Burslem Circuit, Staffordshire

Architect's drawing of Burslem Clowes Memorial Primitive Methodist chapel and Institute
Christian Messenger 1906/14

Transcription of Article in the Christian Messenger by Allan Crook Leigh

Burslem is the youngest Circuit in the Tunstall District. It formerly belonged to the Tunstall Circuit, and, being the birthplace of Clowes, Burslem forms part of the classic ground of the Connexion. It became a Circuit in 1899, the first meeting of the officials being held on December 4th at the close of the Tunstall Quarterly Meeting. A previous attempt had been made in 1886 to divide the Circuit, and for a short time Burslem existed as a branch, under the superintendency of the Rev. S.R. Woodall. The child, however, was too weak to walk alone, and in a few months went back to its mother. But the time came when a decided progressive movement must be initiated. It was impossible for seventeen Churches in a populous district, and some of them important Churches, with heavy debts, to be efficiently worked by two ministers. The first thought was to call out two additional ministers and keep the Circuit intact. But wiser counsels prevailed, and a division was effected that gave nine Churches to Burslem, which make a very compact and workable station. The ministers at the time of division were the Revs. W Jones and J.W. Chappell. Mr. Chappell became superintendent of the new Circuit, and soon organized it for work.

The first step was to call out a second minister. Application was made, and the Rev. F.C. Challice left his studies at Manchester College to labour as second preacher. For four years he rendered valuable and efficient service, and his name lives a precious memory in the hearts of the people.

For a time the new Circuit was financially assisted by its mother (Tunstall); but there was general satisfaction felt when the term of assistance ended, and the financial situation was faced with business promptness and success. The Circuit is not without its problems and difficulties, but these exist to be solved. The brethren are full of hope, energy, and enterprise. The outlook is inspiring. The face of the Circuit is towards the sunrise.

At the time of its foundation, the official statistics were as follows: members 320, ministers 2, local preachers 24, class leaders 24, Connexional chapels 9. The latest official figures are: members 440, ministers 2, local preachers 41, class leaders 27, and the same number of Connexional chapels. But official tabulations do not represent all. There are nearly 100 members in reserve. There are seven good Christian Endeavour Societies conserving and developing the young life of the Churches. The Sunday schools are doing splendid work, being well organized by a Station School Committee, under the secretaryship of Mr. James Allport. This department of work is most promising. There is a good staff of local preachers, with passion for their work, and who are fired with fervid evangelism. Young men are rising up with a growing love of books, full of questions, and anxious to face the problems of the times. The teeming young life is the great hope of the Circuit. The Circuit is in the early stages of evolution. It is full of promise. But it needs patience, industry, wise guidance, spiritual passion, earnest evangelism, and the constant devotion of loyal hearts.

It is not blessed nor cursed with abundant wealth. It is a Circuit of democratic working men. One of the local preachers, Alderman Enoch Edwards, is President of the National Miner’s Federation, and Liberal candidate for Hanley at the next election. Councillors S. Finney and G. Tomkinson, local preachers, are also efficient labour leaders. There is string, intelligent faith in the rights of laymen, and those rights are generally maintained in harmony with loyalty to the minister. The superintendent with democratic views may have a happy time in their midst. It all depends how the superintendent superintends.

The officials of the station realize their responsibility, and are fairly well informed on the rules and discipline of the Connexion. They love primitive Methodism, and are wishful to promote its best interests. The missionary revenue has been advancing year by year, and a healthy competitive element is growing up among our young people and Churches as to who and which shall raise the largest amount. A Circuit possessed by this spirit must be progressive.

There are two Circuit stewards, Messrs. A, Bourne and J. Dorricott, with a Circuit Organizing Committee to watch the finances and make provision for their replenishment.

It is not all rosy. If there is light there is also shade. There are handicaps in its progressive life. There are anxious days and nights for the superintendent and his officials. But in the darkest hour God has brought deliverance. What was most feared has never happened, It is through faith in the God who is “able to deliver,” and does deliver. Let me briefly note the places:-

CLOWES MEMORIAL. – Here is a splendid chapel to seat 750 people, and fine schools; entire cost £6,040. The whole block is a credit to the town and Connexion; but the debt is £2,900. The membership is 100, of which 40 are young people. For twenty years the Church, for some reason, has made little, if any, progress; it is so seriously handicapped with financial difficulty. There are good brave souls who have stood by it, and stand loyally to-day. But it is a hard, hand-to-hand fight. Would to God some force would come to its relief! The present superintendent is doing his best to “hold the fort” for the Connexion and for Christ. He would like to do better. He often wishes and prays that some kind friend will send him a cheque to relieve the anxiety and heartbreak. He is not without hope.

DALE HALL has enlarged twice during the last four years. It is a good society, with fine possibilities and opportunities. Besides the school-chapel there are two cottages, one of which will give way to a new chapel at no distant date. There is a good school. The spirit of the society is evangelistic. It is situated in a thickly-populated part of Burslem.

SNEYD GREEN. – Also in Burslem. This place has been a problem. Some years ago its sale was proposed. But a spiritual movement is solving the problem, and the Church is growing in numbers and power. There is a decent chapel and a good population. The outlook is very hopeful.

SMALLTHORNE. – A populous neighbourhood, about a mile-and-a-half from the town. Here there is a thriving and prosperous Church. The spirit of evangelism is very strong. During the last year more than 300 have been converted, many of whom have joined the society. It is a joy to visit this place. Every department of work is vigorously carried on and well organized. Within the last year a new school has been erected at a cost of £800. It is already too small. Having a gallery, it is being used for public worship, as the chapel is too small. A new Church will have to be built very soon. This Church is truly the minister’s “crown of rejoicing.”

LONGBRIDGE HAYES. – A village just about a mile away. The chapel seats 150. The society is small, and its experiences are varied. But there are good souls working week by week for its prosperity. It is never behind at Quarterly Meeting. The Sunday night congregation is good, and the C.E. fairly successful.

HOT LANE. – Situate in Burslem. This is a Church noted for its heartiness – hearty singing, hearty worship. It is a society composed of potters and miners. The revival spirit has caught hold of this place, and over a hundred have been saved. The preachers always have a good time here. There is a vigorous C.E. society. Hot Lane response is always anticipated at the Circuit rallies. There is hardly any debt. Further extension will soon have to be considered.

WOLSTANTON. – Two miles away. This is a good Church in a residential neighbourhood. It is a Church distinct from any of the rest in the Circuit. Undemonstrative, yet spiritual; quiet, yet bravely facing its difficulties and problems. The C.E. is a great spiritual force. It is an inspiration to see the number of intelligent young people. The ministry is highly appreciated, and local preachers feel that Wolstanton knows a good sermon. There is a great future for this Church when the burden is relieved. At present the debt is £1,550, the membership is 64. But the debt is gradually getting lighter as it is paid back to the Chapel-Aid Association.

ETRURIA. – Two-and-a-half miles. Reached by tram or train. It really should belong to Hanley, but Tunstall first missioned it, and in the division of the Circuit it came to Burslem. Three years ago there was talk of selling it. The Circuit was perplexed what to do with it. It only had five members and no congregation. But Bro. A. Johnson, one of the oldest and best-esteemed local preachers, a brother full of enthusiasm and evangelistic fervour, felt called to join this society. It has commenced a new era. The membership is now 22, the congregation about 50. It not only sent its levy to the last Quarterly Meeting, but five shillings more. The school anniversary realized £25. All this during the last eighteen months. It is the Lord’s doing. Etruria is no longer embarrassing.

HAMIL ROAD. – Situate in Burslem. This is a young society. The school-chapel was built in 1897, new class-rooms in 1901; entire cost £1,209. There is a splendid site for a new church, which is very much needed. The last official statistics are: members 86, scholars 372, C.E. members 32, Band of Hope members 120, hearers 200, debt £498. This Church has in it some of the best and strongest spirits of the Circuit. No Church has greater possibilities and opportunities. It is in a new and rising part of the town.

Consecrated toil will yield much fruit.

It is a good Circuit and for the man who loves the common people, furnishes a fine sphere of work. The present superintendent is the Rev. James Griffin. This is his second term in the town. He is, therefore, in his eighth year of service. Rev. Lewis Hancock, a young minister of ability and promise, is his colleague. It may not be considered a class Circuit, but it is one in which a minister may render valuable service to the cause of humanity, and, at the same time, develop the best powers of his being.

References

Christian Messenger 1906/14

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