes, and David Stoner. The year was distinguished by a general revival in. the Circuit. The work of Stoner is known wherever Methodism has found acceptance. His maxim was “If you wish to see extraordinary effects you must use extraordinary efforts.” An extract from his memoir will represent to us the life-long ardour in preaching and insatiable desire for conversions. Towards the close of his last discourse, founded on Luke xi. 32, he exclaimed, “Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And then after a solemn pause, added, “ Yet ten days, and perhaps your preacher may be a lifeless corpse!” The pre- diction was fulfilled, exactly ten days later, on the 23rd of October, 1826. His last words reflected his intense and powerful ministry. “Lord, save sinners! Save them by thousands, Lord! Subdue them, Lord ! Conquer them, I.ord.” He reiterated these petitions nearly twenty times ; then sank down, reposed his head on the pillow, and expired without a struggle or a groan, a little before twelve o’clock, aged 32 years and 6 months ; universally lamented.” During the year 1816, as we have already mentioned in a letter of Mr. John Wood to the Rev. Isaac Clayton, the Skelmanthorpe Chapel was opened. The Society lost only a few members by the Kilhamite division. The lines of Wordsworth adapted represent the Skelman- thorpe Society.

While as one growing Church retires, Another takes its place.

Under the fostering care of Mr.

Page 78

76 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Society revived. From early manhood he devoted his life to God, and of him it may be affirmed, “ God was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man.” Mr.

Page 79

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE, 77

tuting the primitive sanctuary of the early Methodists in Slaithwaite. The long beam or Baulk which spanned the room furnished the name by which the room was known. One of the leading spirits was blind Mary May. When she spoke at the lovefeasts and other meetings, she reminded the company in exultant tones, “ Bless you, when I get to heaven I shall see as well as any of you,” “ And they shall see His face.” The names of Priscilla Quarmby, Nancy Haigh, Sally Lees, Peggy Varley, Neddy Haigh, Benjamin Sugden, Joseph and Mary Heaton, are reverently associated with early Methodism in Slaith- waite. Prayer meetings were held on Sunday morn- ings at eight o’clock, in the house of Neddy Haigh. There are names of a more recent date. The two Wilkinsons—Fohn and Charles, both local preachers, and like David and Jonathan indissolubly joined in love stronger than death. For about forty years Charles preached and in many ways served the Church with fidelity. John received his first ticket from the Rev. George Highfield, and a note of authority to preach from the Rev. Thomas Dickin. His first sermon

Page 80

78 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

He often told of his conversion, and invariably

added : When I was willing with all things to part, He gave me His bounty, His love in my heart.

The summary of his Christian experience he said was, “I began singing, and then praying, and then praising, went teaching, and then preaching, and last of all it'll be When asked on his death-bed by a brother local preacher, “ Well, how is it with you now, brother? Is there firm foothold, or do the stones give way?” the instant reply was, “No, no! firm as a rock, firm as a rock.” He “fell on sleep” June 30th, 1882, aged 68 years.

Page 81

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 79

that the meetings, which began at eight, be concluded at nine One of the twelve houses was that of Mr.

Page 82

80 METHODISM IN

vacated room was offered to the Wesleyans at a rental of one shilling per annum. Services were conducted morning and afternoon and evening every alternate Sunday, and morning and afternoon on the other Sunday, when an evening service was held in the house of John Taylor, of Nettleton. This arrangement continued for forty-one years, after which the services were conducted entirely at Upperheaton. During the ministry of the Revs. James Carr, Alex- ander McAulay, and Samuel McAulay, a revival was experienced resulting in the addition of sixty to the Society. The conversion of ax old man, seventy years of age, is reported. After repeated attacks of illness and repeated invitation to the house of God, he went to hear an old mate preach. The Word smote the heart of rock. He mourned his sin, and sought Christ. He said, “I can’t help fretting about it, sir, but I hope the Lord will forgive me,” and the tears coursed down the deeply furrowed cheek. And then with rising and appropriating faith he rejoicingly said, “I can’t help fretting about it, sir, but I believe the Lord has forgiven me.” At the close of life the old man’s thoughts bridged the intervening years, and his never-to-be-forgotten penitential grief was recalled, while with faith and thankfulness, which knew no con- demnation, he said, “I used to fret about it all day long, sir, but the Lord has brought me above that now.” The words of Bunyan’s Pilgrim were true of him—

Page 83

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 81

William Medley was closely identified with Upper- heaton Methodism. From the time of the commence- ment of public services there to the time of his death —a period of twenty-three years—he was Society’s steward. For the same number of years he was only absent from the Sunday and week evening services three times, and then he was unavoidably prevented from attendance. He loved the way to Zion’s hill, and paid his constant service there. We find Abraham Mellor, of Almondbury, busily engaged in practical godliness. His consistency and generosity were marked by all. The irreligious affirmed “ Abraham Mellor is a good man, he is one of the right sort.’ Spare hours were gratuitously spent in digging out for the foundations of the

Page 84

82 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

The Circuit ministers often preached from the rock, which became a sacred temple floor. Here the chapel—known in the district as the “ Rock Chapel ” —was built. The solid rock remained, and the chapel was made to suit the place, and not the place the chapel. The architecture is consequently unique. The large, square, upper room would hold about 200 people. The pews were arranged in gallery form, and a few benches were placed on either side of the pulpit for the scholars, and the singers’ pew was beneath the pulpit desk. One of the opening sermons was preached by David Stoner, who called the Rev. Mr. Ashton, pastor of the Lockwood Baptist Church, into the pulpit to take part in the service. The chapel became a centre of active Christian influence. Hallbower, Newsome, Taylor Hill, Armitage Bridge, and Castle Hill were without a place of worship. A class meeting was started at Taylor Hill in the room now used as counting-house by Messrs. Benjamin Vickerman and Sons. From _

Page 85

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 83

most beloved of Superintendents,” Joe Bray, Reuben Berry, and John Bottomley took prominent part in the Society and school. The names of William Donkersley, William Cockshaw, and Henry Smith, all of them class leaders and able local preachers, are as ointment poured forth, The memory lingers lovingly over the names of Joshua Robinson, George Burhouse, Allen Stringer, and John Taylor; Mrs. Joseph Vickerman, Miss Mary Lodge, Mrs. John Lodge, and Miss Selina Burhouse. The name of Zhomas Seymour, of Green Ham- merton, near York, familiarly known as “ Hallelujah Tommy,’ deserves special mention. Afterhis expulsion from Netherton School, he went to the Rock School, and shortly after became converted under the ministry of the Rev. James Caughey, of the Methodist Epis- copal Church in America, during a visit of that gentleman to Huddersfield. Soon after his conver- sion he met John Berry, Superintendent of the Rock School, with the remark, “Nah, John, I’ve come seeking a job; can you give me one, for I’ve gotten converted?” Noticing his happy, smiling face, John

replied : “Ah, lad, tha looks like it!” “ Hallelujah!” said Tommy, “he sees it in my face!”

Page 86

84 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

impassioned appeals to the unconverted. God has greatly honoured him in his work. The Longwood village was not a stranger to the evangelistic labours of the early Methodists. With others they had been constrained to go and hear the popular Methodist preachers, and as they heard they were convinced, and started prayer meetings in their own homes. Class meetings were well attended, and the foundation of a strong and active Society was laid. An urgent need for a chapel arose, and in 1837 one was built that would hold 250 people in the gallery, which was on three sides. The floor was not pewed, and was used for Sunday School purposes. The cause prospered and a spirit of earnestness was roused. The heads of families saw it was in the interests of their children to attend the school and the chapel, and eagerly they applied for sittings. The demands could not be met, and in several instances families could only secure two or three sittings or must be prepared to sit in different parts of the chapel. An enlargement of the “Shell,” by which name the chapel was known, became im- perative; and after careful consultation of the trustees and congregation, was effected at a cost of £300. While the shell was enlarged, the Society was by no means unmindful of the kernel; that was guarded from harm and sustained in soundness by the culti- vation of prayer and godly living. The name and family of the late Mr.

Page 87

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY

Page 88

86 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Marsden. A few good people met for Divine worship in a private dwelling in the Planks, and subsequently in a house at the Bridge End, afterwards occupied as a clogger’s shop. The preacher stood in the stairs and preached to those in the chamber gallery and also on the floor. In the year 1824, a more com- modious and suitable place was built. The one- storeyed chapel with rising gallery would accom- modate about 150. A schoolroom was provided by Mr. William Bent for 80 scholars. The chapel and schoolroom cost 4500. Mr. William Robinson was the pioneer of Wesleyanism, and the first of a family of stalwart Nonconformists. There were Luke and Fanny Shaw of blessed memory, blind William and old John Buckley, the Barretts, the Fieldings, Samuel Howley, and many other good men and women, among whom were Mrs. Mary Schofield and Mrs. Bent — William and James Schofield in the front of the willing workers and willing givers. Mr. William Shaw witnessed the inauguration of Marsden Methodism. He joined the Society in 1828, and continued a faithful and consistent member. He was the oldest trustee of the chapel, a man of few words, and of deep and sustained interest in the cause of God. He was in his usual place in the sanctuary three times on the day but one before his death, and in the afternoon of the Sabbath partook of the Lord’s Supper. He was seized with apoplexy and, after a few hours, joined the innumerable com- pany the last day of the old year 1872. His funeral was on his 81st birthday, and was attended by

Page 89

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 87

ministers of the circuit, the vicar of Marsden, and many friends. Mr. William Schofield received his first ticket of membership from the Rev. Charles Haydon, in the centenary year of Methodism, 1839. He became a Sunday-school teacher, and for nearly thirty years a superintendent, when his failing health compelled him to say to the teachers seeking his re-election, “Nay, thank you, I cannot attend to it as I ought, and I’ll not make a mock of With Mr. S. Hill he established the first temperance society in Mars- den. He was true to duty, just to man, and con- siderate to the destitute. He evidenced a good confession in times of sorrow and failing health. His faith and hope were firmly fixed. Withtriumph and composure he testified: “I’m ready to go or willing to stop as the Lord sees fit. I’ve put myself in His hands, and He can do what seemeth Him good.” When it was known William Schofield of Marsden was dead, the neighbours said “ He was a good man, and we are sorry he is dead, but he is better off.”

Page 90

88 _ METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

and William McKitrick. Both were greatly beloved and “always abounding in the work of the Lord.”

SCENE OF THE COACH ACCIDENT.

Mr. Slack was the first minister to remain three years. The longest term had been two years, and according to Conference rule the term of two years

Page 91

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 89

had not been exceeded except in special cases. About the close of Mr. Slack’s superintendency, July 28th, 1823, the Rev. George Sargent, a former superinten- dent, met with a fatal accident by the upsetting of a .coach at Shellybank Bottom. Mr. Sargent was one of eight ministers travelling by the coach “ Fleece ” to the Annual Conference to be held in Sheffield. Local doctors, and his son, Dr. Sargent, rendered prompt but unavailing help. He lingered for two days, was heard to say “happy, happy,” and died. He was removed to his son’s residence in Huddersfield, and was the first to be buried in the newly constructed vaults under the Queen Street Chapel. The other fatal case was that of the Rev. Edward B. Lloyd, who was stationed in the Halifax South Parade Circuit. He survived the accident nine days. Shortly before his death on the 6th of August, aged thirty-three, he said, “Oh, my friends, how sweet it is to die. I had no idea it was so pleasant. I thought I was in heaven.” In 1824 there was a decided forward movement in the Holmfirth

Page 92

go METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

abounded, and the spirit of harmony and goodwill rested on the Circuit. While the villages were advancing, Hudders- field was making remarkable progress. It took the lead and set the example, which surround- ing villages were not slow to follow. Owing largely to the magnetic soul-winning ministry of eminent ministers, and the moral

Page 93

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

Page 95

CHAPTER V.

SQUIRE BROOKE.

QUIRE BROOKE was a brave, true-hearted, frolicsome lad, with love of sports, dogs, and horses. He grew up to be a keen sportsman, but never interpreted that term as a synonym for a gambler. The plain and pointed words of Thomas Holladay, a Primitive Methodist, “ Master, you are seeking happiness where it will never be found,” were well aimed and well meant, and did more execution than all the sermons he had heard preached. The young squire was out shooting on Honley Moor, and got shot. For three weeks he mourned his sin and unweariedly prayed, when, at four a light beyond the brightness of the morning sun dispelled the gloom of unforgiven sin ; and, bounding up the broad and sounding stairs to his sister’s room, he announced the glad news of his conversion, and forthwith sped to the house of Ben Naylor, and they two summoned Joseph Donkersley, and the three prayed and praised, sang and rejoiced, together. At the love-feast in Green Cliff Chapel the new convert rose and said, “The camel has got through the 93

Page 96

04. METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

needle’s eye.” Every heart was moved, and “the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.” Every Thursday morning he ‘devoted to the visi- tation of the sick and the relief of the poor. To a dying saint he said, “T wish I could change places with you.” “No,” re- plied the dying one ; “you have to preach the Gospel for many years to come, and to be the

Page 97

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 95

year 1825, to the last time he preached on Sunday evening, January 15th, 1871, from the text “ And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord,” he never turned aside from his one purpose of glorifying God in promoting the salvation of souls. For over forty- five years he preached “ Repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Oliver Gold- smith’s lines aptly represent him— Truth from his lips prevail’d with double sway, And fools, who came to scoff, remain’d to pray.

The service past, around the pious man, With steady zeal, each honest rustic ran.

He had a wonderful way of speaking a word in season, and still more wonderful way of speaking a word at times apparently to many out of season. The manner and the message roused sympathetic interest, awoke sleeping memories, and often resulted in sound conversion. To a card player he said, “Young man, you have a mother praying for you.” On journeying through a village he enquired the way to “ Paradise.” The man said he had lived in that village forty years and had never heard of such a place. “What! never heard of such a place as ‘Paradise’? I am going there.” “Ah, master, I understand you now.” A toll-gate keeper was startled by the words, “So you are going to leave ?” “What? Why, the master was here the other day, and he said nothing.” “Yes; you are going to leave, and the next man who comes after you won’t stay long. Mind you are ready when the Master calls you.” To a man gathering nettles on a Sunday

Page 98

96 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

morning, he said, “ Thou poor sinner, art thou going to sell thy precious soul to the devil on a Sunday

morning for a few paltry nettles?” “You are very busy,” he said to a servant-girl, who had opened the door and shown him into the room. “Yes, sir. We

should have been straight, but we have been waiting for the whitewashers.” He asked solemnly, “ Has Christ washed your soul whiter than snow in His most precious blood?” He never forgot that the word spoken to him on Honley Moor by the humble yet earnest Thomas Holladay was the means, under God, of his conversion, and believed that under the same Divine blessing a stray word or a direct appeal might mean salvation to others. When he preached, he often struck up a familiar tune to words equally familiar, such as, “ There’ll be no more sorrow there,” or “There is sweet rest in Heaven,” or “Come to Jesus, Hewillsaveyou,”and thecongregation gladly caught up the tune, and sang with heart and voice. The common people heard him gladly, and, may we not add, the uncommon people, too? On Sunday, January 22nd, 1871, he had a paralytic seizure, and died on Monday evening, January 30th, in the seventy-second year of his age. The following resolution was passed by the Buxton Road Circuit Quarterly Meeting :

“That this meeting cannot allow the present opportunity to pass without expressing its consciousness of the great loss which this Circuit and Methodism at large has sustained in the removal by death of Edward Brooke, Esq. As we call to mind his ‘labours more abundant,’ his zeal for God, and his great success in winning souls for Christ ; and when, in addition to the Spiritual obligations under which he laid the Church, we think

Page 99

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 97

‘of the help he so often afforded in its more temporal concerns, we feel our loss to be no common and ordinary one. But while we ‘sorrow most of all that we shall see his face no more,’ and

YOOW

Page 100

98 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

The following resolution was carried unanimously

by the Halifax and Bradford District Synod, May, 1871:

“That this meeting wishes to place on record its sense of the loss sustained in the lamented decease of the late Mr. Edward Brooke, of the Huddersfield (Buxton Road) Circuit. In grateful memory of the devoted and successful labours of this excellent local preacher, so generously and indefatigably rendered to various parts of the Connexion for a long series of years, and blessed to the good of multitudes, we would offer our sincere condolence to his family ; and, above all, glorify God, the giver of all grace, and humbly pray that rich fruits of Methodism may never be wanting as were shown in the remarkable conversion, the pure and exemplary character, and the useful labours of Mr. Brooke.”

Methodism in caring for the villages is charac- terised by the spirit of its Founder as the Levitical economy indicates the mind of Moses, and as the Christian economy testifies to the spirit of Christ. In 1829 a little Methodist chapel was built at

Page 101

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 99

We want you to help us in the revival.” Mr. Brooke was only too delighted to help, and went several times. The debt on the chapel in 1830 was 41,118, a serious liability for a poor people, and a hindrance to the work. The revived Church worked hard for the reduction of the debt, and generous friends responded to worthy appeals, and 4920 was raised. In 1830 the appointment to the Circuit was that of Fohn Hannah, Fohn Farrar, and Wiliam M. Bunting. A remarkable appointment ; one that says much for the status of the Circuit. It is clear an excellent work had been done, and the Circuit must have in strength of numbers and influence compared favourably with the best in Methodism. The advent of the Divine kingdom was the supreme object of their desire and effort. They rendered invaluable service to the cause of religion by their unswerving insistence on the law of the Lord as the unfailing and infallible standard of daily ethics and personal godliness. They were indefatigable in their attention to the spiritual and temporal interests of the Circuit, and an ensample in all that enriches character. The produce of their minds, the results of their labours, and the influence of their lives are the abiding memorials of their honoured names. Under their ministrations there was a silent ripening of the spiritual life, a growing concentration of Circuit forces, and a decided gain in Methodist strength and influence. Their public deliverances were largely expository. While they consolidated the Churches, they comforted believers by their pastoral attentions

Page 102

100 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

During the last year of the Rev. John Hannah’s superintendency, Edward Walker was his colleague. Mr. Walker went out from Almondbury, and was led to Christ through the ministry of David Stoner. In 1834, the Rev. Robert Jackson was on the Circuit. He was the youngest of four brothers, three of whom became “ men of renown” in the Methodist ministry. He gave special attention to the children of the Circuit, holding special services amongst the Sunday- school scholars, founding catechumen classes, and rendering aid with the publication of the Catechumen Reporter, which was finally merged in the present Sunday School Magazine. During his ministry, hundreds of young people were led to Christ, and will be the crown of his rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. Joseph Newsome, of Kirkheaton, was at this period arresting attention and drawing crowds by his brusque individuality and racy preaching. When convinced of sin he rested not until converted. Referring to the change of heart, he said, “I wor converted when a young man corner uv a field, weer ah’d goan to pray for pardon, and ah ex- perienced theer such a change as

Page 103

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 101

machinery was betrayed into unguarded denunciation which occasioned the reproof of his brethren, the local preachers. He was, withal, a man of honest purpose, deep sympathy, and integrity of life. In describing critics, he placed his hands together as if full of chaff and corn, and blew, then said, “ Critics have not hen sense. Hens pick up the corn and Jeave the chaff; but critics take the chaff and leave corn.” He died in the triumph of the Gospel,

Page 104

102 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

to its completion. The first dedicatory service was conducted on Tuesday evening, July 18th, 1837, by the Rev. Robert Newton, when the collection was 4195 11s. 9d. On Wednesday, the 19th, the Rev. James Parsons, of York, and the Rev. John Harris, of Epsom, preached, the

BUXTON ROAD CHAPEL, HUDDERSFIELD.

former in the forenoon, when the collection was #169 tos. 10d., and the latter in the evening, the collection being 4277 18s. 3d. On the following Sunday (July 23rd) simultaneous sermons were delivered in Buxton Road and Queen Street Chapels, as follows:

Page 105

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 103

Buxton Road Chapel.

Page 106

104 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

ark of the Lord found peaceful habitation. Many prayers arose for the conversion of souls. After con- siderable difficulty a site for a chapel was provided by a Holmfirth gentleman. The chapel was built and opened, and the whole Society rose in earnest suppli- cation for the twin dedication of the temple and of themselves. Theanswer came. The cloud descended, and the voice was heard proclaiming the name of the Lord and His mercy. Men and women, young and old, were heard to plead earnestly, and many were the saved of the Lord. From Thurstonland Society Methodist families have gone to neighbouring towns, and been an inestimable blessing in their new abode. James Hobson, of Thurstonland, is a name well known in the Holmfirth and surrounding circuits. Tall and athletic, he was a village Samson, whose word would alarm delinquents for miles around. Under the preaching of Mr. William Wilson, of Sedberg, he was led to Christ. That was the great turning point of his life, and henceforth we see in him manly integrity, directness of purpose, and labours more abundant. For thirty-six years he preached with conspicuous effect. He was a man of “grit and grip,” and his preaching stirred the pulses of the people. He was amazingly and deservedly popular, and was in frequent request for anniversary and revival sermons and missionary meetings. This prince in Israel received the “well done” of his Lord April 18th, 1873, at the age of sixty years.

Page 107

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 105

to Clayton West. Many of the work-people were Wesleyan Methodists. Mr. J. Woodhall formed a Society class, which was largely attended. Cottage services were re-established, and met with gratifying success. In 1839 a chapel was built. The site -was given by Mr. William Walker, and liberal subscrip- tions promised by other friends. Revival services were subsequently held, and many were saved.. A notable case may be recorded. Mr. and Mrs. Vickers knelt together as penitents. At that time, the mother of Mrs. Vickers was reading her Bible at home, Emley Lodge, a farmhouse about a mile from the chapel, when she was impressed her. daughter had found mercy, and her son-in-law was seeking the blessing. When the members of the family returned home, Mrs. Vickers said, “ You need not tell me the glad. news, for

Page 108

106 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC.

Dr. George Sargent, son of the Rev. George Sargent. For twenty years he had rendered valuable service in various departments of Christian work. He was secretary with the Rev. W. C. Madden to the Hudders- field Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, treasurer of the Religious Tract Society, and

Page 109

THE COTTAGE IN WHICH ABRAHAM

MOSS LIVED AND DIED.

(Front and Back Views).

107

Page 110

108 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

The seed that in life’s few and fleeting hours His hand unsparing and unwearied sowed, Hath decked his grave with amaranthine flowers, And yielded fruits divine in heaven’s immortal bowers:

One of Mr. Wood’s colleagues was the fev. Samuel Simpson, who was three years at Holmfirth before he entered on the Huddersfield Circuit. His fame preceded him. He was a diligent student, and made careful preparation for his pulpit work. Always “ fervent in spirit,” his preaching was at times marked by unusual pathos, and attended with much power. He took part in the ceremony of stone-laying of the Longwood New Chapel in 1837, and his addresses on that occasion, with the knowledge of his attractive and useful ministry in Holmfirth, intensified the desire to secure him for the Huddersfield Circuit. The appointment was justified. A gracious work became general, and many turned from the error of their ways. The Pontey Chapel, Kirkburton, became too small for the congregation, and William Alderson, a devout

Page 111

HULMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 109°

the exodus of young men going thence from time to time. At the Jubilee celebration the past and present teachers and scholars and members of the congrega-

WESLEYAN CHAPEL, KIRKBURTON.

tion assembled and marched in procession, headed by the Kirkburton brass band, by way of North Dean to Pontey, where, opposite the old chapel, they sang

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun Doth his successive journeys run—

Page 112

IIo

Page 113

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

Page 114

112

Page 115

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 113

Page 116

114 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

the most serious agitation Methodism has ever known. The loss to the Connexion was estimated to be one hundred thousand members. As in 1796 so in 1849, anonymous papers, called the “ Fly-Sheets,” filled with grievous slanders against the leaders of Metho- dism and the Conference, were circulated broadcast throughout the Connexion. The Revs. James Everett, Samuel Dunn, and William Griffith were placed on their trial on charges arising from the accusations published in the “Fly-Sheets.” They declined to submit to conditions absolutely necessary to the peaceful prosecution of the work of the ministry, and their continuance as ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference became impossible. Ulti- mately the sentence of expulsion was passed on them. Against that sentence not a single hand was uplifted in the Conference. The expelled ministers began a public agitation forthwith, and for five years the war-cry was, “ No surrender! No seces- sion! Nosupply!” The devastation caused in many Circuits was to leave them a ruinous heap. The late Right Hon. W. E. Forster described the agitation as “the last civil war ever fought in England for the sake of religion.” A third part of the city of Wesleyan Methodism fell. Fifty thousand of those who ceased membership with the Wesleyan Societies were scattered as sheep that had no shepherd, and it is to be feared an incalculable number suffered irre- parable spiritual loss. The

Page 117

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 115

cannot be “ bought at any price.” There are lessons to be gathered from deplorable experiences. Astro- nomic knowledge is indebted to the darkness of the night. And in these days of Evangelical Altiance all Christians desire the “unity of the Spirit” in “bonds of peace.” Spiritual unity is more than organic unity. There have been cases where organic unity could only be maintained at the sacrifice of spiritual unity. In such cases external organic union, com- promising or sacrificing internal spiritual union, is to be deplored. Rather than surrender Christian “unity in the bonds of peace” we. hail the increase of de- nominationalism. Corporate unity is not essential to Christian unity. It has sometimes been destructive of it. Corporate union, co-extensive with nationality, is not the need of the world, nor ought it to be the desire of the Churches. The unity of the Inde- pendents is in their separateness. A federation of Christian Churches, retaining denominational dis- tinctions and combining Christian forces, is the re-union needed ; and not the amalgamation of the Churches in universal organisation, involving a loss of denominational characteristics and of that “unity of the Spirit” which is the true unity of the Church in Christ. Church union and Church re-union are not identical, and never can be. There are worse things than secession. - The sorest enemy of the Church is not outside, but within the Church. The results of unfriendly attacks on any true Church from without are increased stability and strength. But a Church “divided against itself cannot stand.” The secessions from the Wesleyan Methodist Church

Page 118

116 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

have never been for doctrinal reasons, but for reasons of polity. Government and not creed has been the occasion. The establishment of other communities is not an unmixed evil. Greater peace, unity, and usefulness may follow. There is unity in diversity. The golden lamp-stand in Zechariah’s vision, with its olive trees and bowls and pipes of gold, is an emblem of the Church of Christ. There were varied sections of the one lamp, yet all contributing to the one end. The greeting of

Page 119

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 117

in the world; I have read much, thought much, and reasoned .much; and. the result is from a long and thorough knowledge of the subject I am led most conscientiously to conclude that Christianity itself as existing amongst those called Wesleyan Methodists is the purest, the safest, and that which is most to the glory of God and the benefit of men.”

Page 120

CHAPTER VI.

STORR AND CAUGHEY.

HE ministers on the Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and Denby Dale Circuits were men of under- standing and judgment, and well able to discern the signs of the times. With patience and fidelity, with hope and heart, they strove to maintain the discipline of the Societies under their charge and to encourage and to establish in the faith once delivered unto the saints those who continued with them in the fellow- ship of Christ and the Wesleyan community. Despite their zeal, there was a considerable decrease of membership. In the Buxton Road Circuit the membership fell from 1,403 in March, 1849, to 1,350 in March, 1850; and the following year showed a further decrease of 478. The number of members at the March visitation in 1851 stood at 872; at the following March visitation of the classes there was another decrease of 54 members. From that year there was a gradual rise, with one exception, until, in 1888, there were 1,598 members. The Society at Lockwood, which, two years before, had taken a large room in Crosland’s Mill, and fitted it up as a chapel 118

Page 121

METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC. 11g

and Sunday School, and was at that time in a flourishing state, was reduced to 2 members. The two were T. Chapman, the leader, and Betty Wood. The leader continued in his office until his death, in 1858, when his widow succeeded to the position until February, 1866, Betty Wood continued her member- ship until her death in 1863. The school at Kzrkéurton, built in 1848, at a cost of £650, and having about 300 children, gave promise of much good. The tone of the school was an encouraging contrast with the state of things thirty years before, when the first school was commenced. Then the Superintendents were only too glad if others would open the school by prayer rather than pray themselves. On one occasion a scholar was requested to take this part, or probably the opening prayer would have been dispensed with. While the scholars were taught writing and received velvet caps and silk neckties for recitations at the anniversary of the school, the supply of Bibles and Testaments was insufficient and the management of the school inadequate. All this was changed. Definite religious teaching and judicious oversight told on the behaviour and character of the children. At Hinchliff Mill a different order of school life obtained. For many years a unique experience of Sunday School teaching was endured. There were three schools, considerably apart, occupied by four to five hundred children. Decentralisation was incon- venient for the teachers and injurious to the scholars. In 1785 Joshua Thewlis and one or two others gathered a few children on Sundays into a cottage

Page 122

120 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

room at Waterside and taught them. Subsequently a larger room, which belonged to Mr. Joseph Brammah, was secured, and in 1812 a room was rented at Longwalls. Here, in 1815, the Lancas- terian system of teaching was introduced, and super- intended by Mr. George Wilson, who attained the age of 100. The schoolroom on the Cartworth side of Hinchliff Mill was opened on the 12th of August, 1827, with 152 children from the room at Longwalls, together with 20 new scholars. Once a month, weather permitting, the children attended the Holm- firth Chapel for service. In 1850 a second school- room was erected behind the one built in 1827, and the schoolroom in the chapel basement was enlarged. The want of suitable school accommodation did not deter from energetic and evangelical instruction. Religious impressions were made,

Page 123

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 121

and his hens cost him his life. At the time of the flood the school was in a prosperous state, as the report, read at the succeeding annual meeting in May, represents: Numberof numberof scholars, 493. Of these, boys 241, girls 252; there being an average attendance of 456. The year 1852 will be ever associated in the district with that most calami- tous reservoir catastrophe, when eighty-one lives were sacrificed. The Bilbery Reservoir was at the head of the Holme Valley, where “ banks, trees, and skies in thick disorder run,” and enclosed about seven acres of surface available for storing water. The construction, owing to a spring, was defective; the by-wash had become stopped up, and the rush of water and strong wind caused the embankment to part as if it had been struck with lightning, and the mass of masonry and earthwork to give way with thundering crash, when the pent-up waters rushed through and down the narrow gorge with irresistible velocity and disastrous results. Hinchliff Mill suffered the loss of forty lives. Bridges, houses, and mills were doomed; the Wesleyan chapel and graveyard at Holmfirth were flooded. The waters rushed on toward Honley and Lockwood, and carried death and destruction in its course. Men, women, and children lying calm and peaceful in their nightly sleep were swept away at a

Page 124

122 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

neighbourhood breathed the fervent prayer, “ Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” The Sunday-school teachers and preachers were not slow to avail themselves of the occasion, and with renewed consecration and increased earnestness they urged the importance of personal salvation and the immediate yielding to the Spirit’s striving. There was an intense personality in their exhortations. Every preacher and teacher delivered a personal message demanding personal consideration, and in- sisted on the necessity of personal religion. The “me” and “ ye” came home to individual consciences, and sinners prayed the old prayer, “God be merciful unto me a sinner.” The flood damaged considerably the Holmfirth chapel, which four years before had been renovated, re-pewed, and altered. The damage was repaired, towards which the flood committee made a generous grant of 4174. Deadmanstone Society was numerically weakened by the Reform agitation. Some went to Salem New Connexion, and others to the Honley Reform Chapel. In after years there was a return to the old spiritual birthplace. No little feeling of resentment was pro- voked by the cessation of writing in the Sunday School. In lieu thereof, week-night classes were commenced, in which both writing and arithmetic were taught. Each teacher received from Messrs. John Brooke and Sons an annual gift of a suit of clothes. The night-school classes were continued until the Board School was opened in Berry Brow. There was a debt of £200 remaining on the chapel for over forty years, but during the Rev. R. Thompson’s

Page 125

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY- DALE. 123

ministry in the Circuit Mrs. Joseph Vickerman arranged that, although the interest was to be paid during her lifetime, yet at her decease the debt was to be cancelled. The Rev. John H. Faull, in the Holmfirth Circuit, in his pulpit ministrations was mighty and successful. He aimed chiefly at saving souls, and many, in response to his powerful appeals, were induced to yield themselves to God. In after life, when nearly blind and deaf, he would spend several hours each day wrestling with God in prayer. In 1851 the ministers on the Queen Street Circuit were Revs. James Carr and Alex. McAulay, men of great earnestness, and eminently successful in turning many to righteousness. Mr. Carr was wont to-say, “Having been so many times to the cross myself, I have learnt the nearest way.” Alexander McAulay was a man of tender sympathy and evangelistic fervour and unflinching fidelity. He had a remark- able capacity for enlisting and organising the labour of others. He was appointed President at the Nottingham Conference, 1876, and the year of Presidency was distinguished for the promotion of the Work of God by conventions held in various parts of the country, which his personal presence and generous gifts greatly assisted. When more than seventy years of age he went on an evangelistic tour to Africa with all the ardour of youth. The year 1857 was a year of peril and trial to the Society at Queen Street. With the exception of a few the members formed a separate Church, designated the “Free Wesleyan Church.” The division of the Society and congregation meant a loss of many of

Page 126

124 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

the officials. The Fountain Street School, built in 1845 at a cost of 41,500, was left with one teacher and her class. This one teacher, like Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms, said, “ Here I stand ; God help me.” An announcement was made asking any who were willing to join in school work to meet in the vestry. Ten or twelve scholars and eighteen or twenty teachers went, and with hearty goodwill, earnest prayer, and hopefulness the work was con- tinued.

There shall never be one lost good; what was shall live as before. The evil is null, is naught, is silence implying sound. What was good shall be good, with, for evil, so much good more. On the earth the broken arcs; in the heaven the perfect round. Subsequently a more eligible site was secured and reserved for school-building purposes, and in 1866 schools were built, costing 44,091. The number of scholars was 450. The growth of the school con- tinued, and in a few years there was an efficient staff of teachers and more than a thousand scholars. The school has contributed to the growth of the Church. This is the end and aim of the teachers, by bringing the young people to religious decision by organising classes for their mental and spiritual culture, and by offering every facility by habitual attendance on worship. In 1856 Honley,

Page 127

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALF. 125

ing was earnest, with special directness to the con- science.

Page 128

126 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

and night after night services were conducted, and many felt “the word of God” to be “ quick and pow- erful, and sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and

Page 129

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 127

salvation and growth in grace. This is as it should be. The answered prayer is a call to press forward. In the hour of victory the true soldier redoubles his efforts. ‘“ Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauty of holiness from the womb of the morning.” Pure religion and willing co-operation were strikingly evidenced by the Churches enriched by refreshing seasons and renewed souls. Envy and strife were lost in peace and good-will, and, like the disciples before the day of Pentecost, they “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” As it was in the beginning it is now and ever shall be. Divine resources are available to faith and prayer. “Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” The general revival, in which all the Circuits shared and received permanent good, was on the close of a successful and deeply appreciated three years’ ministry of the Rev. Gervase Smith in the Buxton Road Circuit. His attractive preaching was marked by manly and earnest advocacy of Gospel truth, by direct and vigorous appeals, and by rich and ready rhetoric. In 1873 Dr. Smith was elected as Secretary of the Conference, and two years later to the Presidency. In 1874 he was appointed British Representative to the first General Conference of the Methodist Church in Canada, and three years after selected to attend the Australasian Conference and to visit the Districts in Polynesia. For nearly twenty years he was Secretary of the Metropolitan Chapel Building Fund, and in 1880 succeeded the Rev. John

Page 130

128 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Rattenbury as Treasurer of the Auxiliary Fund. On his last day of perfect consciousness he asked that the hymn “Come ye that love the Lord,” might be sung, and would have the last verse repeated once and again. He spoke of joining his friend, Dr. Punshon, and at intervals said, “ Jesus, my Saviour !” and “Hold Thou my hand!” Thus, on April 22nd, 1882, he passed beyond the veil. The year 1858 stands out as a spiritual epoch in the history of Huddersfield Methodism. The ev. James Caughey, of America, held special services that were wonderfully popular and richly owned of God. Many remarkable conversions were recorded. Every age and every grade came under the soul-con- verting power of the Word. Every Church in the town and_ district reaped bountiful harvests of encouragement and blessing. The Buxton Road Circuit tabulated an increase of 2009, with many

Page 131

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 129

and faithful ministry, successfully conserved the increases. They were men of rare gifts and excellent spirits, whose services were freely rendered and duly appraised. The esteem in which Dr. Jobson was held by the Conference was testified by his appointment to attend foreign conferences as a deputation on two occasions, by his appointment to the office of Book Steward, and by his election as President, 1869. Dr. Jobson had for his junior colleague during his second year the Rev.

Page 132

130 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC.

surviving member of the then trustees. The con- gregation, believing they should arise and build, and confident of generous support, resolved on the erec- tion of a new Gothic chapel, the designs of which were prepared and submitted by George Woodhouse, Esq., of Bolton, and late of Lindley. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs. J. Neild Sykes on January 5th, 1867, and the chapel was opened on June Ioth, 1868. Within three years of the opening the debt was cleared. In a few years an excellent organ was erected, and the old chapel adapted to Sunday School requirements, The spirit of liberality has been most marked in the Sykes’ family. They have nobly encouraged the enterprising and aggressive action of the trustees and friends. Not only once and again, but always, Methodism and the well-being of the residents have received their generous consideration and help. The members and congregation have responded to necessary appeals, and liabilities have been readily met and the work left unhampered by debt.

Page 133

CHAPTER VII. HOLMFIRTH.

NDER the superintendence of the Rev. Michael Johnson the Holmfirth

Page 134

$32

Page 135

METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC. 133

asked each other of their welfare,” and the sym- pathetic enquiry elicited a willing narration of sorrow and joy, and of the merciful dealings of Providence. With one consent the grateful tribute rose in earnest song, “ Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” while the lip, tremulous with emotion, declared “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” From Holm- firth Schools have gone many into the ministry at home and abroad. The seed scattered in prayer and faith, and at times ’mid tears and fears, has yielded in this and other lands bountiful harvests. Of those who have entered the ministry and who were natives of Holmfirth were Rev. John Beaumont, father of Dr. Beaumont, Ben Hudson, Jonas Jagger, George Roe- buck, Jonathan Barroclough, James England, Joseph Roberts, J. C. Sykes, J. C. Woodcock, Martin Dyson, who went to Australia and entered the ministry there, Richard Butterworth, Agar B. Gardiner, Joshua Haigh, Amos Dyson, John Jagger, Henry Haigh, J. R. Broadbent, Willie Hirst, and Herman Stephenson. These are names held in loving remembrance. Some have finished their course and have gained the prize. Their works follow them.. Their

Page 136

134 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life,” was enlarged at a cost of £300. For forty years, Sunday by Sunday children had gathered and received varied instructions, and many who received what education they had at the school, and were enabled to meet the cares of life the more courageously and wisely than otherwise they would have done, spoke of the school with becoming reverence. Among reminiscences given, we hear that in 1820 the posters advertising the school anniversary had the intimation: “Silver is expected in the gallery ” ; that the Sunday School children wore white dresses and occupied a rising platform specially erected for the school anniversary ; and that at Whitsuntide beer was brewed for the older people—a custom which was discontinued because it encouraged intemperance. Of teachers and friends of the school mention is made of honoured names. Yames Dyson, who kept the Co-operative Stores, was a local preacher, class- leader, and trustee ; most methodical in business and, we may add, exemplary in all his commercial transactions. On returning from the market, cus- tomers in the shop were served at the old rate, but any coming after would be served at the current market price. The chapel trust-deeds were kept at his house, there being no Circuit or Society safe for their custody. Samuel Lockwood, Sunday School superintendent and class-leader, was highly respected for his integrity of character and genial disposition. His name is. a household name, and retains the perfume of his gracious personality. Mention is made of Moses Taylor, a class-leader, in whose house

Page 137

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 135

Methodism was first introduced to Meltham. He was accidentally killed while engaged at his work in

Page 138

136 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

when the congregation could not crowd into the room. Mr. Loutit stood in the doorway and preached to the company in two rooms. The subject of a new chapel was frequently discussed. The chief difficulty was the familiar one of “ways and means.” It was faced and surmounted. The site deemed most eligible was owned by an old man, who was opposed to selling. Mr. Loutit sought an interview. The old man at first flatly declined to,dispose of any part of the land. During the interview Mr. Loutit held two golden sovereigns in his hand, and baited his request with the golden coin, saying, “ Well, my friend, you are an old man; the land is not bringing you in much money, and a few of these bright pieces of gold will be more serviceable to you. Just think how much more comfortable you might be with many more sovereigns like these.” The appeal answered its purpose, and land was acquired at 6s. 8d. per yard. The foundation-stone of a school-chapel that would hold 110 persons, with accommodation for 100 scholars, was laid by Mr. Loutit in October, 1864. The Sunday School at Crosland Moor has been wonderfully helpful to the Society. On its establish- ment in the chapel on Sunday, September 24th, 1865, there were fourteen teachers and twenty-seven scholars ; at the end of the first year there were 123 scholars, and in 1897 about 350 scholars. Those who are taking a leading part in the school and Society have, in the majority of cases, passed through the school as scholars. Substantial additions to the building were made imperative by the rapid growth of the school and con- gregation. The Society has risen to the occasion,

Page 139

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 137

and by dint of perseverance in gifts and preparation for bazaars has been able to extend their boundary from time to time. Four cottages and land were. acquired, and in 1877, on Good Friday, a memorial stone for an extensive enlargement was laid by Mr. Thomas Mallinson. The scheme involved the re- modelling and re-pewing of the ground floor to seat 250, providing a new pulpit and communion, and altering the entrance to the chapel and ingress to the gallery. On the occasion of the stone laying, the children presented purses amounting to 471 3s. od. The Society and school have greatly prospered, and are united in aim and action. Further improvements are contemplated. Recently a three days’ bazaar was inaugurated, and openedon Saturday, April 17th, 1897, in the large room of the Crosland Moor Board School, which realised £408. At Crosland Moor unity has been strength. One and all have worked with will and heart. No effort has been spared and no sacri- fice withheld. The cause and place are endeared by unnumbered blessings.

Page 140

138 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

sense, and sympathetic heart, “Old Zacchy,” as he was familiarly known and affectionately called, has left an imperishable impress on the heart and life of many. It would be invidious to mention names that survive. Prudence forbids. Suffice it to say it would be an easy and pleasant matter to mention many in this and other Societies that will be in “everlasting remembrance.” The Jubilee of the Queen Street Chapel was taken advantage of for the raising of 42,000 towards the 43,000 debt. Great enthusiasm was evoked. Meet- ings were held for consultation, counsel, work, and encouragement. While concerned about the accom- plishment of their purpose there was

Page 141

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 139

In 1876 a new organ was erected, and twenty years after the old high, straight-backed pews replaced by low, sloping-backed pews, the heating apparatus

Page 142

140 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

ceiling thoroughly restored, involving an outlay of £4,000. The energetic congregation, by the adoption of well-tried means frequently resorted to in former days, has again proved equal to the occasion. The re-opening of the chapel by the President, Dr. Randles, brought them within sound of again de- claring the chapel free of debt. The enormous amounts raised on behalf of the Queen Street cause represent an untold wealth of devotion and service which cannot be tabulated. The material progress isa faint symbol of the spiritual. The services, the means of grace, and the general tone bespeak life and energy, heart and hope, comparable with those of former years. There has been a long succession of foremost preachers appointed to the Circuit, with whom many have co-operated as local preachers, class-leaders, teachers, and visitors of the sick. The Queen Street Society has been a centre from whence have radiated light and life. The men’s Sunday afternoon class, ably conducted for many years by Samuel Learoyd, Esq., and others, has proved most effective for good. Many have been retained in the school, and received into the Church, who otherwise would not have been. The same is equally applicable to the men’s Sunday afternoon class conducted at Buxton Road. For over thirty years Mr. Richard Riley has presided as teacher, assisted by others. Both classes have been imbued with a decidedly practical spirit. The sub- _ jects of gambling, intemperance, impurity, which are the dry rot of the nation’s life, have been intelligently discussed, with the pronounced result that Christian membership should mean more thorough and direct

Page 143

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

Page 144

142 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

In memory of the Rev. Mark Day, who died June 30, 1831,

aged 38 years. He survived Jane, his amiable consort, only five weeks and two days.

Sacred to the memory of George Wilson, of Huddersfield, Esquire. His death occurred February 28, in 1837, the 75th year of his age.

Sacred to the memory of David Shaw, who departed this life May 13, age 56 years, 1841.

For twenty years no Methodist place of worship existed in Lockwood. ‘Those who were members met in Society at Buxton Road, and worshipped there. The ministry of excellent men of God was highly appreciated, and conducive to the cultivation of personal godliness. Crosland Moor, Linthwaite, and Netherton have abundant reason to tell of the deep interest taken in the material welfare of the respective Societies by the Rev.

Page 145

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 143

pathos and intense enthusiasm irresistibly swayed his congregation. The pastoral visitations were seasons mighty in spiritual power, and rich in blessing to the sick and to others. The temperance movement received his special attention. The Societies were impressed with his characteristic zeal and self-con- suming desire for the salvation of men. In the three years of his ministry in the Buxton Road Circuit the membership rose to 1,156, being an increase of eighty-four. And that after the year in which 209 had been enrolled as new members. The

Page 146

144 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

preacher was sustained and extended. Large con- gregations gathered, and an interest in the preached Word aroused. The influence of Methodism grew in proportion to the increase of congregations, and the fruit of the Gospel appeared in industry of work and integrity of life. The Revs.

Page 147

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 145

surviving Methodist present in 1837, and for many years a member of Society, was equally thankful and exultant at a life-long connection with the Society. Both have since passed away from the Church militant to the Church triumphant. The honoured names and ministerial influence of the Revs. John Roberts (A), John Moore, John G. Cox, and James Nance live enshrined in the hearts and memories of those who rejoiced to hear and receive the Word declared in love and faithfulness. Of these names John Roberts and John Moore were colleagues. Under their united ministry the Church was edified and built up. In the last year of their appointments, the two houses adjoining the chapel, and held until further school developments, were pulled down, and on the site the new schools were built. Their en- forcement of truth, sympathetic pastorate, and considerate administration inspired a willing people with confidence and energy. Myr. Nance.is vividly recalled as a preacher. His sermons are said to have been “ marked by clear and close thinking, great plainness and simplicity of speech and doctrine, vigorous appeal, and steadfast fearlessness of man.” During the four years from the Conference 1870 to the Conference 1874, the Buxton Road Circuit made marked progress in chapel building and enlarging, school erections and alterations, formation of bands and bands of hope.

10

Page 148

CHAPTER VIII. BUXTON ROAD.

T Buxton Road the Band of Hope was in- augurated on Monday evening, June

Page 149

METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC. 147

was crippled. Teachers, congregation, and friends resolved to arise and build. Schemes and plans were suggested, subscriptions invited, and a general active interest was aroused. By-and-by plans were designed and approved, and tenders received, and the new school-building let. The foundation-stone was laid by Isaac Holden, Esq., in the presence of a large gathering of spectators. The scholars formed a procession headed by a brass band, paraded the neighbouring streets, and, on their return to the site of the school, occupied a platform erected. for occasion. The cost of the new schools was £2,000, and the collections, subscriptions, and promises prior to the laying of the stone were 41,561. The opening of the school was on Wednesday, July

Page 150

148 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

report, quarter by quarter, cheering results. Mr. Curnock was in labours abundant

Page 151

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 149

receive the word of exhortation, aud to watch over one another in love, increased from fifteen to fifty. Other classes were duly formed, and the im- portance of Church fellowship was urged. The help of the Society class became increasingly manifest. The preaching was regularly continued, and the con- gregation grew. The theme of justification by faith was supreme. The prayer meetings following the Sunday evening services witnessed the earnest seek- ing of the blessing, and the joyous experience of the newly-saved. The Sunday School, opened in June, numbered eighty-six scholars and seventeen teachers in six months. At Christmas, 1872, one hundred and forty persons sat down to a public tea. The mission chapel became too strait for the congregations, and it was resolved to enlarge the borders.

Page 152

150 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Young, M.A., Joseph Bush, Dr. Bruce, Dr. Dallinger, James Nance, J. Porteous, and J. 5S. Workman. A caretaker’s house was ‘built. The basement and five class rooms were utilised by the Sunday School. A special feature of Lockwood Chapel are the annual services held on Honley Feast Tuesday. The day is a general holiday, and the chapel is invariably crowded. Additions to the Church have been con- stant and real. The Society is vigorous and united. Every department of Church organisation is effectively worked ; none more the Sunday School. The growth of the school has exceeded the most expectations. The scholars soon numbered 500, with an average attendance of 300. The demand for more suitable premises became imperative. Again the “ways and means” taxed the serious considera- tion of the friends, and in 1884 additional ground was secured, and £700 raised and invested in the names of the Connexional Board of Trustees to pay the ground rent of the two plots. Constrained by the love of Christ unceasing efforts were made, and £1,000 was placed to the credit of the Society in March of 1896. Plans for a new school, prepared by Mr. Ben Stocks, were accepted, and on Saturday. March 27th, 1897, several memorial stones were laid. A public tea and meeting followed. The report stated there were 490 scholars and 52 teachers. The Temperance Society has a membership of 88, and the Band of Hope 197. The school has a library of 420 books. The proceeds of the day amounted to £412, making a total of £2,000 toward the 44,000 necessary for the completion of the scheme. The late Mr. James

Page 153

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

Page 154

152 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Circuit, on condition he produces a recommendation from the last Circuit, and gives satisfaction after having preached a trial sermon.” A brief sketch of the baronet’s life will not be out of place. Sir Isaac’s birth-place was Hurlet, near Paisley. He began to earn his living at the age of ten, in the year 1817. Weaving was his first work, and next he laboured fourteen hours a day in a cotton mill, and educated himself at night. When about fourteen his father was able to give him a little more schooling, and he learned Latin and book-keeping. At fifteen he was appren- ticed to a shawl-weaver in Paisley. At twenty he became a schoolmaster successively in Leeds, at Lingard’s Grammar School, Slaithwaite, in Reading, and in Glasgow.

Page 155

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 153

material, and the idea occurred to me in the year 1829 to put under the explosive mixture sulphur. I did that, and published it in my next lecture and showed it. There was a young man in the room whose father was a chemist in London, and he immediately wrote to his father about

THE OLD SLAITHWAITE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

it, and shortly after lucifer matches were issued to the world. I believe that was the first occasion that we had the lucifer match. I was urged to go and take out a patent immediately ; but I thought it was so small a matter, and it cost me so little labour, that I did not think it proper to go and get a patent, otherwise I have no doubt it would have been very

Page 156

154 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

profitable.” There was about Sir Isaac the wondrous charm of a sweet simplicity in taste and character all his days. A modest and generous man who took a true interest in the welfare of young men. He was first elected to the House of Commons for Knares- borough in 1865, and represented that constituency for three years. In 1882 he was elected for the Northern Division of the West Riding (afterwards the Keighley Division), and was returned unopposed in 1886 and 1892. He was created a baronet by Mr. in 1893. A short time before his death he said to Sir Henry Mitchell of Bradford, “I owe

Page 157

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 155

from Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Meltham, Saddleworth, and elsewhere. The proposed outlay was £1,500,which, in consequence of additions to the original plan, was greatly exceeded. The opening services were com- menced on Good Friday, 1871, when sermons were preached afternoon and evening by the Rev. F. Griffiths, of Bradford, and continuation services were held on Easter Sunday. The Rev. Peter McKenzie preached on Shrove Tuesday, 1873, and in the evening lectured on “Joseph and his brethren.” At the close, the Chairman, J. B. Robinson,

Page 158

156 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

stones in May, the widow of Mr. William Schofield has departed this life. She was a mother in Israel, “an Israelite in whom there was no guile.” She will be missed, and Marsden will be the poorer for her death.

Page 159

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

Page 160

CHAPTER IX.

LONGWOOD.

Page 161

METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC. 159

The newly-appointed ministers, the Revs. George Curnock and George Kenyon, were present, and a representative company. testified the general interest and good wishes. The following year the school was opened with every encouraging indication of in- creasing success, At the public meeting, following a public tea, on Saturday, September 16th, 1871, the report represented the total of subscriptions and collections with amounts from other sources greatly exceeded the cost of the building, and the committee hoped, after placing a warming apparatus, to hand over about £40 towards the enlargement of the chapel. The school and chapel were one, and the prosperity of one was the prosperity of the other. With renewed purpose and consecration the good work was sustained and extended, amid tokens of Divine favour. The school maintained its efficiency, and varied organisations, to meet the needs of the people and advance the interests of the Church and the extension of the kingdom of God, received the general approval and co-operation. The proposal to enlarge the chapel was carefully considered. The consideration was how shall we meet the difficulty of either building in the front or the rear of the chapel? If in the front then the sacred remains of much-loved friends and relatives would probably be disturbed ; if in the rear the sudden rise in the hill would mean a large amount of excavations and damp. Of the two difficulties the latter was faced ; and the chapel was lengthened 18 feet, affording space behind the pulpit for an orchestra, with room for the scholars on each side of the organ,

Page 162

160 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

and minister’s vestry beneath. The ceiling was taken down and about two feet gained in height, and the organ renovated. The pulpit was improved with two flights of stairs, terminating at the base in a massive Communion rail; and the floor of the chapel was pewed in pitch-pine, and sundry other improvements made. The re-opening services were commenced on Thursday, March 13th, 1873. There was a warm glow of satisfaction on the completion of the difficult enlargement. The work of the Lord was not arrested by a disposition to fold arms, and the adoption of a “rest and be thankful” policy. Quiet and steady progress accompanied the spirit of work and prayer. The means of grace were characterised by cheering light and life, and the Society and school added to their numbers continually. Three months after the re-dedication of the chapel and of the people, the Society sustained the loss of

Page 163

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 161

of my youth has undoubtedly been the best of my life. I have tried to do something for God in the Sabbath school, and the formation of a Bible Class, and occasionally in speaking to persons privately. I have resolved, by the grace of God, that I will con- secrate my future life to His service.” Shortly after he wrote: “At our school feast we had a very pleasant walk, Abel Mortimer and I leading the procession. After tea we had a meeting. Imagine my feelings to see one after another of our teachers— John and Henry Scarlett, D. Dyson, and John Burns—stand up and declare how great things God had done for them during the past year ; all of them having been the subject of my prayers and efforts.” The work in the Society at Outlane absorbed a great part of the time and thought and strength of Mr. Butterworth Broadbent, and the fruit thereof has been abundant. The welfare of young people more and more engaged the prayerful atten- tion of the Buxton Road Circuit, and several places made energetic efforts toward the enlargement of schools, in the hope that more efficient work would be done, and results appear in the association of the young men and women and youths of the school with the Church of Christ and Christian enterprises. At Honley, on Saturday evening, October 28th, 1871, a public tea was held for the inauguration of a movement for the erection of a new school building, as a memento of the life and labours of the late Edward. Brooke, Esq. The scheme proposed involved an outlay of £2,500. At the meeting, one little girl said “she would give ten shillings out of her ‘savé Il

Page 164

162 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

all.’” Young men promised various sums per week for twelve months to come. About 4400 was pro- mised. The friends parted at the close of that meeting, with full determination to do their best. In the lapse of years the interest and effort did not flag. The goal was kept well in view. The yearly reports of the progress of the school stimulated to con- tinuance in well-doing; and the foundation of the present Brooke Memorial Schools was laid by Mr. George Mallinson, of Linthwaite, in the year 1878. The day was one of intense interest to young and old. At the after-meeting, grateful memories: were revived and told, and the guiding hand of God recognised. The school was opened in the following year, toward which Mr. Edward Brooke and others gave handsome subscriptions. The debt was cleared off in 1887, when a thanksgiving meeting was held of old scholars, presided over by Mr. Edward Brooke. Honley has passed through changeful spiritual ex- periences. There have been seasons of apparent stag- nation. In these seasons prayer has been made unto God continually, and the Word of the Lord has been preached in all fidelity of spirit and hopefulness. There have also been seasons of great joy and quickening. Believers have been blessed and sinners brought to Christ. During one of these visitations of grace a workman came to a special service, he stayed to the after meeting, and with cap in hand walked up to the Communion rail as a penitent. He hid his face in his cap and prayed earnestly. The light shone upon him, and with immeasurable gladness he exclaimed, “Eh, what a leet! Eh, what a leet!”

Page 165

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 163

And the minister responded, “ Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” For several years the Society and school at Paddock struggled against adverse circumstances. An old Circuit-record, written June 18th, 1795, states there was a Society of thirty-two members. That record is within four years of Wesley’s death. The village for many years was scantily supplied with Methodist services. Squire Brooke gave considerable attention, in the way of home mission work, to the place. He sought for a house but failed in meeting with one. The matter was made the subject of prayer. He became impressed there was a house at the top of Paddock. On enquiry it was found as he was impressed. The house was bought and transferred on trust to the Wesleyan Conference, for which he received the thanks of the Conference. In 1872 a few of the members felt that a new chapel was most desirable. The growth of the population and the crowded house of worship called for other and con- siderably larger accommodation. A site was secured from Sir John William Ramsden on lease for 999 years. Eventually arrangements were completed for memorial stones laying. That ceremony was willingly performed by eleven friends on Saturday, the 27th of January, 1872. Many gathered on the occasion. As elsewhere so here the children themselves must be in evidence. For weeks the children had been to friends, done little pieces of work, and gone errands in order to add to their contribution. No one was more thankful than they when in great gladness they

Page 166

164 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

placed £22 11s. 3d. on the stones. Their noble gifts moved many hearts to pray, “ God bless the children.” The friends afterwards partook of tea at the Buxton Road Chapel. Three hundred were present. A meeting was afterwards held. The report stated there were sixty members of Society, seventy-four scholars, and eighteen teachers and superintendents. The last preaching services in the one-storied, one- roomed building were conducted on Sunday, February gth, 1873, by Mr. Cuttell, who preached from Eph. v. 16, and by Mr. David Roebuck, whose text was “The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers : let Him not leave us nor forsake us,” 1 Kings viii. 57. On the following day the dedicatory services of the new chapel were held, when Dr. Jobson preached excellent sermons based on the texts “ Rejoice ever- more. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” and “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” With Society Class held at Mr. Roebuck’s, and other meetings at the chapel, with Sunday School in the area, the Society slowly gathered strength. The children who collected toward building the chapel had not forgotten their gifts of love. Some were in the first Bible Class of girls, and that class gave a tea and entertainment which realised £10. The amount was handed to the school treasurer as the first instalment toward new schools. The incident was full of happy significance. The Church was weak and the work hard, but the £10 was an inspiration. The services were more regularly attended, and keener interest in the welfare

Page 167

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 165

of the Society taken, and the faithful few patiently endured. Though removals and changes from time to time seemed to arrest progress, notwithstanding the congregations and Society improved. Some of the old and honoured members were called to rest from their labours.

Page 168

166 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

husband was a devoted Christian and a class leader, which office she also sustained for many years with gratifying efficiency. She took delight in visiting her members, and in dispensing the alms of the Church to the sick and poor. She was strongly attached to the Methodist denomination, and in her will left the following legacies: To the Wesleyan Foreign Missions, 45; Local Preachers’ Sick Society, 45; the trustees of the Buxton Road Chapel, £5; and Buxton Road Wesleyan Sunday School, 45. Throughout the Holmfirth Circuit there was spiritual advancement and an earnest desire for continued aggression. A three days’ bazaar had been held in the Town Hall, when £955 was realised. The spirit of enterprise was possessed. The House of God was well attended, and the Sunday School was in a vigorous state, and a few were led in early life to consecrate themselves to God, while others in the congregation lingered on the outside of the Church, who seemed to be near the Kingdom, and were ready to do many Christian duties, except uniting in full fellow- ship. Much was being said and done toward the building of a new chapel. The usual sewing meetings and other meetings were in requisition, and willing hearts and nimble fingers were busily intent on great things. Again the word went forth, “ Let us arise and build,” and with one consent they arose to the occasion, and on April

Page 169

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 167

and no one more heartily rendered help. One hun- dred and four purses were put on the stone by chil- dren of the Sunday School. The contents of the purses ranged from 2s. 6d. to £13, and the total amounted to £231 9s.6d. The day’s proceedings in collections and subscriptions realised the locally un- precedented sum of £2,825 The chapel was opened September 12th, 1872, by the Rev. Luke Wise- man, President of the Conference. Other services were conducted by the Revs. John Farrar, Michael Johnson, F. Friend, and Peter McKenzie. The chapel accommodates 950 persons. Four years later, anniversary services were held, when it was decided to clear off the debt. Considerable alterations were made for the choir, and other improvements effected near the communion table in 1884; and in the following year a new organ with modern improve- ments and a patent hydraulic engine was erected at a cost of £630. The whole of the cost was raised and the chapel freed from debt. Holmfirth has been long noted for the excellence of its Misstonary

Page 170

163 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

creature.” Its limit is the world, and its object the world’s salvation. Inseparable from the Holmfirth Circuit is the honoured name of A/derman Henry Butterworth,

Page 171

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 169

of foreign missions he was powerful and convincing, and his services were highly appreciated. He took an active part in other spheres of usefulness. For many years he was a member of the Board of Guardians, and rendered able and valuable service as a magistrate and alderman of the County Council. The District Synod in May last elected him as a lay representative to the Wesleyan Conference, an honour he had frequently had, and in that capacity he attended its sittings on Monday, July 26th. He felt ill, and returned home. On Thursday night he was seized with apoplexy, and, despite medical aid, Henry Butterworth passed peacefully away on the morn of Saturday to the “fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore.” At the Queen Street June Quarterly Meeting in 1884, Mr. George Hall drew attention to the advisa- bility of doing something for Rowley Hill, where there was no provision for public worship. The sympathy of the meeting was evoked. Mr. T. Mellor and others resolved to visit the village during the week, and the conviction that it presented a sphere for immediate work was deepened. Week- evening services were arranged for, and the favourable co-operation of the neighbourhood was secured. In due time a house was rented. At the services twice the number the house conveniently accommodated were in attendance. The first anniversary services were held in the open air on Sunday, August Ist, 1886, when the meetings were addressed by several friends. Memorial stones were laid on Saturday, August 14th, 1886, by Mrs. Wilson, Southfield ;

Page 172

170 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Messrs. James Haigh, Ashenhurst ; Brook Lockwood, Manchester ; and Joseph Barrowclough, Lightcliffe. The occasion was signalised by the attendance of many friends, public tea, and an

Page 173

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 171

illustration of her unselfishness and resignation:

Page 174

172 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

gratitude the long and faithful service he has rendered to Christ as a Missionary in British Honduras and the West Indies. Thoughtful and fervent as a preacher, calm and sagacious as an administrator, he has enjoyed the confidence of ministers

Page 175

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 173

Huddersfield needed the word of warning, and the ministry was not slow to echo the word. One of the most important features of our educational work was the inauguration of the Connexional Sunday School Union in 1875. The objects of the Union are the conservation of unity in teaching and organisation, to furnish a higher class of Sunday-school literature in harmony with our standards of theology, and to bind together the whole Sunday-school work in one common bond of brotherhood and effort. The Union has made its presence and utility felt in this town and neighbourhood. The teachers of the many schools have been encouraged and helped by the catherings of the Union, the papers read, and the fraternal spirit shown. George Clegg, a child of many prayers, had the advantage of a godly mother’s example, influence, and care, and was in early life led to the Saviour. He would tell how, when very young, he used to follow his mother when she went to the class meeting, and stood outside the door of the cottage house listening to the prayers and the singing, and that at that early age he felt he would love God and serve Him. On his removal from Emley to Huddersfield he joined the Buxton Road Society. In his last illness he said to a friend, “I was never so happy as now. I used to doubt; but my doubts are gone, and the promises of God, like streams of consolation, enter my soul.” At the age of fifty-seven, August 18th, 1873, he triumphed in death. The name of Wr. Moore Sykes \ives, and will con- tinue to live. Though not quite thirty-three when he

Page 176

174 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

died, he had lived long in a short life. His character and worth and work made an indelible impression in the Church and political life of Huddersfield. Early converted, his natural ability was used for the moral and material good of others. His intelligence, ready speech, and high sense of duty and integrity com- bined to make him a power in the Church and town. He became a local preacher in the Buxton Road Circuit when twenty-three years of age. In 1872 he was elected co-teacher with Mr. Richard Riley of the Young. Men’s Bible Class, the duties of which he diligently and efficiently discharged. .His clear, manly deliverances from the pulpit, the desk, and the platform reflected a mind swift to grasp and strong to pronounce. After a short illness he died at his residence, Manchester Road, July 31st, 1875. Hud- dersfield mourned the loss of so promising a citizen and Christian, and testified its sincere affection by the procession to the cemetery on the day of interment. A good work was going on in Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and Denby Dale. The Word of God was mighty to prevail. The classes were increased in number and power. The Sunday Schools were active and pros- perous, and the united Church membership of the four Circuits at the Conference of 1875 was 3,254. The Conference of 1875 appointed two large and influential committees to meet for the purpose of considering how “some direct and adequate repre- sentation of the Laity in the transaction of the business of the Conference, in consistency with the recognised principles of our economy and the pro- visions of the Deed Poll,’ might be best secured.

Page 177

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 175

The committees met and laid their recommendations before the succeeding Conference “that Laymen be admitted into the Conference during the transaction of the financial and temporal business of the Con- nexion.” After prolonged and prayerful consideration the Conference adopted the recommendation, and remitted the details of the scheme to the considera- tion of the District Meetings and a committee of laymen and ministers to meet after the May. District Meeting and report for final settlement to the Con- ference of 1877. The effect of the decision of the Conference on this important question was a greater determination in all the Circuits to unite more than ever in the ful- filment of the glorious mission of Methodism. In the expression of that determination there was a manifest desire for the more prayerful personal culture of the spiritual life, and a quickened zeal in the ministries of work and love. A new hymn book, prepared for the worship of God in our chapels, and enriched by some of the finest poems of Charles Wesley, was presented for the first time for congregational use. The enlarged hymn book contains many of the choicest hymns and spiritual songs known to the Church of God. The numerical returns to the Conference of 1876 chronicled an increase in Queen Street of go, in Buxton Road of 49, in Holmfirth of 23, and in Denby Dale of 50, making an increase on the year in the four Circuits of 212. The Rev. David Hay died in 1877. His preaching was peculiarly earnest, evangelical, and effective. The affairs of the Circuit were in a flourishing state, and a prayerful spirit prevailed with an earnest

Page 178

176 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

desire for richer outpouring of the Holy Ghost. At the time Mr. Hay was in the Queen Street Circuit the Rev. George Dickenson was the Superintendent of the Buxton Road Circuit. Mr. Dickenson possessed rare qualifications for an attractive and powerful preacher. His were a rich voice, fine presence, vivid imagination, and deep feeling. His racy humour, good nature, and happy conversational power made his companionship a treat, and his friendship a treasure. The Rev. E. Horton was in the Denby Dale Circuit for one year. For near forty years he had preached as a Methodist minister the Gospel of peace through faith in Christ. He entered into the labours of the Rev. William Watson (B),whose impressive and thoughtful ministry, with especial pastoral attention to the sick and poor, had been emigently successful. In 1877 the Denby Dale Chapel underwent thorough overhauling and extensive alterations. The estimated cost was over two thousand pounds. In that year Mr. James Schofield made an unsolicited gift of 700 yards of land adjoining the Trust premises. The enlarged chapel has sittings for 800, and is free from debt. At this time the Rev. W. O. Simpson was in labours most abundant. Busily engaged the week round. advocating the claims of the Mission with zeal, pathos, and power peculiarly his, preaching the Gospel. he so much loved and so masterly expounded and enforced, pleading the cause of righteousness in its application to municipal, national, or Church life with strong intellect, catholic soul, and patriotic feeling, the Circuits in Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and Denby Dale shared his ungrudging aid, and held him in

Page 179

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 177

loving esteem for the rich resourcés of his mind, his wide missionary experience, and his whole-hearted- ness of service. He was a. Yorkshireman, and nowhere was he more beloved than in the West Riding. The District Synod held its meetings in Huddersfield in May, 1881, in the Queen Street Assembly Rooms. He took his accustomed-part in its deliberations, and on Wednesday, the 18th, when ministers and laymen were present, after a charac- teristic speech on business then before the meeting, he immediately left the room, complaining of faint- ness. Two hours afterwards he passed beyond the veil to dwell for ever in the presence of Christ. The loss of Mr. Stanhope Smart was not without significance. His father was a trustee of the Queen Street Chapel, and for many years interested in the advancement of Methodism in the town. The son followed in the father’s footsteps. He lived a long and blameless life. He was an intense lover of art and music, and accounted proficient as a musician, and master of drawing. He bequeathed 4400 to the Queen Street Chapel. The inconvenience of decentralisation of the Hinchliffe Mill Sunday Schools was increasingly felt, and, after much toil and many gifts and eager anticipations, the foundation stone of the present spacious schoolroom was laid by the late George Wilson, Esq., on May 14th, 1877, and, eleven months after, opened by the Rev. W. O. Simpson. Up to the time of laying the foundation stone, about 3,000 chil- dren had passed through the schools. The beneficent results are beyond knowledge. Some of the results I2

Page 180

178 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

are known and partly known only. There have been frequent personal testimonies borne and many happy deaths witnessed as the outcome of the work. And others have taken the seed of the Kingdom, the Word of God, and, by their preaching and holy example, have scattered the beginning of bountiful harvests. Throughout the nation there was deep anxiety by reason of the increasing prevalence of Aztual- zsm. Every day ten thousand nimble feet moved in obscurity, and ten thousand

Page 181

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 179

purely pastoral came into operation at the Conference of 1878. The change was effected without the estrangement of a single minister or the loss of a single member. The Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and Denby Dale Circuits joined in the substantial mone- tary celebration which such a peaceful development in the Methodist Organisation was justly deemed worthy of, and by their gifts represented in a tangible manner their sincere loyalty to the Methodist Church. The suburb of Far Town was rapidly de- veloping and a colony of houses built. The Society of twelve members held the preaching and other services in a hired room. A _ de- tachment of thirty-three members from Queen Street resolved to make the spiritual needs of the rising place their prayerful consideration. Con- siderable anxiety was manifested on the part of others lest the carrying out of a proposed Chapel building scheme should tap the Queen Street congre- gation and Society. Enthusiasm and prospects grew, and with them the resolve to launch out. Plans for the erection of a Gothic building at a cost of 45,450, to accommodate 760 persons, were prepared and accepted, and the memorial stones were laid in 1880 and opened October 13th, 1881, when the Rev. Benjamin Hellier preached in the afternoon and the Rev. Francis J. Sharr in the evening. While there was remarkable material progress there was no less remarkable spiritual progress. In a few

Page 182

180 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

opening of the Chapel, when ninety names of scholars were enrolled, and in five years there were 242 scholars and 33 teachers and a well-appointed staff of officials. The Band of Hope and Library have been satisfactorily founded and developed. Mutual Improvement Classes were started and encouragingly attended. The Society Classes were increased in number and converts were multiplied. On Saturday, September 28th, 1889, memorial stones of a new school to cost £3,800 were well and faithfully laid in the name of the Holy Trinity, and successful dedi- catory services conducted September 4th, 1890, when the door was publicly opened by William Child, Esgq., in the presence of a large and intensely interested crowd. Dr. Stephenson and others took part in the meeting which followed the ceremony of door-open- ing. The school has 400 scholars and is a source of strength and help to the Church. The Conference of 1879 appointed for a third year the Rev. Richard Brown, to the Buxton Road

Page 183

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE, 181

fix on cause and effect. Sometimes causes may be traced back several years. Visible tokens of success are most encouraging ; if withheld, discouragement should not reign. The patient, faithful seed-sowing must tell sooner or later to the joy of reapers. Years of depression were not peculiar to the Church. They _ were felt in trade and agriculture. Some subtle law of reflex influence was present, the material sensibly telling on the spiritual. Good men and true gave themselves to self-examination, prayer, and the re- consecration of their gifts, and sought to stem the ebbing tide. In common with other sections of the Christian Church the commencement of the Sunday-school institution was heartily commemorated. Elaborate pre- parations were made for a united demonstration, and the event proved successful. The preparatory meet- ings, in which representatives of the Churches and schools met, were marked by unanimity of feeling and brotherhood. The centenary year of Mr. Ratkes bene- volent undertaking of Sunday Schools was one of devout thankfulnessthattheinstitution had been worked with vigour and with marvellous results. Our Sunday- school Report presented tothe Conference showed there were more than sixty-two thousand young people in our schools, either members of the Society or on trial. The celebration of the centenary strengthened the resolve to bend all movements connected with the education of our young people to one issue—their conversion to God. In October of 1880, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Eli Mallinson, of Linthwaite, departed this life. From

Page 184

182 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

infancy she lived in the bright and vivid assurance of the favour of God. Unassuming

Page 185

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY

Page 186

184 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Sunday School of seventy

Page 187

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 185

knife and fork tea and half-a-crown have been given to 100 poor people through the liberality of Mr. Brooke. His influence, energy, and service were freely given to the cause of Christ. A tablet placed in the building of the baths of the Huddersfield

Page 188

186 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

finished my life. But it is allright. Ov had my day and a breet day it’s been. Jesus is

Page 189

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY

Page 190

188 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC.

the young people there was a general and thorough work of grace. For three years the number of scholars becoming members of Society had gradually increased, and the Societies in the Huddersfield Circuits were recruited from the young people in the schools. The schools’ proved what they were often called, “the nurseries of the Church.” The striking feature in Sunday-school enterprise was a firm determination on the part of the teachers not to sanction the false and harmful notion that early decision for Christ is neither to be looked for nor thought desirable. The unscriptural notion had wrought in former years incalculable mischief, and many teachers testified from experience that they themselves had been unfortunate victims. The belief that prevention was better than cure did not prevent the rescue of the submerged, but strove to save the young from swelling the number of the submerged. The imperious calls to reach the masses were in various ways seriously responded to. Outdoor ser- vices were held, and a vigorous house to house distribution of religious literature made. The result did not immediately appear, and in the evangelistic work the workers were not always happily free from feelings of fear and discouragement. Nevertheless, the seed was scattered, and earnest petitions accom- panied the sowing.

Page 191

CHAPTER X.

EXTENSION OF METHODISM.

Page 192

190 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Page 193

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

Page 194

192 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

and Arthur J. Summerhill—three efficient and suit-

able ministers. The numerical returns at that Con- ference were :—

Queen Street 1,020.

Page 195

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE, 193

ford, at which he gave a sacramental address. The address was beautiful in diction, appropriate in thought, and deeply spiritual. Had he seen an angel beckon- ing him away, he could not have spoken words more impressive and sacred. On the eve of his death he had a long and memorable conversation with one of his colleagues on the departure of the soul from earth to heaven. The mystery was solved by next morning, June 13th, 1889, when he passed within the veil in the twenty-eighth year of his ministry and the forty- ninth of his age. The Circuit was much affected by the death of its first Superintendent, who had endeared himself by his rich qualifications to all,and gained the fullest confidence and affection by his wise administra- tion, devotion to duty, and attractiveness as a preacher. To the bereft widow and four children the Circuit expressed its condolence, and, with others in the district, magnanimously responded in a practical manner to the mitigation of domestic exigency. The ministers in the other Circuits were working with great acceptance. The year was the last of the three years of the Rev. Samuel Henry Morton, who was an ever-welcome occupant of the pulpit. His ministry was interesting and instructive. Twoyears after leaving the Buxton Road Circuit his ministry closed on earth. At the Conference of 1889 the membership of the new Circuit, Gledholt, was 1,016 with 63 on trial. The loss of the Superintendent was sanctified to the the labours of the bereft colleagues and the many labourers in the various Circuit depart- ments were signally owned of God. There had been during the year an addition of 118 fully-accredited

13

Page 196

194

Page 197

HOLMFI&TH, AND DENBY DALE. 195

many in the senior Bible classes indicate a strong attachment to the place. There is, under the able ministrations of the ministers and the energetic mis- sioning of the people, a decidedly improved attendance

GLEDHOLT CHAPEL, HUDDERSFIELD,

on the public worship of God. The annual Covenant Service is, in its attendance, hopefully significant. The Covenant Service is a distinctive feature in Methodism, and instituted as early as 1756. The

Page 198

196 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

service came to be held on New Year’s Day, and now on the afternoon of the first Sunday in the year. There is an interesting reference to a Covenant Ser- vice in Wesley’s Journal under date Sunday, January 3rd, 1790: “I suppose near two thousand met at the New Chapel (City Road) to renew their Covenant with God—a Scriptural means of grace which is now almost everywhere forgotten, except among the Methodists.” The Christian Workers’ Band is rendering excel- lent and fruitful service in the visitation of the sick and sorrowful, in the making such cases known to the ministers, in the distribution

Page 199

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 197

were fit for this office, we should have less confidence in you. It is not what you think, but what the Buxton Road Leaders’ Meeting thinks, and it is at your peril to decline the office.’ There were addi- tions to the class from elsewhere and from conver- sions. The building of a preaching-room at Crosland Moor, in 1862, delayed or put off altogether taking like action at Milnsbridge. There was great difficulty in fixing on

Page 200

198

Page 201

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 109

The stones were laid July 27th, 1895, and the re-open- ing services, by Dr. Waller, the President, were on

Page 202

200 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Woodhead, daughter of Charles and Sarah Woodhead, of Deanhouse, who for twelve years faithfully dis- charged the duties of voluntary organist of this sanc- tuary, the cost being defrayed by the congregation, Sabbath-school teachers, scholars and friends.— Died November 14th, 1885.—October 18th, 1888.” A memorial rostrum was built and presented, having on a brass plate the inscription: ‘“ This rostrum was presented by Joseph Barber, John and George Barber Woodhead, as a memorial of Daniel and Sarah Woodhead, their father

Page 203

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE, 201

David in middle life could not remain longer from Christ. By night and day, at home and the stable, he prayed continuously for peace, but found it not. Resolved to succeed, in the spirit of desperate abandonment, he cried : “ Lord, tak me, just as I am, an’ tak all I’av.” That was the moment of salvation, At the love-feasts he would say: “ Jesus Christ was born in a stable, and aw’ wer born at back o’ the heck.” He was a frequent visitor of the sick, and would not refuse to “say a few words” from the pulpit if the appointed preacher failed to come.

Page 204

202 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Nelson, the Birstall stonemason and one of the first lay-preachers, can be truly said of thousands who have served the Church in this capacity, “He had as high a spirit and as brave a heart as ever English man was blessed

Page 205

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 203

follow them.” Death does not sever them and us. It only appears to do so, but not actually so. “Of whom the whole family of heaven and earth is named.”

Page 206

204 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

and guide of young men; T. Charlesworth and Blakeley, of Netherton, class leaders and co-labourers in the school and church, and Joseph Baxter, local preacher ; and Ann Riley, who for seventy years was a member of the Wesleyan Church, and at the time of her death was the oldest member in the Buxton Road Circuit, and whose character was beautiful and strong through intelligent piety and cheerful trust in God. Within a fortnight she lived of her eighty- seventh birthday. These all died in faith, and now “inherit the kingdom prepared for them.” The Church on earth cherisheth their memory.

Even now by faith we join our hands With those that went before, And greet the blood-besprinkled bands, On the eternal shore.

The Rev. W. Rodwell Jones was appointed to the Gledholt Circuit as successor to the late T. Inglis Walsh. The appointment could not have been better. Mr. Jones wisely and successfully followed up the work auspiciously begun. During the three years’ ministry of Mr. Jones two hundred were added to the Church roll of membership. His preaching and administration were alike able and effective. The names of other ministers in the five Circuits, though not here recorded because of their recent appointment, are held in high esteem and spoken of with gratitude. Kew Hil formerly belonged to the Primitive Methodists of the Elland Circuit. Godly women held cottage Sunday services and occasional week-even-

Page 207

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 205

ing services in their own bedrooms. The services for vears were well attended. The chapel, built in 1868, holds 120,and has in the basement a room for 100 scholars. The “Charity” is held out of doors, and the Lindley Brass Band speak of it as “ yar charity.” In 1890 the chapel was bought by the Wesleyans, and, after considerable repairs, was re-opened on -November 22nd of the same year. On the first Sunday an old man sixty years of age was led to decide for Christ. In his own way he tells the story to the joy of all: “I thowt I wod gee my ’eart to the Lord. I wor owd enough, ’nd it wor ’igh time. First Sunday neet I went after John Armitage to rail i’ meztin’. But I did not get saved theer. It wor at whom at neet. I prayed a nour, and all at once it coom so easy. I believed, and I wor saved. My wife and me sang and prayed all next day, we wor so happy.” The Sunday School was commenced in 1891. Three years after, Mr. Bunn,a Joyful News evange- list, conducted successful mission services, when upwards of a dozen young men and several young women were soundly converted. A Society of Christian Endeavour was formed in 1895, which has proved most helpful and interesting. Often over forty are present. Occasionally services are held on Lindley Moor, and at some of these hundreds have been pre- sent. In 1897 the membership is thirty, with several on trial. John Armitage is the respected class leader. During the seven years twenty-two new members have been enrolled in Church fellowship, In the year 1890 important steps were taken to build a large Sunday School immediately behind the

Page 208

206 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

chapel at Paddock. The school had been hitherto conducted in the chapel, which became a serious hindrance. Three hundred square yards were bought, and memorial stones for the new school were laid on Saturday, March 29th. The assembly room and suite of class rooms form a substantial and valuable addition. The school continues to be energetically worked, and every teacher and scholar looks on the building as a second home. The cost of the new school was £1,600. Berry Brow Society and school had all the best proofs of vitality. Energetic work, increase of num- bers, frequent conversions, organised evangelical. plans, purposes and pursuits, all joined in the further- ance of prosperity. The old place became altogether too small and inadequate, especially for the Sunday School, and two large classes of voung men and young women. It became imperative something by way of enlargement or new erection should be done. A strong committee was formed, and a fund definitely commenced called “The New Chapel Building Fund.” Almost insuperable difficulties arose, and some declared a new chapel scheme im- possible. A congregation of artisans, and in receipt of only moderate weekly wages, had before them an undertaking involving several thousand pounds. The band of noble working men constituting the building committee, along with ladies who formed the sewing committee, worked incessantly summer and winter. Their example told powerfully on others. The self- denial of some of the workers is worthy of being told and remembered. Some with large families and

Page 209

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 207

small wages paid for many years 2s., Is. 6d., or Is. per week. There were widows who went out for a day’s washing in order to contribute weekly to the fund. One young woman, an invalid, made “ toffee,” and sold it, by means of which she was able to raise and contribute the large sum of 420. “Rock Toffee” has become very popular in the village, and its sale is quite a feature among the weckly purchases. Easily the result of united and persistent effort can be forecast. The inevitable stone-laying came. It was a bright day in July, 1892, when Mrs.

Page 210

208 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

accomplished amongst the young people of the dis- trict. The large number of young men who regularly attend the services every Sunday morning and evening is cause for grateful recognition and faith. Despite the heavy strain upon resources for the removal of all debt on the church and school the income for the support of missions, the circuit ministry, the hospitals, and the poor fund had almost doubled. The Society numbered in October, 1897, 148 members. Steady progress was made in the town Circuits under the esteemed superintendence of the Revs. T. Overton, J. R. Gleave, W. Rodwell Jones, Albert Clayton, and James Finch, and their ministration of Methodist polity was deemed wise, tending to the general co-operation, peace, and prosperity. The

Page 211

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 209

Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and Denby Dale. Several suggestions were made in respect of its constitution and business. The Circuit Quarterly Meeting of the Circuits favourably accepted the recommendation. The lay members are elected annually at the December Quarterly Meeting on nomination, without speeches. The objects of the Council relate to united action in such evangelistic and aggressive work as can best be carried on by a union of the Circuits, as, for example, Temperance, Religious Observance of the Lord’s Day, Social Purity, Peace, Re-arrangement of Circuit Boundaries, and suggestions of Sites for Chapels, Schools and Mission Halls in spiritually destitute neighbourhoods, the consideration of “ Old Chapels,” the congregations of which, owing to changed circum- stances, have greatly declined, arrangements for hold- ing Conferences of Local Preachers, of Class Leaders, and of Sunday-school Teachers, and questions of a social and moral character as may hereafter arise The Council has no power to interfere, by resolution or otherwise, with the rights of any Quarterly Meet- ing, but the Council may make recommendations and offer suggestions to Quarterly Meetings in harmony with the Minutes of Conference. (See Minutes of Conference for 1889, page 234.) In harmony with the non-political character of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, which does “not exist for the purpose of party,” no subject shall be cussed which the Council shall by vote, without discussion, decide to be of a strictly political character. The Council has already rendered valuable service in matters affecting the observance of the Lord’s Day,

14

Page 212

210 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

the existence of “Cots,” and the extension of village Methodism, and in other ways justified its formation I and demonstrated its usefulness. The first president of the Council was the Rev. Thomas Brackenbury, and the succeeding presidents the Revs. James Finch, John Gibson (B), Albert Clayton, and John Nancarrow. Each in his own order sought to guide and strengthen the purpose of the Council.

Page 213

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 211

preacher, class-leader, and steward is believed to be loyal to Methodism, and, what is considerably more important, loyal to God. There is a profound belief. in the power of the Gospel. Fidelity in the declara- tion of the truth and its application to character and life, accompanied by the demonstration of the Spirit is the anchor of the Church. Methodism can never expect to grow as a spiritual power by the adoption of any means other than those employed and such as are in harmony therewith. Even numbers are not to be taken as a safe standard of spirituality. These may decrease and yet the spiritual may increase. This fact, however, is not enough to satisfy the Church of Christ. There must be increase of both. Enquiry is provoked and zeal directed by a prayerful investigation of facts. Peace reigns in our borders, and this with earnest prayer and unfeigned faith will mean prosperity in our Churches. The ministers have laboured with great acceptance, and the discipline of Methodism is maintained and enforced, while every lay helper gladly renders useful and sustained service, and pleads for the outpouring of the Spirit and the ingathering of souls. Upbuilding and consolidation are the ends sought, and to this end there is an intelligent and Scriptural adaptation of the means, The Conference of 1894 brought to remembrance the first Conference held in Moorfields, London, one century and a half ago. That first Conference in 1744 formed a new era, and, like other important. developments in Methodism, was at the. beginning purely incidental. There were present John and Charles Wesley, four other clergymen, and four lay

Page 214

212 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

assistants. The Conference lasted five days, and the conversations dealt with the “best methods of carrying on the work of God.” The first question was “ whether any of our lay-brethren should be present?” It was agreed to invite from time to time such of them as it was judged proper. That gathering of six clergymen and four laymen was an. unconscious laying of the foundation of a Church destined to survive and to number amongst her adherents people of all nations and languages. The Zwelve Rules of a Helper then formulated constitute the marching orders of a Methodist preacher to-day. In the 153 Conferences since the first there has been an annual review of the work, results

Page 215

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 213

Denby Dale

Page 216

214 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

says his mother used to take him to meetings and services held in a cottage owned by Mr. Beatson of Cinderhill, near Cawthorne. Mr. Beatson gave the cottage and the adjoining one to the few Methodists, who adapted them into a chapel with accommodation for 120. There was a well-pitched circular gallery, and part of the floor was pewed, singers’ pew raised, and the pulpit fixed, and the room utilised for school purposes. At length the place was again altered to satisfy the requirements of the Society and modern taste. Here the few godly members worshipped, and here the truth as it is in Jesus was received. In 1895 one of the best sites available in the lovely village was given by Colonel Spencer Stanhope, while the generous donor and his family further contributed £50. The gifts were not thrown like bones to a dog, -but respectfully bestowed with sincere expressions of goodwill for the success of the Methodist enterprise. Already a sum of 4600 had been collected. The building committee invited and accepted plans de- signed by Mr. Robert Dixon, of Barnsley, and on the 31st August, 1895, memorial stones were laid amid the usual tokens of jubilant celebrations. In one year the chapel of Renaissance architecture

Page 217

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 215

House, of Leeds, who in the evening delivered a lecture on the “Signs of the Times.” The chapel, which will seat 180, has cost 41,500, towards which, at the close of the first opening day, there was £1,100 in hand. On Thursday, November 4th, 1897, Mrs. Spencer Stanhope opened a bazaar to wipe off the debt of 4150. The energy and zeal of friends in the building of the Cawthorne Chapel have been most The real power of the Society is not gauged by numbers, but by its moral and spiritual forces. Encouraged by God’s prospering blessing the few Methodists of Cawthorne will hold fast the privileges and responsibilities of their high calling. They share in the broad sympathy and generosity of

Page 218

216 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

His manifold mercies in his abiding presence, fulfilled promises and prospering grace. The President of the Conference preached from Isaiah

Page 219

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 217

Changes of a social and moral nature have been wrought, and the question appears to have reached a crisis in its history. The sentiment of Methodism is “the time has come when all parties in the State and all sections of the Church should combine to promote new legislation on the subject.” The ques- tion still remains as one which concerns the well- being and credit of the nation at large,and one which should be dealt with apart from political partisanship and. sectarian bias. There is every need for united and: persistent action against a sin which is a reproach to the land, a hindrance to

Page 220

218 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

were laid bya minister’s daughter and several gentle- men. Public tea was served and an after-meeting held, presided over by Samuel Learoyd, Esq.; and on Wednesday, April 7th, 1897, a three-days’ bazaar was opened by Councillor R. Redman, of Hebden Bridge, which raised £400. In 1896 a scheme for alterations and extension of chapel and school at Upperheaton was completed at a cost of £450, and the opening services were con- ducted by the esteemed Superintendent, the Rev. Albert Clayton. The enlarged chapel has room for 210 persons, and the school for 120 scholars. There are also three new vestries. There is a Band of Hope of 80 members. The village, like many remote rural districts, would have probably remained in com- parative moral darkness had not the light been up- lifted and kept shining by the Methodist community. Many of the sturdy villagers, into whose life and heart the true light has shone, have become honoured reflectors.of the light to the glory of God. Thornton Lodge, in the Buxton Road Circuit, was

Page 221

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 219

whose children went to no Sunday School in conse- quence of the distance to other places of worship, was encouragingly responded to. On the following Sunday, February 28th, there were thirty-nine scholars in the morning and sixty-three in the afternoon. Success may not be rapid, but it will be certain. There is every reason for a strong and growing Church, and before long there may be urgent demands for enlargement. In 1896 the chapel at Skelmanthorpe was dis- covered to be in a dangerously dilapidated state,

Page 222

220 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

apparatus, etc. There are 200 scholars and 24 teachers. Methodism in Skelmanthorpe, repre-

Page 223

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE. 221

TRUSTEES OF

BUXTON ROAD and QUEEN STREET WESLEYAN CHAPELS,

HUDDERSFIELD,

From the Year 1775 to 1894. Prepared by Mr. GEO. GELDER, June 26th, 1895.

BUXTON ROAD CHAPEL TRUSTEES.

1775.

Wm. Brook Thos. Hudson Jno. North Thos. Goldthorpe =

Page 224

222 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD,

Thos. Webb John Carr John Broadbent

John Cheeseborough

M. Hirst Adam Oldroyd

Edward Brook Joshua Riley Richard Moody Nehemiah Learoyd Joseph Rothery Joseph Turner

Edward Brooke Joshua Riley George Brooke John Broadbent N. Learoyd Oates Bairstow

Joshua Riley Richard Riley Charles Wood Henry Wilkinson J. O. Bairstow C. W. Keighley Edward Brooke John Hanson J. Sutherby

1848,

Thos. Mallinson George Brook John Taylor Joshua Bentley John Wilkinson

Joshua Lockwood John Broadbent Oates Bairstow Joseph Booth Thomas Haigh Thomas Chapman

Richard Moody Joseph Booth Thomas Haigh Richard Riley Charles Wood

1889.

Edward Cockshaw J. W. Bairstow C. S. Smith J. T. Clegg James Sykes Joel Mallinson Wm. T. Bygott C. W. Riley

James Shaw

Page 225

HOLMFIRTH, AND DENBY DALE.

223

QUEEN STREET CHAPEL TRUSTEES.

1801.

The Chapel was built on a plot of ground now occupied by Mr.

Thomas Chrispin’s shop, at that time an open close or field.

Ministers: Revs. GEORGE HIGHFIELD and JOHN BARBER.

TRUSTEES :

Joseph Thornton, Huddersfield Robert Hopkins, do. George Dyson, Newsham, do. Joseph Wood, Denby Dale John Wood, do. John Wood, jun., — do. John Gaunter, Oldham Wm. Myles, Rochdale Richard Reece, Sheffield

Queen Street Wesleyan Chapel built 1819.

Joseph Drake, Otley Matthew Moorhouse, Holmfirth Matthew Butterworth, Hillhouse Cartworth, Holmfirth John Brook, Gulley, Holmfirth John Walton, Wakefield Joseph Jackson, Hightown Thomas Crowther, Gomersal Eli Hobson, jun., Honley

Trust Deed

executed June 8th, 1824.

David Shaw John Dyson George Sargeant John Newhouse Joseph Hammond John Scott

Paul Hirst

Joseph Thornton Joseph Sykes

Edward Brook William Kaye

George Wilson George Mallinson Beaumont Taylor Matthew Hirst Thomas Hirst

Page 226

224 METHODISM IN HUDDERSFIELD, ETC. 1853,—Feb. 7th.

OLD TRUSTEES.

Joseph Sykes Geo. Mallinson, Genfn. John Newhouse Edw. Brook, Thornton Lodge

NEW TRUSTEES.

Joseph Webb Robt. Butterworth Benjamin Hey Thomas Mallinson Joshua Bentley David Midgley Richard Willis James Mallinson George Mallinson

Benjamin Thompson Richd. Wooffenden Butterworth

1858. Thomas Blenkhorn Rich.W. Butterworth{ William Harris Robert Wood Alfred Smith Thomas Chrispin James Sykes Edward Brook John Newhouse Henry Briggs Gaml, Berry Joseph Jowett Sam Senior Kaye Joseph Haigh John Hardisty 1881.—Dec, Henry Briggs Thos, Chrispin Robert Wood Joseph Haigh Gaml. Berry John Jeffrey Eben. Coop Joshua Whiteley Jesse Clegg

Page 228

SF