Conisbro’ Wesleyan Chapel

The reopening services in connection with the above-named place of worship were held on Sunday last, when two sermons were preached to large congregations by the Rev. M. Westcombe, resident minister. The service was very interesting, and special hymns and anthems were sung by an augmented choir in a very efficient manner. The chapel presented a very attractive appearance, having been newly decorated and beautified at a cost of £110.

The ladies of the congregation have been very assiduous in collecting sufficient funds to pay for the work, with the result that the debt at the conclusion of the service was entirely defrayed. On Monday a public tea was held in the schoolroom, which was partaken of by 150 persons, Mesdames Kilner, J. Hudson, S. Appleyard, Dixon, W. H. Smith, and Miss Hudson presiding over the trays.

A public meeting followed, which was presided over by Mr. S. Wilton, of Doncaster. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. Westcombe, J. Felvus, Smith, and Messrs. Maw, Killingrey, and Blyth. Mr. Kilner read the report of the secretary (Mr. Wilcock) which stated that it was nearly seven years since they were enabled, by the blessing of God and the help of friends, to build that noble and beautiful chapel in which to worship God after their own peculiar Methodist fashion.

In order to accomplish that end, vigorous and persevering efforts were put forth, the results of which far exceeded their most sanguine and hopeful expectations. In consequence of those efforts they had met together that evening under very favourable circumstances. They acknowledged that fact with sincere and grateful recollections, not only for having such a suitable place in which to worship God, but also for the fact that it had been honoured and consecrated by Him as the birthplace of precious and immortal souls.

Since its erection, however, time and use had had their ordinary effect, and they had found it necessary to have the chapel painted and cleaned, which entailed considerable expense, the amount of which he believed was about £110. To meet that expenditure the trustees had not only contributed themselves, but had felt it a matter of necessity to ask for assistance from their friends.

Appeals for that purpose had already been made, and he was happy to state that, with few exceptions, those appeals had met with a hearty and generous response. He then read over a lengthy list of contributions to the meeting, and stated that the collections on the previous day amounted to £19 6s. The collections on Monday realised £16 8s. 4d.

The Rev. M. Westcombe stated that only 30s. was required to pay for the decoration of the building, and this sum was contributed before the meeting dispersed.