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Kettering, School Lane, Central Methodist Chapel was built by the Wesleyans to replace their Silver Street Chapel although it was not completed until after Methodist Union in 1933. It was built of brick with stone dressings in a loosely classical style widely used for public buildings of the period. There are pediments above the central projecting section of the façade and at each of the corners. The only decoration is in the panel above the doorway containing the date plaque. The chapel inherited the Silver Street school building which was conveniently situated on the opposite side of School Lane (more information about the school can be found on the Silver Street page). In 1941 the two buildings were described as a single entity and apart from the chapel itself it is not possible to say with any precision which rooms were on which site. The chapel itself measured 80 feet by 43 feet and seated 400 on the ground floor and 100 in a gallery which measured 19 feet by 32½. There were also three halls 60 feet by 29½ feet, 41½ feet by 24½ feet and 30½ feet by 18 feet and 14 vestries or classrooms. Later the school building passed out of Methodist occupancy and is now used by Bodyshapers Gym and Health Studios and Kettering Hydroponics but the chapel continues to be used as a Methodist place of worship. Sources John Rylands Library University of Manchester, DDPD1 Methodist Church Buildings: Statistical returns including seating accommodation as at July 1st 1940/687 (Kettering Circuit) Site visit 7.7.2021
We have discovered a book about the history of Grange Road Methodist Church, we’d be happy to pass it on for information it is dated from 1877- 1927
Just to clarify: I am a Methodist Presbyter, researching my own Fear family (from Blagdon) and came across Rev Samuel as part of that. However, I have not yet found the ‘missing link’ between the branches, but it does seem likely that a common ancestor existed. I see a strong family resemblance in Rev Sam’s photo! I had contact with the San Diego branch a few years ago and have some of their tree filed away still. Rev Jane (nee Fear) Harris
I’m another Fear, but in Kitchener. My great grandfather, Lewis Fear, son of William and Hester Fear, was born in the Shepton Mallet area of Somerset, at Ashwick. – Jon Fear
My mother’s family went to this church. My mum was Sheila Briscoe, and her parents Lena (Preston) & John Briscoe were very active in this church – and their parents and siblings before them. Indeed I’m sure I have have seen both photos before!
You have asked for further information on names on the Roll of Honour. I have been undertaking research on my family history and have recently uncovered a wealth of information on my distant cousin Albert Collinson – I think. I’m pretty certain he is the one listed on your roll; (I’m just waiting for the marriage certificate of his parents.) Hopefully he is the same person as there are many Army records, including a warm letter written to his wife on his death from wounds from a grenade in France on 19 April 1916.
That is a phenominal story & so good for it to be continued with Naomi’s ordination. Every Blessing for that wonderful occasion.
Thank you so much for sharing this photo & record. Really uplifting.
Love from Christine & Peter
Over the moon, I have never forgotten my time at Harpenden and pleased to say I may have been remembered by other boys, Clive,Freddie, Derek, etc” thank you for including me in the History. Malcolm. M
Lovely man, he was a colleague of my dad (Ian Field) when we lived in Southampton. He used to take me to the Dell when I was a youngster to watch Southampton.
I was there 60or 61 not sure but we. sang The dam busters,and. Cliff richard was there .I can remember some of the words but not all. I remember the Sunday service was televised and my parents tried to find us on the tv.
Trying to find information about the MAYC walk to Brighton/Southend 1966. North London clubs went to Southend, south London clubs went to Brighton.
Lovely to see that programme seeing as I wrote it and don’t have one! wow what a lot of work by everyone and what a fab thing the London Weekend was. 1988 was the year we did not go to Trafalgar Square for Rendezvous as it was getting too complicated and the police weren’t happy, neither were some leaders!!! change !! I haven’t got a badge either but I have a T shirt…
I was in Dayspring Steel band and played there that year. We played at MAYC a few times over the years. Wonderful and very special memories.
Dayspring is indeed still going strong, in various guises!
This building, which I attended from 1991 to 2003, certainly was converted from a cinema in 1976.
In September 2004 the Baptist Church in Bryan Street closed and the members moved up to join with the Methodist Church in Back Lane. September 11th 2005 saw the signing of the agreement to form a partnership between the Methodists and the Baptists with a new identity of Farsley Community Church. So we move from our 18th Century roots to our 21st Century vision.
Thank you for this. William Clement Hunkin was my great, great uncle and I plan to visit this once the current lockdown is over – your help in describing the new location is much appreciated.
Had a couple of holidays MYD one at Kilmory Castle and one at Mundesley on-sea unreplacable memories also Christian Endeavour holidays at Scarborough and Torquay in the late 50’s anyone else?
The memorial is actually in Farsley Community Church where it is mounted on the wall inside the church see https://www.mymethodisthistory.org.uk/topics-2/war_memorials/yorkshire-2/farsley-war-memorial
Robin Moulster i believe we are related Charles was my great uncle
Are there any photographs of the original Hampden view chapel that was in Channing street until around 1967, I attended there as a child, and lived in the house across the road from the chapel.
We have an oil painting of the Rev John Hambly Rowe a relation of ours
Updated link: https://www.lizandstu.com/getperson.php?personID=P2533&tree=hooper
Hello Derek My sister, Carol forwarded this on to me. I am Mary Fellows(Francom) I grew up in Panama with my parents, Rev Alan and Maureen Francom. So exciting to read this
Hello Derek – I’ve been sent this by my sister Carol Francom, who commented on your post. It was so wonderful reading your memories. As my sister Carol stated, our parents were missionaries there in the late 1960s, and my brother John and I were both born there, in Bocas del Toro, in 1965 and 1967 respectively. I believe Ephraim Alphonse is my God Father.
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