Mexborough Primitive Methodist Circuit
A New Chapel for Denaby
The quarterly meeting connected with the Mexborough Primitive Methodist Circuit was held at the Primitive Methodist Chapel on Monday afternoon, presided over by the Rev. J. Gair, superintendent of the circuit. Local preachers and other representatives from Mexborough, Swinton, Denaby, Conisbrough, Bolton-on-Dearne, and Marr were present, and the proceedings were marked by strong unanimity.
After the formal business of the meeting had concluded, thanks were given to the Rev. J. Gair and Mr. Crosley for their services. The Rev. Gair then read a communication from Mr. W. P. Hartley regarding the Jubilee Fund. He explained that although the target of £10,000 had been promised within three months of conference, about £100,000 had already been raised. The letter stated that while the contributions of friends had been helpful, united effort was still needed to secure the full amount required.
The Rev. Gair remarked that he had previously believed the final £10,000 would be the most difficult portion to obtain, but experience was proving otherwise. He suggested that the smaller societies in the circuit might follow the example of others by collecting boxes for children. At Swinton Bridge, Roman Terrace, and Bolton, children had already collected funds and had received jubilee medals in recognition of their efforts.
The minister said he hoped that a special Sunday might be arranged for this purpose and offered to cooperate if such an initiative were organised. Mr. Liversedge expressed strong interest in the matter, though he believed that Mexborough had already contributed as much as it reasonably could. He nevertheless thought that children could still assist the movement.
The Rev. Gair then presented the statistical report for the circuit. Membership across the various places of worship—including Mexborough, Swinton, Roman Terrace, Conisbrough, Barnburgh, Bolton, Denaby Main, Edlington, Stainton, and Marr—stood at 426, including 15 members on trial. During the year, 108 new members had been added, and the minister considered this an encouraging result, especially given the difficulties caused by the crisis in the coal trade.
The meeting also noted that Brother Allop and his family were soon leaving the circuit for Morley. Mr. Allop had served as a class leader and local preacher, and a resolution wishing him and his family God-speed was carried unanimously.
Financial matters were also discussed. The income for the year amounted to £217 14s., while expenditure reached £223 10s., leaving a balance of £6 7s. 7d. owing to the treasurer. Later in the evening, however, the circuit steward, Mr. J. Crosley, reported that the funds received that night had reduced the deficit, leaving a balance in hand of 17s. The Sunday school report recorded 1,032 scholars and noted that 444 were members of the Band of Hope.
Mr. H. Tyas was elected as delegate to the district meeting to be held at Worksop. A resolution expressing gratitude for the spiritual and financial progress of the circuit during the year—particularly considering the disturbed state of the coal trade—was also passed.
The Rev. Gair further reported that land had been secured at Denaby Main for the purpose of building a chapel and school. The site covered 1,600 square yards, with an annual rent of £3 6s. 2d. payable to Messrs. Kilner. He stated that considerable effort had been required to secure a suitable preaching place in the village and expressed satisfaction that the plans were now progressing.
Mr. Liversedge, who had been closely involved in the earlier efforts to obtain the site, also addressed the meeting on the subject.
The Rev. Gair then recommended that the services of a missionary be obtained for the district. He explained that the mission at Doe Lea had proved highly successful and had become self-supporting, raising £20 per quarter. As the missionary there was being transferred to another station, the meeting unanimously resolved to apply for a missionary to serve Denaby Main and neighbouring places, including Conisbrough, Edlington, Stainton, and Braithwell.
It was further agreed that the Mexborough circuit would provide all necessary support, with local preachers assisting the missionary in promoting the work.
Messrs. H. Tyas and H. Liversedge were appointed as a deputation to meet the Sheffield Missionary Committee to discuss the arrangements. Mr. J. Crosley was re-elected circuit steward, and the other officers were also reappointed and thanked for their services.