pbc history - abundant harvest 1860-1970
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ABUNDANT HARVEST
1860-1970
By
Eric Younghusband, 1969
Out of print
Transcribed by Mike
Ashton 2003,
Webmaster of
25-Nov-07
Please wait for first time downloading. Thank you.
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pbc history - abundant harvest 1860-1970 |
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ABUNDANT HARVEST 1860-1970 By
Eric Younghusband, 1969 Out of print Transcribed by Mike
Ashton 2003, Webmaster of |
25-Nov-07 Please wait for first time downloading. Thank you. |
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There is more than one Poynton (or Pointon as it was sometimes spelt) in these Islands of ours, but the one concerned in our story, is the lovely village of Poynton with Worth, situated about twelve miles south of Manchester, nestling in the foothills of the Pennines and sheltered in the East by Sponds Hill (1,348 ft.) whose graceful slopes overlook the verdant plains of Cheshire. As
expected, with land so fertile, agriculture and dairy farming were amongst its
principal industries until the early nineteenth century. At that time, coal was
discovered in commercial quantities and vied for pride of place, probably
becoming the pre-eminent (though now extinct) industry A
library had been established in Poynton in 1853, supported by the voluntary
contributions of the colliers, and we know that the population of the village
around this time was about 1,750. This figure rose in the next ten years to over
2,000, but, alas, the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution in general, and
the cotton famine of l862~64 in particular, had a seriously adverse effect on
trade and many nearby townships suffered. For example, many mills in None
of the inhabitants, however, became in urgent need or want. for Lord Vernon. in
refusing a donation from the Central Relief Fund, wrote: "So long ac I have
the means, those who have contributed to my fortune shall be assisted,
relieved and comforted by me and me alone." As
nearly as can be ascertained, the wages of the colliers at that time averaged,
according to their varying skills, from 22/6 to 35/- per week, from which their
rents were deducted. They were an industrious and hard-working body of men,
thrifty and charitable. Poverty in Poynton was almost unknown, owing to the
vigilance of the The
existing churches in this era were the Parish Church of St. George, the
Methodist Church at Hockley and the Primitive Methodist Church in London Road
South (now a private residence facing Queensway). They appeared to be fully
supported in every way and Poynton was then considered a religiously conscious
village. A contributing factor, no doubt, was the strong communal spirit that
had developed over the years. Further
evidence of the charitable nature of the community was evinced when the six
Gothic-style almshouses were erected in the precincts of the Church grounds in
1855. They were built exclusively for the use of aged and infirm colliers. and
cost altogether about six hundred pounds, which was raised entirely by public
subscription. This was surely a practical example of caring for one's neighbours. The
area of Poynton known as "Midway" is that part leading southwards from
St. George's Church, along London Road South (then known as the Turnpike Road)
to Lostock Road (the site of the original railway station), then one-quarter of
a mile eastwards and returning to Park Lane. This was the area that became the
springboard for the Baptist movement in Poynton. (GEN. 1:1) The Baptist
Church, at Cheadle Hulme, Accordingly,
the Cheadle Hulme premises opened as a Baptist Chapel in 1840. John Alcorn, at
the age of twenty-two, became the first Pastor and prior to 1860, preaching
missions were sent out on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings to Poynton,
Bollington and Alderley Edge. The first meetings at Poynton were held in the
cottage of Mr. William Hooley, of Grahams Row, Midway (now absorbed into In
the beginning, the meetings in Poynton were attended with varying success.
Slowly but surely, however, the momentum increased until in 1860 it was decided
to rent the Saddle Room from John Potts. (Potts was a master saddler and
tarpaulin manufacturer, employing one improver and one apprentice. His Saddle
Room is now part of a private residence in London Road South
). At the same time, it was decided to commence a
Sunday School, Shortly
afterwards, meetings were commenced on Sunday evenings and these were conducted
entirely by lay friends, amongst whom we discover the name of George Walker. Mr.
Walker was a resolute deacon of our
George Walker First Honorary Pastor 1862-1903 Mr.
Walker was employed as a Goods Agent by the London
and North Western Railway Co. at Heaton Norris
Station and prior to living in It
became obvious in 1861 to those who attended the Saddle Room meetings that
premises affording more comfortable accommodation were very desirable. Lack of
zeal, courage and wealth, however, plus the small numbers caused this desire to
be temporarily suppressed. One year later, however, on The
sermon for the opening service was preached from I Peter 4: 13-16, after which
the Brethren broke bread, their deacon, George Walker, presiding. In
the early part of 1865 it became clear that in order to keep pace with the
growing witness, alternative premises must be secured. None suitable could be
found in the village, however, and so after mature consideration and prayer, it
was decided to make a vigorous effort to secure funds for he purpose of building
a new Chapel. A committee, composed of male members of the Church, was elected
to solicit funds for this enterprise and George Walker was appointed treasurer.
It was in this year that the An
active canvass was commenced for subscriptions and it is interesting to note
that the first pound was donated by Grace Isherwood, the grandmother of Mrs.
Darwen, a devout member of our Church, who was called to higher service in 1969.
By the close of 1866, sufficient funds were received warrant the commencement of
decisive steps being taken in the purchase of land and two of the Brethren were
appointed to procure a site for the Chapel. This was no mean task, however for
the establishment of any alternative denominational Chapel or meeting room to
that of St. George's Church was strongly resisted by the incumbent of the day,
Rev. Robert Littler, M.A., and after the disappointment of a refusal by' the
Trustees of Lord Vernon, the Baptists eventually succeeded in procuring a piece
of land in a central position in Park Lane on advantageous terms. Four
gentlemen - George Walker, Robert Alcorn, John Alcorn and Robert Atkinson
on 25th May, 1866, purchased from William Harrison, a yeoman, two hundred
and six square yards of the twenty-acre held for fifteen pounds, plus an annual
chief rent of seventeen shillings and six-pence. This is the land on which our
Chapel now stands. On 18th January, 1905, this land and property was
transferred by Robert Alcorn (last survivor of the four purchasers) to the
Baptist Union Corporation Ltd., and at the same time, the chief rent was
purchased outright. The
original building was rectangular in shape, approximately thirty-five feet by
twenty-six feet, plus the entrance vestibule. The Church occupied the upper
floor with the Schoolroom beneath. The kitchen, vestry and heightened roof was
added later in the Spring of 1867, the first stone of the new edifice was laid.
There was no formal or public ceremony on this occasion but many and fervent
were the prayers of the Church for the blessing of Immanuel upon the
undertaking. On The
attendance at services since the opening of the new premises had more than
surpassed the most sanguine expectations, whilst the large accession of scholars
to the Sunday School, as well as additions to the Church, gave pleasing evidence
of the Lord's blessing in connection with the work. Continual exhortations,
however, failed to stimulate sufficient attendance to warrant two weekly meetings,
so the Prayer Meetings which had been held on Tuesdays and Thursdays were later
reduced to Tuesdays only. It
is interesting to note the deeply religious fervour of those days, for we
read of "members being excluded from the Church for their irregular
attendances at the Lord's Table, schismatism and persistently falling into
sin." There were frequent upbraidings for the meagre offerings as anxiety
persisted about the slowness of reducing the debt. To this end, therefore, on
selected Sundays two sermons were preached and two collections taken - one
during the service and one on retiring. (MATT. 13 31) In
1868 it was resolved to purchase a harmonium for the use of the congregation and
a committee was formed to put this into effect. Two years later it was agreed
that the Church should face up to the need to reimburse its visiting preachers
and that they should be paid "as funds would permit" and thus relieve
them of pecuniary loss. In 1871 the premises were fenced and a further effort
made to complete the furnishing of the Schoolroom. Shortly after, it came as a
great shock to the Brethren to learn that their senior deacon and honorary
pastor, George Walker, contemplated leaving the district. Urgent
representations were made to him to continue the oversight of the Church and
great joy was expressed when he acceded to their requests. The
year 1875 was one of further expansion. A tender from Mr. Howard, of Poynton,
was accepted for "the raising of the roof, adding a vestry, kitchen, two
closets, a new rostrum and baptistry, a new heating apparatus for the Chapel
and the Schoolroom to be fitted up with Gas" all at a total cost of little
more than three hundred pounds. Thus the completed building had by now cost six
hundred pounds! During these alterations the Church worshipped in the
Schoolroom, the reopening services being held on The
first Baptismal Service took place in the Church on Monday evening, Eight
months later the members sent a petition to the House of Commons opposing the
proposal to open the During
1882-1883 determined efforts were begun to introduce more musical harmony into
the Services. Mention is made of Bro. James Buffy for his long and efficient
service as leading singer and Bro. D. Birch was appointed choirmaster (the
latter being a forebear of the families now worshipping with us and bearing
that name). An organ fund was opened to purchase a replacement for the Harmonium
and a Sale of Work was held, the entrance fee being one penny, credited on the
sale of goods. Later, by a unanimous decision, the funds standing in the organ
account were appropriated for Church funds, as concern was still being felt at
the slowness of reducing the outstanding debt on the premises. Additional
efforts planned to this end were the commencement of a Ladies' Sewing Class and
further Sales of Work. It
was during this period that the Thursday evening Prayer Meetings were restricted
to the ladies of the Church but in 1889 the restriction was lifted and mixed
meetings re-established, successfully improving the attendances. In
January, 1886, a letter was received from the local Co-operative Society
suggesting that the Church should co-operate with them in a concerted effort to
get the price of gas reduced. It was arranged that Bros. J. Unwin and John Wood
should attend the meeting convened for this purpose. The
question of another organ was raised in July, 1888, as there was a strong
feeling that the present one was too weak in the treble clef. Another instrument
was "on offer" and the Chairman was empowered to make the purchase.
About this time, the Choir had intimated that they would be willing to give a
Service of Song for the benefit of the funds and to assist in purchasing new
hymn hooks for the Choir singers. Items by the Choir were now becoming a more
popular feature in the services and anthems were given at the anniversaries and
on special occasions, prominent amongst them being "Daybreak in Heathen
Darkness," "River Singers" and "Alone in London." During
this same year, reference is made to a complaint received from the local.
colliers "that the fires in the Schoolroom were not being lit early enough
on the nights of their meetings and that the room was not sufficiently
aired." Two of the Brethren agreed to remedy this and in addition put a
pipe over the slopstone and connected the drains. In
1892 the Deacons were requested to wait upon Mr. Greenwell (agent for Lord
Vernon) to see if his Lordship would supply the Church with free water if we
would pay the expenses of putting in the pipes. The results are not recorded. By
now, annual "treats." had become an established feature of Church and
Sunday School life and discussions took place as to whether the Choir might
enjoy a similar privilege for their services to the Church. Opinions as to the
method of transport varied widely - train, wagonette and a joint picnic with the
Sunday School were all discussed, but in the end the matter was left in
abeyance. The writer remembers with pleasure his Whit-Thursday trips from
Longsight Baptist Sunday School to Poynton Baptist in the early years of the
century - the games and races in the field at the back of the Church and the
"buns and milk" in the Schoolroom. Happy days! Soon
the need for a third musical instrument (to be used in the vestry) was referred
to and ways of raising funds for such a purpose were discussed, but members were
of the firm opinion that the FIRST special effort should be for the "Pewing"
of the Chapel and so pews became priority number one and an effort was
immediately commenced towards this end. Two of the brethren promised ten
shillings each and these gifts, along with a one-shilling profit from a tea
became the foundation of the Fund. In the following months, tea meetings and
sixpenny teas in the homes of members, aided the fund. The Women's Sewing Class
also displayed great zeal in making garments and organising Sales of Work. In
1893 there were signs of growing concern with regard to the Sunday School. The
teachers had been attending irregularly and the Superintendent impressed upon
them their responsibility to provide substitutes whenever they were absent. “planted
in a fruitful field. “ (EZEK. 17: 5) First
references begin to appear in 1894-95 with regard to forming a branch of the
Christian Endeavour movement and in June a branch was established under the
auspices of the Sunday School Teachers. Later in the year a deputation from the
Young People's Society of the C.E. (attached to the Stockport and Macclesfield
Association) visited our premises to seek the sympathy and support of our branch
for the movement in genera], and on this occasion, teas were served at sixpence
per person. A weekly Mothers' Meeting was also commenced around this time. In
this period, a letter was received from the A
desire had been expressed by the Parish Council in May, 1897, for a procession
of Sunday School Scholars and Teachers to take place on 22nd June for the
celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Council Secretary had written to
our Superintendent inviting the Baptist Sunday School to join in and the
Teachers and Church members readily acquiesced. The lack of Teachers in the Sunday
School was still a cause of major concern and Mr. Unwin undertook to try to
revive interest among the older girls who had forsaken the top class. In order
to improve the behaviour of the children during public worship, a suggestion
that parents should sit with them was put into effect. As
the nineteenth century drew to its close, a somewhat more affluent note may be
detected. We read, for example, "that Mr. Walker be requested to ascertain
from Mr. Booth if he would be willing to hire his lorry for the junior scholars'
outing" and allow Mr. Bradley "leave of absence to drive same."
Also, "to see if Mr. A. Clarke would grant the use of his wagonette for the
conveyance of adults to Lyme
Park." The proposed charges were juvenile
scholars free, senior scholars and adults eight pence, including tea. On The
twentieth century opened with a request from the Salvation Army to hold a
lantern lecture in the Schoolroom. This was granted with an appendage "that
the school only be let twice a year and only once if gas and coke were
required!" Reference is made to a forecast debt of twelve thousand pounds
by the Baptist Missionary Society for that year. Happily,
1901 saw the fulfilment of the plans for the reseating or "pewing" of
the Church. Tenders having been received, enquiries were made as to why local
tradesmen had not been invited to quote. The Committee explained that they
considered local firms were not sufficiently experienced in this kind of work
and could not compete with the larger ones who had steam apparatus. The
tender of Mr. John Clayton, of Macclesfield, of one hundred and thirty-four
pounds one shilling was finally accepted. This left a deficiency in the funds of
forty-six pounds sixteen shillings, which the Treasurer undertook to pay,
members being urged to remember this debt when making their weekly offerings.
Thus five years had elapsed since the inauguration of this fund, Shortly
afterwards, a committee was appointed in an attempt to resuscitate interest in
the Band of Hope Movement (a society dedicated to encourage total abstinence
from alcoholic beverages). Ultimately, a branch was formed, the subscriptions
being two pence a month for adults and one penny for children. The
three stained-glass windows in the rear wall of the Chapel were presented to the
Church by his two daughters in memory of their beloved parents, George and Sarah
Walker. (JER. 17: 8) The
first meeting of the Church after the loss of their Pastor was held on At
the next Church Meeting held on (a)
To continue the present system of conducting the Church by means of local
preachers. (b)
Whether another Pastor could be found or some gentleman of means with a
little time at his disposal, who would be willing to undertake the pastoral work
of the Church. (c)
Whether it was possible to group two or three Churches together under one
Pastor. All
three suggestions were spoken of favourably, but finally, after the report of a
special committee appointed for this purpose, it was decided unanimously, on
Rev. John Lister Pastor 1905-1935 The
first twelve months were spent happily together and at the end of that time Mr.
Lister was invited to continue his pastorate indefinitely. At the Sacramental
Service the following Sunday a letter was read from Mr. Lister accepting the
invitation. Thus began a Ministry that was to last thirty years. The new Pastor
then called a meeting to consider holding special evangelistic services. After a
postponement of one month to consider the matter it was decided to hold a week
of special services preceded by a week of cottage prayers. The
year 1908 will be remembered sadly by the Church, for during that year three
members were removed by death and one of the most acceptable lay preachers, Mr,
0. Longbottom, died after an operation. He had served his Church faithfully and
well, without fee or reward and a high appreciation of his work is recorded.
The annual Missionary Meeting that year was held on Wednesday, 11th March, when
the Rev, A. E. Greening, on furlough from On We
now arrive at a point of some
difficulty in our story, for there is a complete blank in our records from
1910-1931. careful searching and extensive enquiries have yielded no material
for this important period. It cannot be urged too strongly for the future
historians of Poynton to learn a bitter lesson from the past – and ensure that
valuable records pass into the right hands. Perhaps then, we can use this break
to pursue a few statistics. Prior
to 1910 only scanty references are made to attendances. Phrases such as
"well attended" and "goodly numbers" are fairly common, but
we find that in that year, Church membership stood at twenty-three. The lowest
recorded number is twenty-two in 1958 with a "high" of thirty-one in
1938. Similarly with the Sunday School. We have "lows" of thirty
scholars in l949-50 and 1952, with a "high" of eighty in 1929.
It may be fairly assumed, therefore, with other figures available, that a fair
average between the years 1910-1960 would be: Church members, twenty-five;
Sunday School scholars, fifty; and the Teachers, seven. Figures for 1961-1970
are referred to later. The
year 1931 was concerned with further physical changes in the premises. The
tender of Mr. Kellock for wiring the Chapel and Sunday School for electricity
was confirmed. In celebration B social was held on Saturday, 12th September,
with reopening services the following day under the new lighting system. Mr.
Brierwood presided. The boiler, which had also been giving trouble, was repaired
by Mr. Butterworth, of Twelve
months later, it was resolved to observe the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper once
a month instead of weekly and Mr. John Singleton agreed to be responsible for
the monetary gifts at these services. It was also considered necessary to have
the outside of the Chapel painted and have new window frames fitted in the
Schoolroom and tenders were invited. At the Church Meeting, held on It
was also noted that there was a shortage of cups and saucers and although it was
decided to purchase four dozen, it was not far short of two years before this
was accomplished. This was because the oval identification transfer stamp, which
was a distinguishing mark on all our crockery, could not be found. Differences
of opinion were strong as to whether the new cups and saucers should be with or
without the identifying mark. It was also decided not to have the land in front
of the Sunday School asphalted but cleaned up in time for the Anniversary. Hospitality
for student preachers at this time had become rather a problem but several of
the ladies remedied this with offers of assistance. The urgent need for
redecorating the interior of the Church and Vestry was again referred to, but
there was no option but to postpone the work owing to lack of funds. For
the Anniversary Services in 1935, it was decided to invite the Rev. Carey Bonner
to lead the worship and, failing him, the Rev. Herbert Motley. These were two
well-known names. The Rev. Carey Bonner was Secretary of the National Sunday
School Union from 1900 to 1929 and Mr. Motley was General Superintendent of the
North-Western area from 1934 until 1949. Later in 1935 the Church received the
sorrowful news that the Rev. John Lister had decided to retire from the active
Ministry. He had been their spiritual leader for thirty years and it had proved
a wonderful and happy partnership. A subscription list was opened and the result
was presented to Mr. Lister as a practical expression of the love that had
flowed between kindred spirits. Immediately
steps were taken to find a successor. It was resolved to invite the then Pastor
of our Disley Church, the Rev. D. Gareth Owen, to add to his existing duties the
oversight of our fellowship at Poynton. It was a great joy and relief when he
agreed and his Ministry commenced on Soon
after Mr. Owen's settlement, an enquiry was made from the pulpit as to how many
would like a change of hymn book and would be prepared to purchase their own.
Finally, it was resolved to buy fifty new books at ten shillings each, twelve at
four shillings each as well as the hundred hymn sheets. A special inaugural
service was to be held when they came to hand. At the same time, the Choir
agreed to open the Services with an Introit and close with a Vesper. (LUKE 13
:19) During
these years the financial resources of the Church fluctuated widely and in an
effort to maintain a reasonable credit balance, various efforts were instituted.
Favourite among them appear to have been the Garden Parties. Venues mentioned
are the field opposite The
year 1939 was a fateful year for our country. War clouds were gathering and
hopes and fears were tormenting the minds of many. Special prayers of
intercession were offered in the Churches and strenuous efforts made by the
Government to reach a peaceful solution. In spite of all, however, the lust of
mankind supplanted the love of mankind and on 3rd September we were at war with During
this year, the Church accepted a recommendation from the Baptist Union to
postpone all renewals and terminations of Pastorates for a period of twelve
months, but before this period elapsed, Mr. Owen had already tendered his
resignation having accepted an educational appointment in one of the schools. Mr.
and Mrs. Owen still reside in Poynton, and though Mr. Owen is in poor health, it
has been good to have contact with him during this past two years. In
January, 1940, an enquiry was received from the Secretary of the Free Church
Council as to whether the Council should be disbanded or continued. Each Church
was asked to contribute five shillings to the funds, which were insolvent. We
replied "that we would support the Council in every way and forward the
required subscription." Arising
from the hostilities with Germany it was deemed advisable, in view of the
possible dangers from air-raids and the enforcement of "black out"
restrictions, to transfer the evening services to the afternoon during the
months of November, December, January and February and also to affix adhesive
tapes to the Church windows to minimise splintering. The
following year, help was given by our friends at Macclesfield and we were now
under the guidance of the Rev. L. C. H. D. Elliott, Minister of the Baptist
Chapel in The
premises were now in a state of disrepair and in urgent need of decoration, but
once again, lack of funds was the difficulty. In an endeavour to overcome this,
Mr. Elliott decided to sit in the Vestry from The
question of the Church Constitution had been a ticklish one over many years and
through several Pastorates. In 1939 a revision was recommended and application
made to the Baptist Union requisitioning the Trust Deeds - presumably with this
redrafting in mind. The matter appears to have been finally resolved, however,
when on It
was about this time that Mr. Elliott intimated his intention to take up a
Chaplaincy in the Royal Air Force. Mr. Elliott departed in August, 1942, to take
up this commission. At the time of writing he is actively engaged as Minister at
Awareness
of the possible hazards of being without a Minister again, particularly in
wartime, prompted a suggestion by Mr. Elliott that we consider inviting Mrs.
Lisa Goertz to be Pastor for a trial period of three months. Mrs. Goertz was a
German Jewess who had escaped from In
an unenviable position again, it was agreed that the Minister, Secretary and Mr.
I. C. Barlow meet the Rev. Herbert Motley at the Brookfield Cafe on the
following Monday to see if any solution could be found with regard to the
Pastorate of the Church after Mr. Elliott had completed his Ministry. The
following possibilities were explored: - (a)
The appointment of a lady, pro tem.,
whilst a permanent settlement was sought. (b)
Grouping with Cheadle Hulme and consideration of how much we would
contribute for shared services. (c)
To enquire about the Rev. C. B. Combe, of After
a prolonged discussion it was decided that we ask Mrs. Goertz to take over for a
trial period of three months, commencing in August, 1942. After this trial
period had expired and proved satisfactory, it was resolved that she should be
engaged for the duration of the war. A proviso was also agreed that two months'
notice of termination of engagement must be given by either side. The
first recorded Church Meeting held under the presidency of our first lady Pastor
took place on The
Pastor expressed grave concern at the inadequacy of the existing fire
precautions and enquired as to the action to be taken in the event of an
air-raid whilst the children were in Sunday School. It was decided to ascertain
the agreed pattern at The
Church had now decided to join the Fellowship Scheme, with a view to a joint
Pastorate with Cheadle Hulme. It was agreed, therefore, that no action should be
taken with regard to the Pastor's offer to accept a reduced stipend. This
relates to a letter from Mrs. Goertz stating that she had decided to take up
full-time war work in an attempt to relieve her distress at the loss of loved
ones in Axis territory at the hands of the Nazis. The Secretary, however, was
asked to communicate with her and express the feeling of members as to the
effect full-time war work was likely to have on her Pastoral duties, at the same
time reminding her that she had not previously consulted with the members, as
previously agreed. With one exception the members endorsed this action taken by
the Diaconate, as the only course open to them. At the meeting held on “
and did yield fruit that sprang up...” (MARK 4 : 8) Notwithstanding
persistent problems and hazards, the Baptist cause in Poynton could never be
accused of indulgent introversion. Instances of the "outward look"
have already been referred to and we find support in 1944 for the Education Bill
then before Parliament. It contained a proposal that a daily act of worship
should be compulsory in our schools. By a unanimous decision, the Church
Secretary was directed to write our local M.P. (Brigadier-General Machin)
stating that the Poynton
Attention
was drawn to a letter from Solicitors on behalf of the late Mr. Butterworth,
stating that the sum of seven pounds had been left as a legacy to the Church and
this gave much satisfaction. The question of the vacant Pastorate was foremost
in the hearts and minds of members. On About
this time, the Constitution of the Church again came under criticism but it was
decided to defer any action pending the arrival of a new Minister. As our
financial resources were quite sound, it was agreed to confer with Mr. Bath, of
Stockport (who had already inspected the interior of the Church and existing
organ) about the advisability of purchasing a larger instrument which was on
offer by our Baptist friends at Radley, near Leeds. After visits by Mr. Bath and
the Secretary to Radley, however, it was decided to accept the advice of the
former ~~that it would be better to have the present organ overhauled rather
than trying to find a suitable position in the Church for this much larger
instrument." On
the recommendation of the Deacons at the meeting held on Convergent
opinions confirmed a suggestion that a fitting tribute to the memories of the
Rev. John Lister and Miss Walker (who had been organist and deacon for a great
many years) should be made. Tablets were mounted on the interior of the Chapel
walls commemorating their long and faithful service. It was also readily agreed
to take steps to place a Roll of Honour in the Church, recording the names of
all those from our fellowship who had served in the 1939-1945 war. A reunion
weekend for all who had a connection with our Church was also planned. This
Social was held on Then
appear copies of a letter sent to the Rev. H. Motley and Mr. Brunt, Secretary of
Cheadle Hulme Baptist Church. Dated During
1947, moneys received from the sale of Harvest gifts were divided between
Macclesfield and Stockport Infirmaries. Necessary repairs to the Church hymn
books were also carried out. In response to an appeal for financial assistance
to restore war damaged Churches in At
this time the Pastor reviewed the present position of the Church and expressed
his very deep concern with the apparent lack of progress, especially among young
people, also his consequent anxiety for the future of the Church and Sunday
School. The
great importance of these matters was recognised by all present and it was
decided to call a special meeting of the Diaconate to consider ways and means of
effecting improvements. This took place on Friday, 7th November, when it was
agreed to commence a weekly meeting for our young folk. It was inaugurated on
26th November and Mr. Stonier kindly offered to defray the cost of the
refreshments. At
the Deacons' meeting on 7th May, 1948, called to deal with a proposed amendment
to the Constitution of the Church, it was agreed to recommend to the members
that Rule 4 dealing with the election of Officers to the Church, be amended to
read as follows: "The election of Deacons shall in future be by nomination
and ballot and each Deacon shall serve for a maximum period of three years. The
Diaconate shall consist of nine persons in the proportions of two gentlemen to
one lady. One-third of the Diaconate to retire each year, but shall be eligible
for re-election if nominated." How-ever, at the meeting on 3rd September,
of this same year, it was unanimously agreed to delete this Minute of the
previous meeting dealing with the election of the Diaconate and continue with
the existing practice. In
1948 it was proposed to hold the Communion Service monthly instead of
fortnightly, but it was pointed out that this was at variance with the
Constitution which did not allow for any alteration. It was, therefore,
decided to bear this proposal in mind when drafting the new Constitution, after
bringing the matter to the attention of members for their comments. The matter
was finally resolved in August, 1949, with the result of a ballot showing twelve
in favour of a monthly Communion and seven against and so the change was made. It
was with sadness that early in 1949 the Church received the resignation of Mr.
Froud along with a letter explaining his reasons for accepting the full-time
Pastorate of Bethel Baptist Church, Macclesfield. He spoke of the happy times he
had experienced at Poynton during the three years of his Ministry and thanked
all who had contributed to that happiness. In reply, the Secretary, supported
by Mr. John Singleton. expressed appreciation of the excellent services he had
given to our Church and his efforts to spread the Gospel message. The Chairman
paid a glowing tribute to the Treasurer, Mr. Greenwood, for his meticulous
bookkeeping and as the Secretary, Mr. Barlow, had tendered his resignation, Mr.
Froud spoke feelingly of the work he had done in enhancing the spiritual value
of the Church. Mr. Tant then agreed to accept the Office of Secretary pro
tem. at the same time expressing a wish to relinquish the position as soon
as another Secretary could be found. After
Mr. Froud had taken up his new duties at Macclesfield members were still most
anxious to have a Pastor of their own. Special announcements were made that this
matter would be placed before the members of the Church and congregation on
Sunday, 10th April. Meanwhile, Mr. Stonier, from the chair, proposed we contact
Mr. Motley with regard to obtaining interim Preachers and that we enquire the
fees, etc., of engaging a full-time Minister. In his reply Mr. Motley stated,
"that a stipend of £312 per annum would be expected for an unmarried
man." He also pointed out that we should not be eligible for a grant on
account of the size of our Church. Later in the year an offer from the Rev. H.
L. Watson (the newly appointed General Superintendent) to come and talk this
matter over with us was gladly accepted. The outcome of these talks resulted in
a decision to enquire if Cheadle
Only
fleeting references to the Sunday School are recorded in this period, but no
wide variations in attendances are noted. A great deal of concern, however,
was expressed with regard to the ever-widening gap between school and Church (a
common factor in religious experience). Lack of helpers willing to give guidance
and understanding to potential Church members was at the root of the problem.
but little at this stage could be done to ease the situation. To
the credit of the Church and Sunday School Officers, in spite of the many vexed
problems that beset them no
Pastor, shortage of Teachers, a desire to recommence the Christian Endeavour and
lack of funds these matters
were never allowed to become dormant and were prosecuted with vigour. Regarding
the vacant Pastorate, we had already been in touch with the Rev. H. L. Watson to
see if help might be forthcoming from either Macclesfield or Various
suggestions were forthcoming. Amongst them was a proposal "that we consider
the appointment of a Deaconess at a salary of two hundred and fifty pounds per
annum with possible help from
the Sustentation Fund." Many were of the opinion that the Church was
lacking in faith not to try this venture. Others remarked "that without a
Pastor we will get nowhere." Finally it was decided to ask Mr. Batten for
help and failing that, to approach a Deaconess. Two years later, it was proposed
that we spend the money in the bank to pay a Ministerial Stipend and to have one
or two Ministers to preach with a view to the Pastorate. About this time a
letter from the “
but the labourers are few. “ (MATT.
9 37) By
1956 Mr. John Singleton, the Senior Deacon, had become permanent Chairman of
Meetings. It was much to his and the members' regret when the Secretary reported
that all efforts to obtain a Pastor had come to naught and that the difficulties
were greater now than ever before, owing to the increase in stipends. Anxiety
was again expressed that former scholars of the Sunday School were not entering
into our Church life. Thus the new vitality so much needed was not forthcoming.
Conversely, however, it was gratifying to note an increase in our
congregations and a new influx of scholars to the Sunday School. The Diaconate
was informed that the boiler was holed and Mr. Proctor was invited to examine
it. The
following year opened with another serious loss to our fellowship. On New Year's
Day, 1957, Mr. John Singleton was called to higher service and to commemorate
his long and devoted service to the Church he loved so well, it was decided to
place a plaque on the wall adjacent to the Communion seat where he regularly
sat. Mr, W. Smith was elected as his successor. A
letter of thanks was sent to Mr. Robinson, Secretary of the Manchester Baptist
Lay Preachers Association, expressing our gratitude for the valuable assistance
they had rendered to our Church. It was revealed that a certain amount of money
was standing to our credit in the Banner Fund and that further gifts toward this
object would be appreciated. Once again the poor condition of the roof was
referred to and repairs were clearly a matter of urgency before the winter set
in. A special meeting was called to test the feelings of members with regard
to inviting Mr. R. T. Valentine as part-time Pastor. Opinions were divided and
some uneasiness detected. Although it was agreed to ask him to preach the
sermons in December, due to the Secretary having been taken ill, the invitation
was not sent and so the matter was "left on the table." Mr.
Tant resigned as Secretary in 1959 and Mr. J. Birch was elected in his place.
However, Mr. Tant agreed to be responsible for Pulpit Supplies. A suggestion had
been put forward that the Church be developed on more evangelical lines and the
matter was referred to the Deacons for their consideration. After Mr. Smith had
expressed a desire to relinquish the Office of Senior Deacon, Mr. D. Bailey
agreed to accept this position and it was decided to give the former suggestion
a trial for twelve months. During the intervening years, 1950-1960, several
names and suggestions had been put forward with regard to the vacant Pastorate,
but it was not until early in 1961 that positive results could be acclaimed. To
the abounding joy of all concerned it was announced at the General Meeting that
"under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, working through the Baptist Union,
a Minister would shortly be living in the district, who would be able to give
limited pastoral oversight to the Church." He would preach each Sunday when
not required for duty in his capacity as Chaplain to Industry (to which he would
be fully committed during the week) and his stipend would be paid by the
Chaplaincy authorities. The Church agreed to subscribe one hundred pounds per
year for his part-time services. Thus, The Rev. R. T. Millerchip commenced his
Ministry with us on As
is evidenced time and again, whenever a Church is blessed with Ministerial
leadership after a period in the wilderness, enthusiasm and unity are usually
restored and so with us. The Sunday School continued to improve and helped in
the distribution of relief to the sick and needy through its Benevolent Fund.
Miss A. Bann became the Secretary of the Sunday School and two new Deacons were
appointed to the seriously depleted Diaconate of one Deacon
Mr, Oliver. They were Miss M. Birch and Mrs. Stones, who took office on It is worthy of note, that on the |
