Denaby Main Primitive Methodist Chapel

This chapel was very neatly decorated for the harvest Thanksgiving services; indeed for the size of the place, a more of display could only have been conceived, it reflected very much credit upon the willing workers. It was evident that, being the first celebration of the kind in the new chapel, the members had made up their mind it should be of a satisfactory character.

Gifts of fruit, flowers, vegetables, and corn and been kindly supplied, these were set out to the best possible advantage. The pulpit was festooned with grain, there were similar suspensions across the chapel, connected with the chandeliers; a like method had been adopted with the several windows, looking in the distance like so much lacework. In front of the rostrum was a covered raised platform, radiant with rosy cheeked apple, luscious grapes, good samples of blackberries in dishes, fine cauliflowers etc.

Upon the walls were several texts and immediately over the entrance were the words, “Praise ye the Lord;” at the opposite end appeared “Harvest – home,” under the walls were the appropriate inscriptions of, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,” “The harvest is plenteous,” “Where are the reapers?” “Sow in tears and reap in joy,” etc.

The preacher at the service on Sunday was brother H E Liversidge. The services were of a hearty character, and all available space was taken up by the congregations.

On Monday afternoon there was a public tea which was well attended. This was followed by an excellent meeting, presided over by brother Liversidge. The singing was rendered with enthusiasm and in a style which demonstrated that the miners and their wives, as well as the younger folk, at Denaby Main appreciated the religious facilities placed at their disposal.

Mr Nicholls, a student at Manchester College, preparatory to entering the ministry (whose brother was accompanist) gave an interesting and thoughtful address on the love of God.

Brother F T Stevens congratulated the church and its decorating skill and enthusiasm with which the festivities are been entered into. He remarked that a prepared speech was not necessary when such admirable checks were before the eyes, and he proceeded to refer to them seriatum.

The Chairman afterwards delivered an interesting address. He bore testimony to the heartiness with which the members of that church entered into the various duties devolving upon them and said it was a delight to him be amongst them. As to the decorations, he had never seen a sanctuary look better at harvest time. It was a custom which was carried out in early biblical days, so they could feel they were following a good example. He made allusion to the crops and routes of farmers, and pointed out how providence had arrange for the supply of the needs of the whole human family. The Chairman also took the opportunity of referring like the previous speaker, to the shadow which had been for so long hanging over the Armenians who profess Christianity. Indignation was expressed at the outrages and murders and prayers were asked on behalf of those at present in great peril the East. It was earnestly desired that the abominable misgovernment by the Sultan and diabolical deeds, might speedily come to an end.

Votes of thanks to all who had helped to make the services a success were unanimously passed. Afterwards the fruit and vegetables were disposed of.