Hopton Bank Primitive Methodist chapel

Report of Opening in the Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838

Keith Guyler, 2000
Hopton Bank Primitive Methodist chapel
Christian Messenger 1918/74

Ludlow circuit.

Hopton Bank is about eight miles north-east of Ludlow, fourteen east of Kidderminster, twenty-four west of Worcester, and seventeen south of Bridgnorth.  It is at the extreme point of Shropshire, on a part of Clee Hills; and the inhabitants are chiefly employed in the coal-mines.

It was missioned in the year 1822; but from the want of a suitable place, the work was impeded.  But by the blessing of God, a chapel has been erected.  Mr. Dolphin, who is one of our local preachers, and is our circuit steward, kindly gave the ground.  And the CHAPEL was opened for Divine worship on Friday, August 4, and Sundays, 6 and 13, 1837.  Sermons were preached by J. Graham, J. Rich, T. Nash, and Miss P. Woodhouse, (all of our own circuit), to overflowing congregations; and ten pounds, seven shillings, and three-pence halfpenny was collected; which was thought a large sum for the place.  Every sitting was let, and some friends could not be accommodated.  The chapel is constantly crowded, and souls have been converted to God therein; and the society is on the increase.

We render our thanks to all the friends who have kindly given their aid in the erection of this chapel; and in particular to Bro. D. who gave the land, and Mr. Breakwell, who gave us the stone to build it with.

john graham.

(Approved by the Committee.)

 

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Pages 107-108.

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Hopton Bank. — This chapel was erected in the year 1837, and has always been well attended.  About twelve months ago, we formed a Sunday school of about one hundred scholars.  This, together with the increasing congregation, rendered an enlargement of the chapel absolutely necessary, and we have added five yards to its length, and put in ten additional pews, which will seat fifty persons.  It was re-opened by Brother Calvert, from the Cwm circuit, Aug. 29, 1841.  The attendance was large, and great satisfaction was given.  The congregation still continues good; the pews are nearly all let, and we are looking for an outpouring of the Spirit.  May the Lord send it. 

Joseph Grieves

Primitive Methodist Magazine April 1842 page 144

Comments about this page

  • WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 19 June 1880, page 1.
    “TO BUILDERS, CONTRACTORS, &C.
    PERSONS willing to TENDER for a NEW PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL at HOPTON BANK, CLEE HILL, may see Plans and Specifications at Mr. GEORGE HINTON’S, Hopton Bank …”.
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    WELLINGTON JOURNAL, 14 August 1880, page 5.
    “HOPTON BANK, CLEE HILL.
    LAYING MEMORIAL STONES OF NEW CHAPEL. On Thursday last, the memorial stones of a new Primitive Methodist Chapel were laid in the presence of a large concourse of spectators. The new building, which will be of Gothic design, is to be constructed so as to seat 300 persons and the estimated cost of erection, &c. will be over £400. The builder is Mr. R. Carless, of Hopton. The building will be of red brick, with blue brick dressings. Three o’clock was the time appointed for the commencement of the proceedings, and shortly after that time the 706th hymn was sung, prayer offered, and a portion of Scripture read … a valedictory address was delivered by Rev. S. Sanders, of Ludlow. Rev. J. Pickwell then called on Mr. T. Roberts, mayor of Ludlow, to lay the first stone, and presented his worship with a handsome mallet and a massive silver trowel with suitable inscription thereon [there follows a list of stone-layers & their donations] … A tea meeting was held in a large marquee in a field adjoining the chapel … A public meeting was afterwards held … and addresses were delivered by the circuit ministers and others. The proceedings were much enlivered by the singing of the Hopton Bank Choir, and the performance at intervals, of appropriate selections of sacred music by Mr. B. Martin’s Excelsior Brass Band.”
    ——————————

    By Janice Cox (22/01/2021)
  • Further information on this chapel can be viewed by following the link to Shropshire’s Nonconformist Chapels

    By Geoff Dickinson (16/12/2013)

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