Sowerby Bridge Primitive Methodist chapel
Sowerby Bridge Primitive Methodist chapel is referred to in the 1858 Primitive Methodist magazine. John Jobling writes to share that the society needed more room for the Sunday school so it enlarged the schoolroom by adding a cottage. They also boarded the floor, cleaned and painted the chapel and added a large gas light in the centre of the ceiling.
Three years later they were at it again. Gaining 20 new members in February 1860 and continuing lack of room for the Sunday school meant they enlarged the chapel further in late 1860. A Worsnip tells us that more than enough money was raised through a tea meeting chaired by John Crossley, Esq. (Halifax). Speakers included Rev. A. Hall (Independent), A Worsnop and D Clay
The 1890 1:1500 Ordnance Survey map shows a Primitive Methodist chapel on the south west side of Sowerby New Road , just north of its junction with Sowerby Street and south of Westfield House – approximately where the Telephone Exchange is. It is labelled as seating 600 so was a substantial size – larger than the 1858 description implies.
Who was involved with this chapel? What happened to it?
Reference
Primitive Methodist magazine September 1858 page 562
Primitive Methodist magazine March 1861 page 171
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I was part of a Cliff College Mission Team to Sowerby Bridge in 1971. We were based mainly in Bolton Brow but I remember seeing the old chapel in Rooley Lane and the old couple I stayed with had links there.
A Lady I care for has a memorial trowel for the laying of memorial stone July 28th 1890 by a Mrs Hartley. Stubbins Sowerby Bridge . I am presuming this lady was a relative as she is also a Mrs Hartley
Thank you Mr. Hill. I am most grateful for this information.
I’ve done further exploration of Ordnance Survey maps and found the location of Sowerby Bridge Primitive Methodist chapel in 1890. It was on the other side of the river and canal to Bold Brow. I’ve amended the description above.
I’ve also explored maps of Sowerby village itself and found a Wesleyan chapel, with a burial ground at the northern end of Rooley Lane. It actually faced onto the back lane joining Rooley Lane and what Google Maps shows as the Rushcart Inn and what the 1894 OS map names as the Star Inn. On the 1964 map it is called Rooley Lane Methodist Church. There are new houses on the site.
Records are likely to be held in the County Record Office. Hope this helps.
Is it possible that this may be the chapel that stood on the site previous to the building of Bolton Brow Methodist Chapel, Sowerby Bridge. Perusing the history of Bolton Brow Chapel it appears that the original chapel occupying the site. Bolton Brow Chapel is now private flats and all human remains removed and cremated at Ellend Crematorium. Just a thought.
I have searched for Sowerby Wesleyan Chapel at Sowerby (a couple of miles from Sowerby Bridge) without success; I have records of ancestors being baptised and christened there but it seems to have vanished without trace! I would be so grateful for any suggestions.
In 1858 they enlarged the chapel because it wasn’t big enough; in 1860 they had to do it all over again.
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