Bishop's Castle Circuit, Shropshire

Bishop's Castle Primitive Methodist chapel interior

Christian Messenger 1908/313

Transcription of Article in the Christian Messenger by Rev. William C. Ball

Bishop’s Castle, as its name suggests, was formerly the residence of the Bishops of Hereford. It is still in the Hereford diocese, but save for an occasional visit prelates of the See have now no connection with it. The Castle in which their predecessors reigned has also disappeared. The town has a varied and interesting history, which cannot be related here. On the roll of burgesses is the name of Lord Clive, the hero of Plassy; and another distinguished soldier Major-General Baden Powell, is descended from certain honourable townsmen of the borough. At one time Bishop’s Castle returned two members of Parliament, but since the Reform Act of 1832, it has formed part of the Ludlow Division, for which Mr. Rowland Hunt, an interesting personality, now sits at Westminster. Travellers to Bishop’s Castle, wishing to complete their journey by rail, must leave the L.&N.W. and G.W. Joint line at Craven Arms, and betake themselves to the Bishop’s Castle Railway. This is a private line, ten and a half miles long, and it is a very primitive affair indeed. At certain wayside stations, the guard alights and sells the tickets, and as there are no separate goods trains, ten minutes are often spent in detaching coal wagons, or putting on cattle trucks. Naturally, the railway is the subject of countless jokes and jibes, but prudent persons remember that half-a-loaf is better than no bread. Nevertheless if one of the big companies would by the line, and carry it on to Montgomery, on the Cambrian Railway, considerable industrial developments might ensue. The prospects of such an event, however, are very slight.

Primitive Methodism in Bishop’s Castle dates from the year 1828, when Richard Ward and Thomas Evans successfully missioned the town from Shrewsbury. Previous attempts to establish a cause had proved abortive, notwithstanding that one of them was supported by a clergyman in the vicinity. The town bore at this time an evil reputation, and probably Messrs. Ward and Evans would have failed to obtain an entrance, had not a local pugilist insisted on their having a hearing. This stalwart defender soon joined the newly formed church. In a month, all serious opposition subsided; and four years later Bishop’s castle became the Head of a Circuit.

Since then, three station have been taken from it: Newtown (Montgomery), Church Stretton, and Clun. Newtown was detached as early as 1836. Church Stretton held to Bishop’s Castle until 1872, notwithstanding that journeys from one to the other involved crossing a mountain. Stories are told of heroic preachers footing it from Clun to Church Stretton and back (thirty-two miles), sometimes through blinding snowstorms. In 1884, Clun became a separate Circuit. No further division has taken place, or is probable, though Bishop’s Castle still has thirteen places, several being six miles or more from the centre.

When one begins to enumerate the notable personalities who have figured in the Circuit’s history, several names at once leap into prominence. Confining ourselves to those who laboured in the Station’s present area, we think first of two honoured ministers of our church – Revs. Robert Bowen and James Huff. Both these brethren were born here, travelled here, superannuated, died, and were buried here. They were men of different make, but each in his way was a singularly successful minister of Christ. Loved and honoured whilst living, their memory is now as ointment poured forth. Mr. Thomas Bowen, brother of Rev. R. Bowen, also merits recognition. Mighty in faith and prayer, he was a tower of strength to our Asterton society. His son, Mr. Benjamin Bowen, who has been Mayor of Bishop’s Castle, is still associated with us, and he and his wife and family have rendered valuable service to our church in many ways. Speaking of Asterton, one is reminded of Mrs. Cotney, a veritable mother of Israel. For over fifty years her consecrated life was an inspiration to the Circuit. Her home was always open to preachers, and many a young beginner has been cheered by her counsels and prayers. Nor can we omit to mention Mr. Thomas Chester. A local preacher for over fifty years; he was in labours more abundant. His saintly life and his unflinching loyalty to our church’s interests gave him an honoured place in the affections of our people. In his will, he bequeathed a house to the Circuit, but his best legacy was the memory of his unblemished character and self sacrificing toil.

Did space permit, we might speak too of James Davies, of the Plain; of Thomas Lewis, lovingly designated the Bishop of Bishop’s castle; of Mrs Lucas, a useful preacher and to the end of her long life a most enthusiastic Missionary collector; and of Thomas Farmer, who, in the village of Old Churchstoke, was a mighty spiritual force. But no account of Bishop’s Castle Circuit would be complete without some reference to Mr W. A. Pugh, for nearly twenty years its Circuit Steward, and for a much longer period a local preacher, and Sunday School superintendent. It is given to few to write their names so indelibly upon a station as Mr. Pugh has upon Bishop’s castle Circuit. None we think would deny that much of the Circuit’s progress during the last two decades has been due to his sagacious leadership; whilst his deep spirituality, genuine modesty, and unfailing courage have endeared him to one and all. All his life has been spent in Bishop’s Castle, and through the years not a shadow of reproach has rested upon his character. Fellow-townsmen of all creeds and all political opinions have united to do him honour. He has served on the School Committee, and on the Town Council, and is now an Alderman of the Borough. In 1900, he was elected Mayor of Bishop’s Castle. Recently he has been made a County magistrate, a post for which his judicial temperament singularly fits him. Long may he live to grace his native town, and to service the Church of which he is such an honoured son.

With this article, is given a photo of our Bishop’s Castle Church, erected in 1904, under the vigorous superintendency of Rev. W. Wilcock. This beautiful sanctuary which seats 240 persons, cost over £1,500, and it is highly to the credit of our people here that four years after its erection only £220 remains upon it as debt. A beautiful organ, towards which Mr. Carnegie subscribed, has been placed in the transept of the Church, the whole cost of which has been raised. Under the skilful touch of Mrs. Pugh this fine-tined instrument adds much to the attractiveness and power of our services.

Despite the numerous removals from which this Circuit suffers, in common with all agricultural Stations, our prospects are exceedingly bright. In Bishop’s Castle itself, we have some excellent people, of sound character and proven loyalty, not a few of our members breathe the spirit of by-gone days. The Circuit has no financial difficulties, and party strife is unknown amongst us. The progressive spirit characterises all our leading men. With such advantages, whilst grateful for the past we go forward, believing that the best is yet to be.