New Weslyan Chapel – Laying of Stones

July 1876

Sheffield Independent, 7th July, 1876

The New Wesleyan Chapel and Schools at Conisbrough


Laying of the Memorial Stones

The Wesleyan’s of Conisbrough, feeling the urgent necessity for a new Chapel and schools, have set themselves to work in earnest. The old chapel had become too small, and they had no school in connection with it, consequently, the children had to be taught in the chapel. The number of Sunday schoolchildren , too, had greatly increased of late, from 92 all points of 200. In April last the foundation stones were duly laid, when the sum of £154 was raised. The subscriptions amounted to £1,862 4s; Wesleyan Chapel committee, £75; proceeds of soirées, it Sunday school children’s pence etc. £199 15s 9d, making a total of £2,290 19s 9d raised previous to the laying of the memorial stone today (Thursday). At 2.30 the members and officials formed a procession from the old chapel to the site of the new one. The ceremony was commenced by the singing of a hymn, after which the reverent Mr Jackson of Thorne, offered prayer and read the 37th Psalm. The reverent E Oldfield, then presented to Mrs Blyth, of Conisbrough, a silver trowel and mallet, with which to lay the first memorial stone. The stone was laid, and 25 sovereigns were laid on the stone. Mrs Smith (Deputy for Mrs Mitchell, Worsbrough Dale) had the honour of laying the second stone, a similar amount (£25) being placed upon it. The third stone was laid by Mrs J Kilner, of Thornhill Lees, and the sum of £30 given. The fourth and last stone was laid by Mr T. Good Esq, of Hull, and another excellent donation (£35) was given by that gentleman, a silver trowel and mallet be presented to each of them.

A public meeting was subsequently held, and appropriate addresses delivered by the Rev Mr Jackson, E.Oldfield, and others. The new Chapel is being built of pressed brick with stone dressings, and is to accommodate 530 persons. The total cost will be about £3500, towards which over £2500 has already been raised.

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