Lancaster Methodist Church
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The history of the former Greaves churchAn account of the laying of the foundation stoneFrom the LANCASTER GUARDIAN, OCTOBER 17, 1908 WESLEYAN EXTENSION SCHEMENEW CHURCH ON THE GREAVESLAYING THE MEMORIAL STONESA further step in the carrying out of the extension scheme of the Wesleyan Methodist denomination was taken on Wednesday, when the memorial stones were laid of the new Church and schools on the Greaves. The project, which it will be remembered, involves the erection of two Churches and Schools, was formally inaugurated at a great meeting held in Wesley Church on the 4th March last year. For some years, however, it had been held by many of the leading members that the denomination was not taking its full share of responsibility in providing accommodation for the religious requirements of the population, more particularly in the Scotforth and Skerton suburbs of the town. At Skerton, where a Church had been in existence since 1859 - a school being added in 1894 - it was generally admitted that the accommodation was insufficient and the buildings unsuitable for the purpose for which they were required; whilst the mission in Westham-street was not only too remote from the residential population of Scotforth Ward, but was also ill-adapted for the requirements of a progressive Church. Lack of ways and means, as is not infrequently the case, blocked for a time embarkation upon an aggressive policy; but in 1903 a site in South-road for a new Church and schools on the Greaves was purchased at a cost of over £900; whilst a year later a site fronting to Owen Road was secured for a new Church and schools at Skerton. The outlay on these sites was paid out of the profits of the successful bazaars held in 1905-6 when over £2,000 was raised in aid of the scheme. The estimated expenditure of some £13,000 additional caused the scheme to “hang fire” for a time, but in the beginning of 1907 in order to take advantage of an implied promise of a liberal grant from the Twentieth Century Fund - towards which the Lancaster Circuit contributed 4,000 guineas - it was decided that the project be pushed forward as rapidly as possible. A potential factor in this decision was the munificent offer by Mr. Helme, M.P., on the part of himself and his brother, Mr. Robert Helme, to erect the Church at Skerton, as a memorial of their late father, Mr. James Helme, who was one of the original promoters, and always a chief supporter of the existing Church and schools in Main-street. This offer was announced at the inaugural meeting; and it was also stated that about £2,000 would be forthcoming from the Connexional funds. An appeal had previously been issued, signed by the Rev. S. T. Rosward, then superintendent minister ; Messrs. J. Gornall and Jas. Dugdale, Circuit Stewards ; E. Cardwell, J.P., T. W. Helme, M.A., and M. Standing, treasurers ; John Watson, J. Gornall, and J. G. E. Clark, secretaries ; and the outcome was that £2,473 was subscribed and promised in the meeting. Plans for two sets of premises were prepared by Mr. S. Wright of Morecambe, who has for many years been prominently associated with Methodist architecture in the district, and these were approved, though some modifications have since been effected. The general impression was that work on the new Churches was to proceed simultaneously, but as a matter of convenience, it may be presumed, it has been found desirable to proceed first with the scheme on the Greaves, and considerable progress has been made in the erection of the premises. The plans provide for a handsome Church on the north end of the site, and commodious schools on the south end, each building fronting to South-road. A garden court divides the premises at the front, the rear portion of the site being utilised for vestries and class-rooms which connect the main buildings. The design of the Church is an adaptation of the decorated gothic style of architecture, and at the north-east corner is a tower 76 feet high, with a turret, which it is proposed to cover with copper. The windows will be of stone with traceried heads and leaded lights. Seating accommodation, including the western gallery, will be provided for about 600 worshippers. Provision will be made for the choir on a raised platform in the chancel, and the organ is to be located in a transept on the north side. There are two principal entrances, both from South-road, through a commodious vestibule. The Schools are arranged on the modern plan of a large central hall, with classrooms to which communication is afforded by folding screens. The class-rooms are in two heights, the upper range being approached by a gallery with seating accommodation projecting into the school-room for use in the opening and closing services. The present accommodation is for 250 scholars and teachers, but the plans are so arranged as to be easily capable of extension whenever the necessity may arise. Advantage has been taken of the great fall in the site to arrange for a series of vestries at the rear of the school and garden court, varying in size and including ladies parlour, choir and class vestries, kitchen and cloakrooms. The heating of the premises is to be by low pressure hot water apparatus, the whole of the buildings will be lighted by electric current, and special attention is being paid to ventilation. Lancaster stone is being used for the outside facings of the walls, with dressings of Darley Dale stone, whilst the roofs will be covered with green Westmorland slates. All the inside wood-work will be of pitch-pine. The total cost of the premises, exclusive of the site, will be about £7,038. The works are being carried out under the personal supervision of the architect, with Mr. Arthur Chant as clerk of works, by the following contractors : Masonry, Mr. A. O. Thoms ; joiner’s work, Messrs. J. Hatch and Sons ; slating and plastering, Messrs. T. and J. Till ; plumbing and glazing, Mr. S. Simpson ; painting, Messrs. Eaton and Bulfield ; heating and lighting, Messrs. Calvert and Heald.
The Memorial stone laying A large crowd gathered to witness the memorial stone laying ceremony, which began at three o’clock, the service being conducted by the Rev. W. J. Chant (Superintendent minister). Favourable weather prevailed, and streamers were hung across the scaffolding in South-road. The crowd stood in front of Brunton House and up Quarry-road, those in the roadway having to keep an eye on motor-cars and trams. Amongst those present were :- The Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster (Coun. and Mrs. Wilson), Ald. N. W. Helme, Miss Helme, Springfield Hall ; Rev. J. T. Wardle Stafford, Scarborough ; Rev. S. T. Rosward, Rhyl ; Mrs. Chant, Mr. Chant, junr., Rev. J. C. and Mrs. Harrison, Rev. T. Little, Morecambe ; Rev. Frank Noble, Carnforth ; Rev. F. W. Bryan (Congregational), Rev. H. A. Proctor (Church of Christ), Mr. and Mrs. S. Wright, Morecambe, Dr. George, Mr. W. Milner, Mr. and Mrs. E. Cardwell, Coun. and Mrs. J. E. Oglethorpe, Mr. and Mrs. J. Davis (Meadowside), Mrs. T. D. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. John Dugdale, Mr. and Mrs. J. Gornall, Miss Gornall, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Watson, Mr .and Mrs. John Watson, Ald. Bowness, Coun. J. Nuttall, Councillor Jas. Heald, Councillor J. C. Haydock, Mr. and Mrs. J. Cliff, Mrs. Holmes, Lytham.; Mr. and Mrs. T. Till, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. E. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. W. Clough, Mr. and Mrs. T. Benson, Mr. J. Brash, Mr. J. W. Gorrill, Mr. G. Gorrill, Mr. Jos. S. Gorrill, Mr. W. Hamer, Mr. R. Fisher, Mr. T. Skirrow, Mr. W. Procter, Mr. R. Baines, Mrs. Swindells, Mr. R. Farrington, Mr. H. W. Baker (Caton), Mr. J. Duxbury (Morecambe), Mr. H. Phillipson, Mr. and Mrs. G. Millington, Messrs. J. Kay, H. Shaw, R. Motton, J. W. Pilkington, A. T. Galaway, J. Rhodes, H. Wright, G. H. Weekes, Mr. G. T. Whittaker (Wray), Messrs. T. S. Bird, J. D. Bell, J. L. Kirton, J. Wilcock, etc. The Sulyard -street choir, under the leadership of Mr. A. Douthwaite, led the singing of the hymns. The service commenced with “O Lord of hosts, whose glory fills”. The Rev. F. W. Bryan read a portion of Scripture, and prayer was offered by the Rev. J. C. Harrison, the hymn “This stone to Thee in faith we lay,” being next sung. The Rev. W. J. Chant said he was very glad that the first stone had to be laid by the mayor. As Wesleyans they all recognised the services Mr. Wilson had rendered during the year, and joined with his many friends in congratulating him on his prospective re-election. (Applause.) They congratulated the town on having such a Mayor. (Applause.) In a cavity of the stone had been placed a bottle containing a circuit plan, circuit magazine, a copy of the statement of appeal, which many of them had read, a circular announcing the ceremony of that day, the local newspapers, a parchment document containing the names of the Lancaster trustees, secretaries, treasurers, architect, clerk of works, builders, a brief financial statement, and also a photograph of the builder and his workmen, a few small current coins - not many. (Laughter.) They wanted the bigger ones for the outside, but had spared a few issued from the Mint this year. (Applause.)
Mr. Ald. Helme., M.P., on behalf of the Trustees, said he had the honour of
asking the The Mayor, after declaring the stone to be “well and truly laid,” was photographed in his chain of office. In a short speech he said he never expected to receive such a beautiful trowel, but it would always bring back pleasant memories. Though he was a Churchman, he had the greatest sympathy with the efforts they were making to improve the conduct of Lancastrians, as far as morals and religion were concerned. It was most important that they should train up young men and women of high character, so that their conduct would be ruled by righteous impulses. It was because the Wesleyan Methodists of Lancaster were doing a great work that it was his pleasure to assist in that ceremonial. He believed it to be his duty as Mayor of Lancaster to give what little support he could to every effort for the benefit of the people of the town. It mattered little to him whether he saw eye to eye with a man’s creed so long as he had real religious convictions manifested in his daily life. (Applause.) - The stone which the Mayor laid bore the date - “MDCCCCVIII” and a cross. The Rev. W. J. Chant announced the receipt of letters from Ald. Bell and Coun. Bland enclosing £1 and £1 1s. respectively towards the stone laid by the Mayor. (Applause.) The second stone was laid by Mrs. T. D. Smith, to whom the Rev. W. J. Chant presented a similar trowel. In doing so, he said Mrs. Smith was laying the stone in memory of her husband. It was his privilege in his previous ministry in Lancaster to have Mr. T. D. Smith as a very close friend and near neighbour. He was a man of very high integrity and character, and did his duty to his generation, and was greatly respected and highly esteemed by those who knew him best. He was one of the men who helped to make the Methodist cause stronger, and was a blessing to the town and neighbourhood for many years. He had left behind him the best heritage - godly life and example. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Chant also presented a trowel, presented by Messrs. Hatch and Sons, and asked Mrs. Smith to accept it on behalf of her grandson, Master Bryan Smith. After the stone had been laid, Mr. Charles Smith, on behalf of his mother, expressed her gratification at the honour of being asked to lay a stone, not only in memory of his father, but because the occasion was a historic one for their Wesleyan Church. She hoped that the new Church would prove to be a strong and vigorous one, and would be a blessing not only on the Greaves but to the whole of Lancaster. (Applause.) A third stone was laid by one of the oldest and most respected Methodists, Mr. Jno. Davis, who had liberally supported the scheme, and was presented by Mr. Cardwell with a trowel. In doing so, Mr. Cardwell said he was glad Mr. Davis was able to take part in the ceremony. They recognised the services he had rendered to the Church in times past. He had always been sympathetic and liberal. He hoped he would live long, and that his children and grandchildren looking upon the trowel would remember with pride the part taken by their forefather. (Applause.) Mr. J. Davis having laid the stone, thanked Mr. Cardwell for his kindly references. Mr. J. Gornall (senior circuit steward), in presenting a trowel to Mrs. J. Dugdale, of Carnforth (wife of the junior circuit steward), who laid the fourth stone, said he was glad the connexional principles of Methodism were to a certain extent being put into operation that day. They had friends present from various parts of the circuit, who were helping them in that effort. It was appropriate that the wife of one of the leading circuit officials should be asked to lay a stone. They knew the valuable services rendered by Mr. Dugdale, and his father and other members of the family during the past half century and Mr. Dugdale’s grandfather was one of the pioneers of Methodism in that and adjoining circuits. (Applause.) Mrs. Dugdale declared the stone to be well and truly laid in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Mr. J. Dugdale said it was true that his grandfather 100 years ago was working for Methodism in that district. It was 50 years since they buried his grandfather in Wyresdale, and as a boy he attended the funeral. He hoped that the new Church would be a blessing to the neighbourhood. (Applause.) Photographs were taken of the principals after each stone was laid and a collection taken towards the building fund. Rev. J. T. Wardle Stafford, Scarborough, in the course of an address, said he was glad to have the privilege of meeting Lancaster Methodists. There was a great need for evangelical Churches in the suburbs. He heard a whisper that a Church like that would take away a few from the old centre, but they must not take that view. It was their duty to make their own chapels more attractive. If Christian people were more enthusiastic, their town Churches would be better filled. A great change had come over the habits and conditions of the people since he visited Lancaster in connection with the Liverpool Synod meetings 17 years ago. There could be no doubt that there had been a great slump in attendance at public worship. People no longer went to Churches as they used to do simply because the doors were open. They were vastly more critical than they were 25 years ago. The motor cars which were passing along that road were an illustration of the change in the habits of the people. It would be a serious thing if the religious observances of this country were to be neglected. Gentlemen like the Mayor of Lancaster knew the value of religious effort in the maintenance of good order, and they were erecting that Church because they knew the value of the Christian life, and desired men and women to come under its religious influences and be witnesses for righteousness. It was essentially a peoples’ Church and they must let the people feel that it was for all of them, and they could gather there and worship unitedly. They felt increasingly that their Methodist chapels should be like homes to the people, and the more they made their Church like home, the more likely would it be to succeed. He hoped that the evangelical gospel would always be proclaimed to those who gathered within the walls and that they would remember what Christ said, “And if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.”
Public Meeting Following the ceremonial a tea-meeting was held in the schoolroom, Sulyard-street, at which over 500 persons were present, including representatives from all parts of the Circuit. In the evening a largely attended meeting was held in Wesley Church. Mr. N. W. Helme, M.P., presided, supported by the Mayor (Coun. Wilson), Revs. J. Wardle Stafford, S. T. Bosward, W. J. Chant, J. C. Harrison, F. Noble, J. F. Cowley, Messrs. E. Cardwell, J.P, E. B. Dawson, J.P., J. Gornall, J. Dugdale, J. W. Pickard, H. Brown, S. Wright, etc. Rev. W. J. Chant expressed satisfaction at the representative character of the gathering, and gratitude for the help which had been given in many quarters, especially mentioning the architect (Mr. S. Wright), Mr.John Watson, Mr. Clark (two of the secretaries) and Mr. Fryers. He announced letters of regret for non-attendance from Mr. Fell (Bristol), Rev. S. J. Robins, Rev. E. H. Hopkins, Mr. J. C. B. Percy (Manchester), Mr. T. Barrow, Mr. Bliss (Grange), and others. An old member of Sulyard-street, Mrs. Cunwick (nee Miss Ripley) had forwarded £2. Mrs. Herbert Storey, who had been asked to lay one of the stones, wrote regretting her inability to do so, but expressing sympathy with the project and adding “surely members of all the Churches must unite in the desire that all may be one eventually, through whatever channel it may be reached.” Mr. and Mrs. Storey had forwarded a cheque for £10. (Applause.) The Greaves Church was part of a big scheme for the extension of Methodism in the town and before many months had passed they hoped to begin building the Church at Skerton. The site for the Greaves Church cost with one or two other items £1,000, and they estimated the building and furnishing at £7,200, a total of £8,200. Towards that prior to the ceremony of that day they had the site, £1,000, subscriptions and promises £3,200, they would get from the Twentieth Century Fund £750, and from the Chapel Building Committee £250, a total of £5,200, leaving £3,000 to be raised. The proceedings that day had been most encouraging, and they had had the promise of several gifts. Mrs. Clough, in memory of her late father, Mr.Siddle, would give the pulpit Bible, and she suggested that a few of her friends might like to give the hymn-book ; Mr. Phillipson had promised a pulpit clock; and Mrs. Wright, wife of the architect, was going to give the font. If someone would give the pulpit it would be a very delightful thing. They were in a little uncertainty about the building of the tower, which would cost £290 ; he hoped they would build it, and if someone in the congregation would make themselves responsible for it, he was quite sure it would be built. (Applause.) The Chairman said the proceedings that day marked a further step in a very important movement which the Church had contemplated for some time. In the life of communities as well as individuals, there were certain events which stood out with marked prominence from the ordinary routine. There were great occasions, and he hoped the laying of the memorial stones of the Greaves Church - the first part of a great circuit extension scheme - would be remembered by young and old as a red-letter day. (Hear, hear.) Some of them remembered the stone-laying of that Church over thirty years ago, and thought of the men and women who then sustained the work of the Church and by whose efforts and sacrifices those premises were erected and were now happily free from debt. (Applause.) So, too, they hoped that day would be remembered as one of the brightest and happiest in their Church life. Such an undertaking as the erection of two important blocks of premises - one on the Greaves and the other at Skerton - at a cost of £15,000 to £16,000 must necessarily tax the resources of voluntary effort, and required caution in proceeding. This and the fact that the payment of many of the subscriptions promised extended over three years had delayed for some time the erection of the Church; but as the Skerton friends generously agreed, as they had premises now available, to wait for the erection of their schools, the Committee were able to proceed with the first part of the scheme. It had been a disappointment to his brother and himself, as they had hoped that the buildings would have provided simultaneously so far as the Churches were concerned ; but in view of the fact that winter was approaching it was felt that it would be better to wait until the early spring before going on with the Skerton Church. He hoped that next year would see both places opened. They were exceedingly grateful for the generous contributions of the Skerton friends which had make it possible for them to proceed. (Applause.) He had hoped to have secured the presence on that occasion of a number of prominent men in Conference, but found they were all occupied in work similar to that going on in Lancaster - the extension of Methodism arising out of the stimulus given by the raising of the Million Guineas Fund, in which the Lancaster Circuit took an important part by sending 4,000 guineas. The £300,000 placed at the disposal of the Chapel Building Committee had secured the expenditure of three millions sterling in the building of premises for extending the work of God in connection with the Methodist Church; and although the gentlemen he referred to had not been able to attend they had had help from some and were assured of the sympathy of all. (Applause.) This work was only a part of the work of the great Church of God. There was a mission for all the Churches, and though as Methodists they were strong denominationalists, they gave to others the right to be equally strong in fidelity to their principles. They wanted to feel that they were doing all they could to work in harmony with other branches of the Christian Church and they were glad to welcome on the platform representatives of other Churches and testify their appreciation of the evidence of that spirit of unity they all so much desired. There were many departments in connection with their Church life - the Sunday school in which modern methods had been applied ; the Guild, the Adult Bible Class, and others. He would like to see in connection with the Sunday school a boys’ brigade, attracting the children and leading them through the Bible classes to connection with the Church. For all these branches of work they required suitable premises, but their chief object was not the material structure ; it was the spiritual truth to be proclaimed within the buildings. The work before them was difficult, but towards the second half of the project they had the handsome contribution by the Chapel Building Committee of £2,000, and they trusted to the personal enthusiasm, devotion and willingness of the friends to carry the work to a successful issue. (Applause.) Rev. S. T. Bosward said he was grateful for the opportunity of taking part in that important and historic gathering. He congratulated his friends in Lancaster upon the noble movement they were making for the extension of Methodism. For years he had been looking forward to that day. He had hoped that it would have come at an earlier period, and he felt almost jealous of Mr. Chant that the honour he (Mr. Bosward) had longed and hoped for, and sometimes been led to expect, had fallen upon him. He was thankful the scheme had been carried through so far, and hoped to live to see the day when there would not only be a new Church at Skerton, but also one on the Marsh. (Hear, hear.) It was quite possible for Methodism in Lancaster to go as far as that. Extension was the best evidence of life and vigour and the best means of ensuring fuller life and increased vigour. Englishmen had been the greatest colonists in the world, and he believed it had been a source of our strength as a nation. Methodists had done a fair amount of colonising, and he hoped they would continue to do so. A gentleman told him the other day that Methodism was a spent force and was done. He believed it was a growing force, destined to increase, and fill the earth. That might be an optimistic view, but he gloried in his optimism. We had heard a good deal about the slump in Methodism. He should be sorry to make light of the decrease in membership recently reported, but it was possible to make too much of it. They had had decreases before and outlived them. Just a hundred years ago a decrease in membership was reported much larger in proportion to the number of Methodists than at the present day, but they had got over it. Nothing could be more mischievous than to take a despondent view; and the only common sense, business-like and Christian was of dealing with the matter was to find out the cause and endeavour to provide a remedy. Methodism had not only increased in numbers since he had known it, but improved in character and status, and he believed there was a greater future before it than ever its past had been. (Applause.) Rev. J. T. Wardle Stafford, in an earnest address dealt with the ideals of the Methodist Church,instancing the Protestantism, evangelical methods, and adaptation to popular needs. Somebody had said that Methodism was Christianity on fire ; but he was sometimes afraid there was a danger of the fire going out. Let them keep the fire alight, warm the hearts of the people, and they would warm the Church. A collection was taken on behalf of the Building Fund, and subsequently the Rev. W. J. Chant announced additional contributions. They had set out to raise that day £650, but he thought they should have named £800. As he had previously said towards the total cost of £8,200 they had in hand £5,200. In connection with that day’s proceedings they had received an anonymous gift of £250, a memorial gift of £150 ; Mr. T. V. Barlow, in memory of his father, who was minister at Lancaster over 80 years ago, had given £5 ; the Mayor of Lancaster, £1 ; Mr. and Mrs. Story, £10; friends in the country, £21; Mr. Jas. Bibby, Liverpool, £50 ; Miss Lancaster £10 ; Mr. Davis, £10; the country-stone, £52 10s; Mr. W. G. Smith, £10 ; Mr. J. Irwin Smith, £25 ; Mr. Cunnington, Liverpool, £50 ; the collection at the stone-laying produced £55 12s.; the collection that evening £26 16s. ; making with other items the total for the day’s proceedings of £800. (Applause.) During the evening anthems were sung by the Choir under the direction of Mr. Douthwaite (organist) and at the close of the meeting, on the motion of the Rev. J. C. Harrison, seconded by the Rev. F. Noble, a comprehensive vote of thanks was passed to all who had in any way assisted in the proceedings. |
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Mayor of Lancaster to accept a silver trowel, beautifully engraved,
with which to lay one of the memorial stones of that Church school premises. They recognised the Mayor as the head of the civic government in the town and
that he understood the importance of public morality. It was with the intention
of developing earnestness of character and strengthening the forces that made
for national and municipal righteousness that the Methodist Church of Lancaster
had undertaken the erection of these buildings, so that God’s work might be
extended in their midst. They also hoped that the erection of these premises
would tend to bring about an earnestness of purpose and standard of conduct
which would ever assist good government and individual progress. The work begun
there they hoped would be followed by the erection of other Churches where they
were needed and they hoped other denominations would be able to extend their
boundaries. This reminded them of their personal indebtedness to the Mayor as a
member of another Church. It had been his great pleasure to be the Mayor’s
colleague in the Council for 16 years, sharing in the public work he had done,
and he assured him that the invitation had been extended as a testimony of
Lancaster Methodists to their appreciation of the very high personal character
and broad Christian sympathies and qualities which he had ever shown ; and as a
denomination they desired to reciprocate as a Church the feeling that everything
possible should be done to bring about the spirit of brotherhood amongst the
Churches. They desired to work shoulder to shoulder as one united force for the
good of the town and the people of Lancaster. (Applause.) Mr. Helme then asked
the Mayor to accept the trowel, which was handsomely engraved and bore the
following inscription :- “Presented to the Mayor of Lancaster (R. Wilson, Esq.)
on laying the foundation stone of the Greaves Wesleyan Methodist Church, October
14th, 1908.”
