Page:History and characteristics of Bishop Auckland.djvu/178

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL. Prom what we have been able to gather respecting the early history of Primitive Methodism in Bishop Auckland, it seems to have made its first appearance in the town about half a century ago, some ten or twelve years subsequent to its first propagation on Mow Cop, in Cheshire, by Lorenzo Dow, who had crossed the Atlantic for the express purpose of stirring up religious earnestness in England. To his ministrations came Hugh Bourne and William Clowes of the Wesleyans, both of whom became his converts, and who are generally considered the founders of Primitive Methodism in this country. The doctrines of the society seem to have been introduced into the town of Bishop Auckland in pretty much the same way as in the more southern towns of the country, viz., in the highways and bye-ways, and by holding open-air services. Their first ministrations are said to have been held in the Market Place, and would, no doubt, from their novelty, attract a good deal of atten- tion, although Wesleyan Methodism had preceded it a few years, and paved the way in some degree for its reception. Two old men from the neighbouring village of Middridge, named respectively Thomas Burton and John Graham, are said to have conducted the services, but how they were received by the inhabitants in general, or with what success their first preachings were attended, there seems to be no particular or authentic record. It would seem, however, that a few converts were made, as a very humble place of worship was soon afterwards obtained, situated above a stable in Fore Bondgate ; and shortly after this we find one of its principal founders — William Clowes — ^visiting the town and preaching in that place, the room being densely crowded on the occasion. During the service the building was felt to givfe way, but beyond causing considerable consternation amongst the congregation, nothing more serious occurred. This room continued to be occupied by the society for several years, and many of the most eminent men in the. Connexion preached within its walls. An increasing congregation, however, rendered it necessary that a more commodious place should be provided, and we next find the congregation worshipping in a building situated in Newgate Street In the year 1841, the members resolved to erect a building better adapted to their requirements ; and on the 20th of November of the same year the foundation stone of a new chapel, situated at the upper end of William Street, was laid. This building was used as a place of worship until the year 1868, when it was decided to erect a new chapel in Tenters Street. On the 10th of April (Good Friday) of that year the foundation stone of the present structure was laid by Charles Pease, Esq., of Darlington, in the presence of a large assembly of ministers, laymen, and the general public. The proceedings commenced at two o'clock by the meeting engaging hi devotional exercisea A bottle containing a paper on which was inscribed the names of the trustees of the new building ; the names of the architect, mason, joiner, slater, painter, and inspector ; also the number of members in the society in connection with the Primitive Methodists in Bishop Auckland; the number of scholars and teachers in the Sabbath-school; a copy of the " Auckland Times and Herald," the " Auckland Chronicle," the " Durham Chronicle," Connexional publications, the name of Charles Pease, Esq., and a circuit plan containing the names of the circuit ministers, was then placed in a cavity of the stone by Mr. Watson, the builder. The Rev. L. F. Armitage then presented a copy of the "History of Primitive Methodism" to Charles Pease," Esq., who, after making a few suitable remarks, performed the ceremony in due form. A hymn having been simg, and prayer offered by the Rev. T. Boyd, the proceedings were brought to a close. In the afternoon a tea party was held in the Town Hall, and in the evening a public meeting was held in the same place. Mr. F. Spoor occupied the chair, and addresses were delivered by the Rev. L. F. Armitage and other ministers. On the Saturday evening following, the Rev. Digitized by Google "