Please make the subject Wardle as I delete a lot of emails |
Taken from the booklet |
HISTORY OF WESLEYAN CHAPEL 1809 - 1909. |
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Inside front cover |
History of Wardle Wesleyan Chapel. At the outset of this short history and retrospective view of the Wardle Wesleyan Society it should be remarked that the present Centenary celebrations commemorate the building and opening of the old chapel in July, 1809, an event which marks the period when Wesleyan Methodism had become very definitely and firmly established in the village. It cannot be accurately ascertained when the first society was formed here. Wesley's missioners were at Wardle well back in the eighteenth century; in fact, it is highly probable that this village and other outlying districts were visited by early pioneers before they turned their attention to the town of Rochdale itself. In the year 1744, Wardle was visited by a notable man in the person or Mr. William Darney, who preached at Dobbin, the home of the Rev. John Leech, then a mere boy about 8 years of age. On that occasion, young Leech was left to rock the cradle in the farm house whilst his parents and other members of the family and friends were listening to Mr. Darney's sermon delivered in the barn. The lad, anxious to hear the great preacher, hit upon the ingenious idea of fastening a long cord to the cradle of the sleeping child, and in this manner, whilst giving due attention to his infant charge, had an opportunity of hearing the gospel message which Fell from the lips of the preacher as he delivered the glad tidings of salvation to the eager listening throng. Whilst still a child, and during his early teens, Leech was brought very much into contact with the Anabaptists, who had then a small place of worship at Hey Barn, where they had been established as far back as the days of Charles I. A little burial ground adjoined the chapel out on the quiet, lonely moor-side, and the baptismal |
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Immersions were performed in the brook near to Hey Bridge. Leech often went to hear the Anabaptist preachers, but after much internal struggle, deep heart searching and prayer, he was compelled to reject as altogether unscriptural, the doctrines of pre-destination and election which they zealously advocated. We now hear of his attending the services held by the Methodist preachers in Rochdale. Shortly afterwards he introduced reading and prayer into the home circle at Dobbin on Sunday evenings, followed subsequently by family worship in the old farm-stead every night, and sometimes in the early morning as circumstances allowed. On these occasions the neighbours were often permitted to be present, and eventually, after much solicitation. John Leech, complying with the requests of many friends, formed a small class which was not, however, actually connected with the Wesleyan body at this time, but shortly afterwards having obtained his father's consent to the introduction of the Methodist itinerant preachers, his zealous and devoted band of faithful adherents was formally incorporated with the Wesleyan society. This took place, as near as can be ascertained, about the year 1760. That John Wesley preached at Wardle about this time is proved beyond doubt, although the exact date of his visit cannot be ascertained. He was in Rochdale for the first time on October 18th, 1749, and in his "Journal" we have a graphic and vivid account of his reception. :- "I rode at the desire of J. Bennet, to Rochdale in Lancashire. As soon as ever we entered the town we found the streets lined on both sides with multitudes of people shouting, cursing, blaspheming and gnashing upon us with their teeth. Perceiving it would not be practical to preach abroad, I went into a large room, open to the street, and called aloud "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts." The Word of God prevailed over fierceness of man, None opposed or interrupted, and there was a very remarkable change in the behaviour of the people as we afterwards went through the town." The last sermons Wesley preached in Rochdale were delivered August 26th or 27th, 1787 at five o'clock in the morning. In the interval he was in the town on several occasions, and on one of these visits, influenced in all probability by the Leech's, he came out to Wardle and preached at the house of William Howarth, better known as "Billy with Pipes," in Wardle Fold. About this time, when the favourite recreations of the village hand-loom weavers and colliers were gambling, wrestling, cock-fighting and bull-baiting, and the moral tone of the district was at a very low ebb, the Leech's and Howarth's were standing out as bright and shining lights amid the spiritual darkness and playing a most important part in the development of Wardle Methodism. John Leech had already entered upon his career as one of Wesley's trusted and valued itinerant preachers, leaving the care of his little class to his brother Thomas, and James Leech, his nephew, was composing a series of hymn tunes amongst which may be mentioned "Peru," "Watchman," "Egypt," "Mount Pleasant," &c., which became exceedingly popular amongst the Methodist in those days, and since made his name famous throughout the British Isles, and far away over the great American continent. It is interesting to note that James Leech's sister had married William Howarth already alluded to, and Edwin Waugh, the Lancashire dialect writer and poet (their grandson), verifies Wesley's visit to the house of his grandfather in Wardle Fold. Waugh's mother often recalled the event, in her later years recounted with pride how the great preacher had "spoken kindly to her, patted her head, and stroked her hair" when a child. The first reference in the Circuit books to the Society at Wardle is as follows: - "Samuel Jackson was four years a member of Wardle Fold Society. He died February 1st, 1800, of a decline, in the 21st year of his age. He departed in the Lord." A further reference is to be found under date 1803, when according to the Circuit books the society consisted of fifteen members meeting in two classes as follows :- 1. Abram Howarth, (Leader), William Royds, Mary Royds, Mary Unsworth, Mary Scholfield, Sarah Jackson, Betty Cockcroft, Sarah Scholfield. 2. George Howarth, (Leader), Abram Unsworth, John Stansfield, Betty Stansfield, Mary Dearden, Elizabeth Whittaker, Sarah Mills. It may be remarked in passing that it was due in no small measure to the active missionary zeal of Abram and George Howarth, along with other members of the Wardle Society who were then in the habit of visiting Facit and Shawforth, and holding cottage meetings and services there, that the churches at these places were established. In those early days the services at Wardle were held in the cottages of the villagers, and for a considerable period the meeting place was over the "Spring Gardens Inn," Wardle Fold. It was in this room that James Leach, the composer, trained and conducted his little orchestra and chorus of singers, and here too transpired the amusing incidents related by Trafford Clegg when Leech was rehearsing "The Horse and his Rider," a chorus from Handel's Oratorio, "Israel in Egypt." Orchestral music played a most important part in the services at this time, and the village boasted of many clever and talented players of wind and string instruments. Head and shoulders above them all, however, stood William Howarth ("Billy with Pipes"). His fame spread far beyond his native village, and his services as an oboe player were often requisitioned at the great musical festivals all over the country. About this time the Sunday school was established, and for a considerable period was held in a warehouse owned by the Whittaker family who were then taking a very deep and active interest in Wesleyan Methodism. It became absolutely essential, however, that the better provision should be made for the society. As far back as 1772 the Rev. John Leech had endeavored to secure a suitable plot of land on which to build a chapel in Wardle Fold. The negotiations at that time, however, had no tangible result. This truly great and good man, whom we may justly regard as the father of Methodism in Wardle, never relinquished his efforts in furtherance of his original intension of having a chapel erected in the village. On settling at Rochdale in 1803 , after the close of his active ministerial career, he devoted his himself strenuously to achievements of his favourite object, and finally had the satisfaction of seeing the old chapel built and completed in 1808 and 1809, at a cost of £707 2s. 10d., towards which he himself contributed the sum of £90, practically the whole of his life savings. Mrs. Whittaker also contributed £30, and the total subscriptions amounted to £254 12s. 6d. From an obituary notice of the Rev. John Leech in the Methodist Magazine for 1812, written by Rev. Saml.Taylor, Superintendent Minister at Union Street, the following short extract in connection with the opening services is quoted:- "Having exerted himself greatly in behalf of this favourite object, and being a father in the church, I desired him to open it by preaching in it first. He complied with my request, and on that occasion God gave him one soul as a seal to his ministry. He was so animated and strengthened in the good work that he preached again in the same chapel the following Lord's day. But here his public labours terminated, these being the last sermons he ever preached." The aged minister was at this time very infirm and feeble, and had to be assisted into the pulpit. He died January 12th, 1810, about six months after the opening of the chapel. The collections at the opening services amounted to what was then considered the "handsome" sum of £13 8s 2 ½ d. Appended is a list of the first Trustees:- |
JOHN STANSFIELD, JAMES WHITTAKER JOHN JONES JOHN BRIDGE. Schoolmaster Tulford. FRANCIS ATKINSON, Cotton Spinner. JAMES WOOD Cotton Spinner. |
JAMES HARTLEY, Bookseller. THOMAS BOOTH Chemist. GEORGE ORMEROD Currier. JOSEPH HEAP, Chapman. GEORGE HOWARTH Woollen Manufacturer Trough. |
The school was now in held in the body of the chapel, and was conducted by men and women characterised not so much by learning and literary attainments as by devotion and zeal to the cause of the Master. Notable amongst these was John Still and James and Simon Dearden. Old Simon invariably knelt at a chair when engaged in prayer, and this he used to support, shaking it vigorously as he moved round and round the room. We cannot read of the practices in those early days of the men and women who not only engaged in family prayer, and worship themselves, but, anxious for the salvation of others, very frequently brought down the hand-loom weavers working in the chambers above their homes to take part in the little homely services, without realising that our forefathers were made of the right material, and it is no wonder that the Wardle Wesleyan Sunday School, founded and carried on by men and women of this type, should have proved an institution of such boundless and infinite blessing to those who have passed through it. A striking tribute to its influence upon home life and training is given by the poet Waugh, whose mother attended the school here, when on one occasion after watching a group of country children he writes :- "I thought of the time when I too, used to start from home on a Sunday morning, dressed in my holiday suit, clean as a new pin from top to toe, and followed to the door with a world of gentle admonitions. I thought of some things I learned when standing at my mothers knee; of the little prayer and the blessing at bedtime; of the solemn tunes which she used to sing when all the house was still, whilst I sat and listened, drinking in those plaintive strains of devotional melody never to forget them more." For sometime after its establishment the management of the school, was left entirely in the hands of the general body of teachers, but it was soon deemed expedient to delegate the general oversight to two or three of the number, and so it came about that "Masters of the School," or as we now term them, Superintendents were appointed, and those who from time to time have filled this position, realising the importance and responsibility of the trust committed to their charge, have done their best to further the interests of the school and cause of Christ, and have been men of whom we have just cause to be proud. The following is a list of "Masters" and Superintendents: - Jas. Stott, John Bamford, (Waterhouse), David Skinner, Saml. Bamford, Adam Mills (senior), John Brierley, Saml. Stott (Councillor), Samuel Stott, Bejamin Wild, Samuel Mills, James Lord, William Scofield, James Hartley, James Bamford, Benjamin Harwood, Thomas Bamford, David Woodhouse, Thomas Hartley, Joseph Leach, James Buckley, Charles Schofield, James Stott, Adam Mills (junr.), John Woodhead, Joseph Kershaw, Edmund Schofield, Simeon Howarth, James Howarth and James Mills. "Singing Days" have always been a special feature in connection with the work of the school. Two at least were held in Whittaker's warehouse prior to the erection of the old chapel. A rather alarming incident in connection with one of these anniversaries took place on June 21st, 1851, whilst the scholars were rehearsing the hymns and choruses to be sungat the anniversary services on the following day. A storm of thunder and lightning passed over the village igniting the gas in the chapel, and had it not been for the timely services rendered by Mr. James Fraser, who ascended the belfry and extinguished the flames, the chapel would in all probability have been destroyed. The practice of holding "Little Sings" originated nearly 80 years ago when some of the junior scholars decided to have a special day with a view to raising funds for the Missionary Society. Mrs. Charles Crossley, of Crook, better known as "Tet-i' Crook," one of whose favourite sayings was that she could "spin and be gradely," placed a cottage at their disposal, ministers were secured, and at this initial effort we are told the sum of 15/- was collected, Wardle has ever been noted for the high standard of its musical culture, and amongst those more particularly connected with our own society who have as leading singers done much to raise the standard of musical attainment may be mentioned the following :- Messers. Edmund Leach, Jas. Howarth, Samuel Mills, Thomas Bamford, John Lord, James Howarth and Robert Schofield, the latter of whom has completed 55 years continued membership of the choir. The following quaint entries are to be found in chapel accounts for 1846 and 1847 :- £ s. d. J. Mills, for candles .................. 1 1 4 Violensella Strengs, Thrumbo Repairing &c...................... 0 14 1 John Leach, one year's cleaning 1 10 0 Shilona Stott, for reading buryal Service 0 10 0 The school continued to increase in numbers, it was found necessary in 1856 to enlarge the old chapel by an extension to the rear. The alterations and extensions being carried out at a cost of £263 5s. 8d., towards which we find Mr. Edmund Bamford contributed £31, Mr. Jas. Lord £20, and Mr. Adam Mills, senior, all the "stone dressed" required for the enlargement. The school was held in the old chapel until 1868 when it was considered inadequate to requirements. The building now used as a day school was erected and afterwards used for Sunday school purposes. The newly erected school, however, was soon found to be too small and inconvenient for Sunday school requirements and the Teachers and Committee decided to provide the necessary accommodation by utilizing the day school for the juniors and the old chapel for the senior scholars, and arrangements which still obtains. During a long period when the secular education of the children was largely dependant on voluntary effort, this branch of work was not neglected by the Teachers and Committee of the Sunday school, and whilst the objects of the school have been in the main spiritual and religious, for the past sixty years great sacrifices have been made to place within the reach of the children a sound secular education which should fit them for the ordinary avocations of life, and although at times the responsibility has proved a source of great anxiety and care to those upon whom the burden of maintenance has fallen, the duty has been undertaken and sacrifice made in a spirit which has known neither grudge nor stint in its zeal and interest for the welfare of the children and the advancement of education in general. From the year 1856 onwards, Wardle Wesleyan Methodism was taking great steps forward, providing itself a powerful and potent factor in the moral and spiritual uplifting of the village. The Rev. Charles Garrett was in the Union Street Circuit from 1857 to 1859, and during the ministry great power and blessing came upon the church. The year 1860 saw the formation of the Band of Hope Society, with Mr. Francis Howarth as its first Secretary, and members of this institution may look back with pardonable pride to the active and useful propaganda work which has now been carried on for nearly half-a-centaury. From 1860 to 1870, when the village was reaching the high-water mark of its general trade and material prosperity, the church also was increasing its membership. It became clearly evident that the old chapel would no longer meet the ever increasing needs of the society, and in the early seventies, when the Rev. R. P. Downes was labouring here and doing so much to imbue the church with the spirit of Christian zeal and service, the members and friends, notwithstanding the fact that the village was at the time under a temporary cloud of trade depression, embarked upon the project of building the new chapel with confidence and enthusiasm. Subscription lists were opened, and the appeals met with a truly noble, self-sacrificing, and generous response. The chapel built and completed at a cost of £3994 13s. 9½., and contained the names of Mr. James Stott £450; Mr. Thos. Bamford, £400; Mr. John Bamford, £300; and Mr. William Ormerod £100. It is interesting to note that the original plan of the chapel the erection of the portico was not contemplated, and the building would have been minus this fine architectural adornment had it not been for the enthusiasm and energy of the young men connected with the Mutual Improvement Class at that period who guaranteed to raise the sum necessary for this undoubtedly artistic addition to the structure. The chapel was opened on April 8th, 1874, by the Revs. G.T. Perkes and J.H.Sholl, when the collections amounted to £70. The opening services were continued on April 12th by Revs. S. Coley and J. Hughes, collections, £92.0s.5d.; and again on April 19th by the Revs. O. Davies and W.Cullum, collections, £51 18s.6d. For some time after the opening of the chapel a harmonium, presided over by the late Mr. John Wild, whose memory is still held in great respect and esteem by all who knew him, continued to be used in the Sunday services. In 1883, however, the organ was built and installed at a cost of £385, the opening taking place on July 29th of that year, Mr.J.W. Schofield being appointed organist, in which capacity he still continues. It is scarcely necessary to trace the later history of the society here, for much of this will come within the recollection of our readers, many of whom will look back with pride to the days of the past when we had labouring amongst us such stalwarts as the Revs. R. P. Downes, J.H Hopkins, E. Lloyd Jones, and that famous evangelist, Mr. Isaac Marsden. The work of these and other truly great men and their power and influence for good have been immeasurable. We, as Wesleyans, may be justly proud of the part our church has played in the moral and spiritual uplifting of the neighbourhood. Its power has not been confined to the village alone, for many have gone out from amongst us to labour in other parts of the vinyard whose influence for good has powerfully and potently effected the life of the great world beyond. One of the most pleasing features in connection with our work has been the number of local preachers who have received their early training in connection with the school. Amongst these may be mentioned Messers. Saml. Harrison, Joseph Wild, Adam Mills, senr., John Kershaw, Jas. Jackson, Robt. Schofield, Shiloni Stott, John Law, Thomas Marsden, A. S. Wild, Saml. Bamford, John Buckley, Francis Howarth, Adam Mills, jnr., Joseph Leach, John Fielding, Stephen Holt, John T. Chadwick and Wesley Bamford. The path of retrospect, however bright, is bound to have its shadows. We cannot sit quietly and calmly alone with life's memories without a degree of pain and sadness, and many, in reading this short history of our church, will pass in review a host of truly good and noble men and women who, after labouring long and zealously amongst us, have now entered into rest. In the limited space at our disposal it would be impossible to mention the names of all whose careers have been truly worthy of mention, but no history of the Wardle Wesleyan Society would be complete which did not recognise in some tangible way the life's work of many hereafter mentioned. |
Thomas Bamford, Crossfield, (1830-1895). As scholar, teacher, choirmaster, society and circuit steward, leader, and trustee all that he did and was to the society here can scarcely be adequately estimated. He was ever ready with sound advice. Good counsel and generous help, and nothing so called forth the energies of his soul as the revival of the work of God amongst the people. His various duties were discharged with boundless zeal. earnestness and enthusiasm. "Whatsoever his hand found to do, he did it with all his might," and the keynote of his life was undaunted, indomitable perseverance coupled with never failing belief in the power and efficacy of prayer. After leaving the village and taking up residence in Liverpool, his sympathy and affection still turned to the old place, and nothing was dearer and nearer to his heart than the progress of the cause at Wardle. His zeal for the evangelization of the village found expression in the gift of £1000 to be held in trust for this special work, and further bequeathed a sum of £1000 to be held in trust and utilized |
In furtherance of various branches of society and Sunday school work. His life's work here, coupled with his great generosity have laid the Wardle Society under a deep debt of gratitude for all time. The inscription upon the tablet which has been placed in the chapel in perpetuation of his memory reads as follows:- "THE MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED." THOMAS BAMFORD, 1830-1895. As Sunday school scholar, teacher, and superintendent, he was regular and faithful. As choirmaster, day school manager, and trustee, he was attentive and efficient. As leader, as society steward, and as circuit steward, he was watchful and successful. As a benefactor he was far seeking and generous. He served his own generation by the will of God. "He, being dead, yet speaketh" |
SAMUEL BAMFORD (1796-1865) was a Methodist of the old-fashioned type whose deliverance from the galling bondage of sin lit up countenance as with sunshine, and called forth his soul in jubilant song. He was familiarly known as "The Singing Saint" and "The Singing Pilgrim." Most enthusiastic at love feasts and prayer meetings, his religion had none of the present day "ultra-respectability" about it, and he would often sing out in the middle of a service one of his favourite hymns, "My heart is fixed eternal God" or " I'm what they call a Methody." His good wife, too, was also subject to saving grace, and the part played by this grand old couple should be held in grateful remembrance by Wesleyan's of Wardle. BETTY BAMFORD and SARAH BAMFORD ( Mrs. STOTT). Two sisters of old Samuel Bamford. They resided in a cottage on the site now occupied by the new chapel. Dressed out in quaint attire and old- fashioned Quaker bonnets, they were to be seen in punctual and regular attendance at the various services. Strictly orthodox in their views, and inclining to puritanical in their ideas, so much so indeed that whistling was considered a most grievous sin, they were nevertheless two good old souls who are now singing the song redeemed in the land of glory. EDMUND BAMFORD (1821-1894) was a son of old Samuel Bamford. He possessed in no small measure his father's characteristics. He was for many years a class leader, and prior to his removal to Smallbridge, one of the society's most earnest and tireless workers. Miss MARY SCHOFIELD (1833-1876) sister of the late Wm. Schofield (flannel manufacturer). Her memory is still held in the greatest esteem and respect. For many years she acted as teacher of the young ladies' class, and was a member of the choir. The beauty and sweetness of her voice and the rich harmony of her life, so full of purity and gentleness and so truly attuned to the music of heaven. Brought gladness and joy into the lives of all with whom she came into contact. EDMUND BUTTERWORTH (1836-1890) acted as Sunday school teacher and was constant in his attendance at the various means of grace. He often addressed the school and was a great favourite with the children. One remarkable feature about "Neddie" as he was familiarly termed was his wonderful memory for passages of scripture and texts. Rather wild and careless in younger days, he became after his conversation a man of whom we may be justly proud, and a splendid example of saving grace and power of the gospel. |
EDMUND BAMFORD, Crossfield (1800-1870) Was a great power for good in his day, and as a class and prayer leader did much to advance the work, of the Master. He took a most fervent interest in the band meetings, and was especially enthusiastic on the subject of Foreign Missions. He was ever to the fore in this branch of work, the annual meeting in aid of the missions which were then characterized by great spirit and animation being regarded as the red letter days of his life. |
ADAM MILLS, Senior, (1800- 1872) may be truly regarded as one of the early stalwarts of Wardle Methodism. He attended the school prior to the erection of the old chapel. Possessed of native wit and shrewd common sense, and of sound strong character his devotion to the church was whole whole-hearted, as was also his zeal in the service of the Master. In the pulpit he boldly and faithfully declared the whole counsel of God according to his conviction of the truth. He was highly popular as a preacher of Sunday School Anniversary Sermons, his efforts being characterised by great zeal, enthusiasm and power, and he was greatly beloved by old and young alike. |
Adam Mills, Junior, (1837-1906), inherited much of his fathers enthusiasm and evangelical fervour. He received his training as a scholar and teacher in the school, and in early manhood, as a local preacher, gave evidence of great ability and promise. Becoming imbued with a desire to enter the ranks of the Wesleyan Ministry, and generally acclaimed as exceedingly well qualified for such a career, he most successfully passed the usual preliminary examinations. The report of the Medical Examiner, however, indicated symptoms of weakness which might have led to permanent affection of the throat. So that his course in this direction was barred. For sometime he acted as a day school master. He took a most active part in connection with the scheme for building the new chapel, and was ever to the fore in all progressive movements of the school and society. As day school manger, superintendent, class leader, trustee, &c., his duties were most faithfully and conscientiously performed and no man ever worked with greater earnestness and more disinterested zeal to advance the interest of the church. His call to |
preach the Gospel was clear and unmistakeable. His sermons were carefully prepared. His impassioned appeals to moral and spiritual went straight to the hearts and consciences of his hearers, and his pulpit oratory was of a very high order. For nearly fifty years he continued to delight himself in the glorious work, with tokens of divine approval and the appreciation of the congregations to whom he ministered. It is worthy of note that he and his father had the unique distinction of having delivered sermons or addresses at more than sixty consecutive Sunday School Anniversaries in connection with the Wesleyan Chapel, Castleton Moor. In social and political life his name was ever associated with fairness, straight dealing, and honourable action. His memory will be held in general respect and esteem, for he was truly in very deed "a man after God's own heart." |
JAMES STOTT (1821-1876) acted as superintendent and class leader. He was modest and unostentatious in his demeanour, and less demonstrative than many of his compeers, but a man who failed not in practical form to evidence his love for the cause. Kind-hearted and generous he did a vast amount of good in a quiet way, whilst his devoted wife to the close of a long life never ceased to take an interest in all connected with Wardle Methodism. |
JAMES JACKSON (1821-1886) class leader and local preacher. He was a man of one book, and that "The Book of Books." To him the bible was all in all. Of very simple tastes and ideas, He preached the plain Methodist gospel in the old-fashioned way, and lived a blameless life of unquestioned piety which was altogether beyond reproach. |
JAMES BAMFORD, Knowl Syke, (1822-1889) acted as a class leader and was one of the founders of the Band of Hope Society, He was a great lover of the camp meeting of the old-fashioned type, invariably opened the proceedings in school on Whit-Friday morning led the children in procession, and frequently spoke at the annual Sunday School Tea Meetings which would have seemed incomplete without his presence. Another brother, Mr. John Bamford, also took great interest in the work and acted as chapel-keeper for a considerable period. |
JOHN BAMFORD, Crossfield, (1824-1876) acted as teacher in the school and was a most consistent member of the church. Any thing which had for its aim the furtherance of school and society interests found in him a very generous and liberal helper, whilst Mrs. Bamford, who up to the time of her marriage was a member of the chapel choir and afterwards acted as a class leader, was a truly good woman of fine Christian spirit whose memory is still held in affectionate remembrance by all who knew her. |
JOHN LAW (1839-1904) was a teacher and a most enthusiastic Methodist. In his younger days he did yeomen service for the church in which he took a very deep interest. He delivered his first sermon at the age of nineteen, and continued to preach most acceptably for over twenty years. |
Rev. FRANCES HOWARTH, (1839-1904) was a teacher and local preacher. After leaving the district he was engaged in Home Missionary work at Wigan and subsequently went out to America, where he became a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and had a most successful ministerial career. |
Misses ANN SCHOFIELD and FRANCES (FANNY) SCHOFIELD (1841-1893) (1856-1904) Two sisters whose memory is still cherished with great respect. They were both active members of the church; for a considerable period teachers in the Sunday school, and most devoted and generous helpers in furtherance of the cause of the Master. For some time prior to her death Miss Fanny Schofield, in consequence of a painful illness was unable to take a very active part in work of the school or society, but her heart was ever at one with people of god, and her faith in the Saviour gave her that internal calmness and peace which sustained her in the hour of trial and infirmity. Amongst other truly good woman may be mentioned Mrs. Susan Stott, Mrs. Cunliffe, and Mrs. Fielding (Mary Best), three good old-fashioned Methodists with a genuine ring about them who could always be relied upon to enliven the various classes and prayer meetings at which they were present. WESLY BAMFORD (1853- 1905) received a college training and acted as day schoolmaster for some time. A splendid and capable organiser, he performed a vast amount of work for the society here and the circuit in general. As a local preacher he was most effective and impressive, his sermons being well constructed models of clear thinking and reasoning, Gifted with rare mental endowments, he was a man of many sided activities. His zeal for the social and educational interests of the district was exemplified by his action in connection with the Wardle Library, which will remain a standing monument to his memory. James Leach (1860-1893) acted as a teacher in the school for many years, and took a great interest in the work of the Improvement Class. Gifted with rare intellectual powers and of a keenly critical temperament, accounted for doubtless by his wide scientific training, his views and expositions of social and religious topics were well abreast of the times. By his early death a career of great promise was closed. Amongst others may be mentioned Jas. Hartley, teacher, superintendent, and class leader, a man with his little peculiarities but truely great and good. Also Jas. Mills, of Whittaker Mill, teacher of the young ladies' and young men's classes, a most saintly man, infinitely kind and good. JOHN KERSHAW, of Smallbridge, also was a native of Wardle. Brought to a decision for Christ and in his teens he proclaimed the truth as it is in Jesus for nearly seventy years, and in his 90th year, in the full confidence of hope, he entered the rest which remains for the people of God. |
Names and Portraits Of Ministers, Officials, Teachers and Choir |
1909 Ministers : Rev. John Leathley Rev. H.H. Minchin. Supply : Rev. A. Victor Moody. Trustees : Messers. Edmund Schofield, Jas. Buckley, Jas. Stott, Richard Best, Joseph Kershaw, Joseph Leach, Chas. Schofield, Benj. Stott, Frank Yardley. Leaders : Messers. Jas, Buckley, Edmund Schofield, John Law, Simeon Howarth, and Miss Edith Howarth. JUNIORS Mr. A. H. Haworth, Miss Lizzie Schofield Stewards : Messers. Jas. Mills and A. H. Haworth. Total Members of Society ............ 68. Juniors .............40. |
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Programme of Services, &c. Saturday, July 17th. 2.30 PROCESSION headed by LITTLEBOROUGH BRASS BAND. 4 to 6 SELECTIONS BY THE BAND 4.30 PUBLIC TEA MEETING. Tickets: Adults 6d. Children |