Knighton's
Wesleyan Methodist
Hereford Times - 2nd November 1844
KNIGHTON THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL.-- Great improvement has been effected in the moral condition of the people of this part, by the untiring exertions of the Wesleyans. Half a century ago the name of the great founder of that sect had scarcely been heard of here. This was a dark era in the history of the place, an era of ignorance and superstition, of bigotry and intolerance, when the people clung to ancient institutions and customs with a tenacity which forms a remarkable contrast to the proceedings of the anythingarians of the present day. It was in this dark era that some few individuals who were designated fanatics, amidst a general persecution and outcry against such a 'revolutionary movement' succeeded in erecting a chapel for Wesleyan ministers who had begun to visit the town to preach in.
For years subsequent to this event, the only remarkable feature in the history of Methodism here, was the ' beggarly account of empty boxes' which their chapel exhibited. This was doubtless owing to the prejudice which existed against them; the good people of the town thought that 'they who had turned the world upside down were come hither also,' but it is gratifying to contemplate the change which a few years have brought about. The chapel, which was formerly too large, is now not capacious enough to supply with scats half the congregation, and I am assured that if we had accommodation the numbers would still increase.
The Wesleyans of Knighton formerly were a poor despised few, now they can boast of men who possess talent and influence, men freed from the gross superstition of the dark ages; and who, while they are patterns of meekness and humility in their lives and conduct, are unflinching champions in the cause of truth but they do not
'----- pretend to reach the skies,
'Yet doom their brother to expire,
Whose soul a different hope supplies,
Or doctrines less severe inspire.'
These are gratifying facts, but one difficulty presents it-self — our chapel is too small, and owing to its situation it is found impossible to enlarge it. In this emergency what must be done? The question is easily solved. We must build another. Some will say that the public is already over-taxed, and has no money to spare for such a purpose. Nonsense. We have plenty of materials, plenty of men who want employment, and plenty of money; and shall it be said that in the nineteenth century the inhabitants of a populous town like Knighton neglected a work, so devoutly to be wished for? I would counsel those who take an interest in the matter to commence in earnest, feeling satisfied that their labours will be crowned with success. It will be an honourable undertaking — and an undertaking worthy of Christians, ' to build a church to God.'
I have heard many of our friends belonging to the established church, and many of our dissenting brethren, expressing their willingness to assist in the work, and I hope that as little delay as possible will be made. If we look on with lazy apathy, things must stand as they are. We must be up and doing, 'working while it is called to-day — the night cometh when no man can work!' I am satisfied that the Wesleyans, whose means for every other purpose have been almost the effect of a wish, may without much difficulty erect a commodious chapel in Knighton.
In 1845 there was still a long-standing debt, to the sum of £20 on the Cwm Bank chapel. Donations were menial at £4 per year. But due to the influx of new members the takings had risen, after deductions, to between £15 and £20 per year. It was hoped that the debt would be cleared by the end of 1846.
On 10th May 1847, Thomas Davies of the Water-House, Knighton wrote to the Hereford Journal explaining the standing of the chapel on Cwm Bank, belonging to the Wesleyans of Knighton:- "This Chapel has been erected about forty years,—was built for the use of the Wesleyans, and has always been occupied by them; so by the Act of Parliament passed in the year 1844 - "For the regulation of suits relating to Meeting-houses and other property, held for religious purposes by persons dissenting from the United Church of England and Ireland," it is secured to the Wesleyans not because they are Wesleyans, but because they have occupied it for a longer period than the term (twenty years) necessary to settle its permanent possession."
In 1861 Rev. Thomas Brothwood was Weslyan Minister for Knighton.
The Wesleyan Chapel at Cwm Bank, Knighton, certified as a place of public religious worship was registered for the solemnization of marriages on 15th January, 1862
In 1866 Rev. Samuel Blakeley became Weslyan Minister.
In 1864 Samuel had been appointed Wesleyan minister for Neath (Briton Ferry).
Samuel married Elizabeth Ann Greener in 1865 in Merthyr Tydfil. Soon after Samuel took up the ministry at Knighton.
Whilst living in Knighton they had the first of their children, Arthur Wesley Greener Blakeley, who was born in July 1866. Arthur died aged 8 months in March of 1867.
Arthur was buried in Knighton churchyard.
ARTHUR WESLEY GREENER
son of the
Rev. SAMUEL BLAKLEY.
Entered into life 10th March 1867.
Aged 8 months.
It is said that the face is a death mask of little Arthur.
As he died on 10th of March 'Entered into life' means the Eternal Life.
The surname reads Blakley on the headstone, in the parish burial register it is Blakely. Both of these are incorrect, the family name was Blakeley.
Later in 1867 Samuel took up the ministry on the Isle-of-Man.
The roll of Wesleyan minister was then passed to Rev. John B. James.
In July 1869 there was a printed appeal notice for a new Wesleyan Chapel in Knighton. The Wesleyan Methodists had worshipped in their present chapel for 65 years, but it was very small and without a vestry, classroom or schoolroom and very dilapidated. Richard Green Price, Esq., of Norton Manor, presented a site. .
Shrewsbury Chronicle 24 September 1869
CONTRACTS
TO BUILDERS. - Persons disposed to TENDER for the Erection of a Chapel at Knighton, Radnorshire, are requested to send their names at once. The Plans and Specifications can be seen at the Old Wesleyan Chapel, Knighton, between the hours of Ten and Four on and after the fortnight after Monday, October 11th. Tenders to be sent to us properly sealed, endorsed, and free of cost on or before the 25th day of October next. No quantities are given. We do not pledge ourselves to accept the lowest or any of the Tenders.
Wilson & Willcox, Architects.
London & Bath
1, Belmont, Bath, September 22nd, 1869
The trustees engaged the firm Wilson & Willcox of London and Bath as architects, to erect a commodious chapel with Sabbath Schoolroom, vestry and other conveniences
Also in 1869 the Ministerial roll was changed to Rev. Philip Wood, in place of Rev. John. B. James.
Rev. Philip Wood, Wesleyan Minister, is buried in Knighton Churchyard.
IN
Remembrance
of the
Rev. PHILIP WOOD
Wesleyan Minister.
Born 15th Dec. 1840.
Died 5th Oct. 1871.
The Wesleyan Methodist Committee sanctioned the erection of a new chapel at Knighton with conditions -
-
The cost was not to exceed £1,000.
-
The entire cost to be defrayed within 12 months after opening the chapel, except £200. If fulfilled, the Committee would give £50 and lend £50, the loan to be repaid in 10 years by equal half yearly instalments, and the rest, not over £300 on interest, to be paid off over the same 10 years by equal annual sums.
-
The trustees were also to subscribe at least £1 yearly to the Wesleyan Chapel Fund.
Designs for the lectern for the chapel, by Wilson & Willcox, architects, London & Bath, were submitted on 24th January, 1870. Amendments to the design of the lectern were submitted in January, 1871.
The new chapel was built by Messrs Price & Griffiths, Builders. The estimate for the new chapel was £1044, but the total cost was £1259 9s 9d.
Eddowes's Journal - Wednesday 23 March 1870
NEW WE8LEYAN CHAPEL—The four corner stones of this place of worship were laid on Wednesday last, in the presence of a large assembly. Divine service commenced on the site at half-past 2, and was conducted by the Revds. Thomas Llewellyn (Chairman of the Birmingham and Shrewsbury district), J. B. James, and F. C. Dugdale (circuit ministers), J. Jones (Baptist), and J. Sutcliffe (Primitive). After singing and prayer, and reading a portion of Scripture, the corner stones were laid in the following order:- 1st, by Mrs. Ann Jones, 2nd, by Mrs. Ann Oldbury, 3rd, by Mr. E. Price. of Runniss, and 4th, by Mr. J. D. Darlington (Society Steward); to each of whom a handsome trowel, beautifully engraved with the names of the respective persons and the date of the occasion of the ceremony, with a suitable mallet, were presented by the Rev. J. B. James, superintendent of the Knighton Circuit, in the names of the trustees.
Upon each of the stones was laid a donation towards the building fund. Several other stones were also laid by some ladies and gentlemen, and sums varying from £1 to £3 were put upon them. The Rev. Thomas Llewellyn then delivered an eloquent and stirring address, bearing on the proceedings of the day. A collection was made on the site, which with the donations laid on the stone, amounted to upwards of £64.
The party afterwards adjourned to the Assembly Room, where tea had been provided, and a goodly number sat down and enjoyed themselves. The united choirs of the several places of worship in the town sang some select pieces. Addresses from the reverend gentlemen who had taken part in the ceremonies of the site were then delivered, and were listened to with manifest interest and attention. The chair was ably occupied by Mr. Isaac Rutter, and the choir sang some spirited anthems between the speeches, under the able management of Mr Cohen, organist of the pariah church, who presided at the harmonium. Votes of thanks to the speakers and others who bad been assisting in the programme of the day, were then given, and a hearty vote was also accorded to R. G. Price, Esq. who had given the site to the society, in a very generous manner.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - Friday 16 December 1870
KNIGHTON. OPENING OF A NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL.—The Wesleyans of Knighton have long felt the need of a better chapel, and a better position; and a committee was therefore formed, who applied for donations, and obtained them varying from £1 to £60, there being six or seven subscriptions of £30 and £60 each. The site was given by R. Green Price, Esq. (Norton Manor). The situation, near the National School, has the advantage of being near the heart of the town. The chapel is a neat structure, built with Knighton and Bath stone, open Gothic roof, and well lighted, and is built to accommodate 350 hearers, but, perhaps, double the number may find room on some occasions.
The front is surmounted with three pinnacles. In connexion with the chapel are school rooms, vestry, and class room. The opening services were held on the 7th instant. Sermons were preached by the Rev. Joseph Jobson, D.D., ex-president of the conference. After each service collections were made for the building fund, which amounted to £36 odd. In the afternoon a tea meeting was held for the convenience of town and country, and those arriving by train, and a large company assembled. The proceeds were also for the building fund. The entire cost is about £1,300.
The opening services were continued on Sunday, when two sermons were delivered by the Rev, J. B. James, late superintendent of Knighton circuit, when the sum of £13 2s. was realised. The opening services are to be continued on the 18th and 25th instant., by Messrs. Dickinson and Box, when collections will be made also for the same fund. Thus, at the commencement, the chapel will be opened with a debt of only £200, which is to be cleared off in ten years. The builder of the new chapel is Mr. Price, of Kuucklass, near Knighton, and it does him great credit. The old chapel, we believe, has beets sold to Mr. Darlington, for £70, to be made into cottages.
Payments were made by instalments from 26th May 1870. By 13th May 1871 £983 15s had been paid, leaving a balance owing of £275 14s 9d.
In 1881 Rev. Thomas Hosking was Weslyan Minister.
It wasn't until 1882 that the land and chapel in West Street was officially signed over to the trustees of the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion. The land had previously belonged to Sir Richard Green Price and Mr Dansey Green Price, jointly. It was found that Mr Pugh, the purchaser of the adjoining lot, had encroached 9" onto the land.
The heating was supplied by a portable copper furnace on a stone floor in the coal and wood house.
Eddowes's Journal - 2nd August 1882
BISHOP'S CASTLE. WESLEYAN BAZAAR.—The need of a suitable house for the residence of the Superintendent Minister of the Knighton circuit, of which Bishop's Castle forms a part, has long been felt, and the circuit authorities having determined to supply that need purchased a most eligible site adjacent to their chapel, in the town of Knighton, on which they have erected a commodious dwelling, The total cost has amounted to £850, towards which has been subscribed or promised the sum of £450, leaving a debt upon the building of £400. Towards the liquidation of this debt it was determined by the circuit authorities to hold three bazaars or fancy fairs. one at Knighton, one at Clun, and the other at Bishop's Castle. The bazaar was formally opened at noon on Thursday. The weather on Thursday was rather unfavourable, rain falling heavily during the afternoon; but even this did not deter a large number from attending, and a steady trade was done. The bazaar was also open on Friday and Saturday, and was well patronised, but few articles remaining unsold at the close. We understand that the sum realised exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the promoters, and that after paying expenses a good sum will be handed over to the circuit authorities.
In 1891 Rev. Charles Roberts became Weslyan Minister of Knighton.
Radnor Times - 24th January 1893
KNIGHTON. SUDDEN DEATH, - The Rev. W. R. Dalby, formerly Wesleyan minister at Knighton, and latterly supernumerary minister on the same circuit, died suddenly at his residence, Woodville, Knighton, on Sunday morning week. Mr Dalby retired to rest in his usual health on Saturday night, saying he felt warm and comfortable, but when his room was entered on Sunday morning he was found dead in bed. The deceased gentleman, who was 58 years of age, was to take duty at the Wesleyan Chapel, Knighton, on Sunday morning.
Sarah Ann, the wife of W. R. Dalby had died at Woodville on 25th May 1877. aged 36 and was buried in Knighton Churchyard. When William Robert died on 15th January 1893. aged 58, he was interred in the same grave.
SARAH ANN
wife of Rev. W. R. DALBY
Wesleyan Minister.
Died at Woodville
25th May 1877.
Aged 36
Also above
Rev. W. R. DALBY of Woodville.
Died 15th Jan. 1893.
Aged 58
in 1901 Rev. William Ball was the minister of this chapel.
In 1907 a heating boiler was purchased from Kell & Prince, Ironmongers, Knighton, by the Wesleyan Chapel Trustees.
In May 1908 John Roberts, West St., Knighton, installed a new ceiling at the chapel, the cost was £44 10s 10d
1911 saw Rev. Paul Ellis become minister, he left Knighton later the same year to take up the ministry in Tamworth.
The title "Wesleyan Methodist Church" remained in use until the Methodist Union of 1932, when the church reunited with the Primitive Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church to form the current Methodist Church of Great Britain.
In September 1938 it was suggested that Broad Street and West Street churches be amalgamated and that the new plan beginning on 2nd April 1939 the services at the 2 churches would be combined on alternate months.
The Leaders and Trustees of Broad Street, Primitive Methodist Church, were in favour of a united Society but with reservation.
On 2nd March 1939 Rev. Joseph Pearce, (Primitive Methodist Minister) Cranley Cottage, Knighton, sent a letter to the March Quarterly Meeting of the Broad Street Circuit, protesting against the proposed amalgamation of the 2 church and circuits.
The minister in charge at the time was Rev. J. T. Wilkinson
The March Quarterly meeting did not go well. A petition was put forward by members of the Broad Street Church that after considering the scheme for amalgamation of the Churches and Circuits they could not support the proposal for a 6 months' experiment, the continued use of the 2 churches, the holding Sunday Services in one Church and weeknight meetings in the other, but would agree to the real and immediate amalgamation if Broad Street and its buildings only be used, and as West Street Church took the initiative they invite them to join them.
It was evident that Broad Street would not yield an inch. Perhaps West Street would accept the scheme finally passed at Mr Wilkinson's Quarterly Meeting.
On 20th April 1939 a letter was sent from the Rev. Frank Hanesworth of Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District to Mr Wilkinson, which said "It was reported at the District Home Mission Committee meeting that negotiations for amalgamation of the 2 Knighton Circuits had so far failed. It was suggested that a District Committee be appointed to confer with the Knighton officials as soon as expedient."
Finally in 1944 an agreement was reached. Printed programmes for services and meetings on the occasion of the amalgamation of the two Knighton Circuits and the uniting of Broad Street and West Street Churches were to take place on 3rd, 4th and 5th of September, 1944.
The Methodist Chapels in West Street and Broad Street are now closed. By 1990 the Methodists took over the Baptist Chapel in Victoria Road
Cwm Bank Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (1803-1870)
West Street Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (1870-1932)
1932 became United Methodist Church of Great Britain.
In 1990 The Methodists took over the old Baptist Chapel in Victoria Road.
Victoria Road Methodist Chapel (1990 -)
Wesleyan Methodist Chapel - West Street