The Methodist Chapel

27th February 1914

“Primitive Methodist New Church

The first Anniversary of this veritable hive of workers was held on Thursday in last week, when a sale of work was opened by the Superintendent minister in the unavoidable absence of Mrs. W. Adam of Birmingham whose late husband gave the site.

At 5.00pm tea was provided, nearly the whole of the provisions having been given and a large company was present to partake of the good things.

The following ladies presided at the tables – Mrs. E. Rouse, Mrs. Coldicott, Mrs. Hopkins, Mrs. Radbourne, Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Greenway, Miss Padbury, Miss Malins and Miss H. Rouse.

At 6.30pm the ceremony of gathering in the fruit for The Gold and Silver Tree was performed by Mrs. Stretch, every seat in the Church being occupied.

Solos and a duet were rendered during the evening by Mr. and Mrs. Stretch and Mr. E. Stamp. The Rev. C. Ratcliffe of Banbury preached Sunday last to large congregations.

When one remembers the work of the past twelve months the labours and sacrifice of the little band of workers, the result is most praiseworthy. The Church has a Sunday School and a Band of Hope both strong and prosperous.

Thursdays financial result was £20:3:9d making a total sum of £254 raised toward the outlay of £364 thus leaving only £110 debt which is repayable at £10 per annum free of interest.

This is the second new Church built during the six years ministry of the Rev. H. F. Stretch.

Newbold-on-Stour Church was erected four years ago at a cost of £535 together with 3 cottages, blacksmiths shop and half an acre of land of the value of £800 with an income from the property of £19 per annum and a debt on the whole of £276 of which £100 is free from interest.

The whole of the chapels in the circuit have been repaired and renovated, and the total value of Church property raised from £1,230 to £2, 560.

The Primitive Methodist cause has succeeded in securing a very able minister to follow the Rev H. F. Stretch who goes to Cheltenham in July next, to take charge of the proposed forward movement, and build a new church at a cost of £2,500.

The Rev Henry Parrott of Maldon, Essex, has accepted an invite to the Stratford-on-Avon circuit.”

The Coldicott family at No. 28 were regular attenders. There was a Band of Hope every Wednesday night.

During the 2nd World War the chapel closed, and it was then sold in 1952 to a Mr. and Mrs. Cowcher on condition that no wild parties were held there. They converted it into a house.

It was sold in 1955 to Mrs. Walker.