188 Years of The Stanhill Methodist Church

In 1907 Stanhill became part of the United Methodist Church – as a result of the United Methodist Free Church joining with the Methodist New Connexion and the Bible Christians to form the United Methodist Church. 1910 – changes once again Gt. Harwood & Rishton formed one circuit. Accrington. Foxhill Bank and Stanhill formed the Accrington Circuit. 1911 – The front porch was built and opened, with double doors at the front. The old entrance on the side was walled up. This enabled two more pews to be added. With the gallery and choir and down stair pews, the church could seat 200 people. The kitchen and vestry were built and opened on 11th October by Mr. JT Foulds of Accrington. A dedication service was observed followed by tea and a concert. 1914 The Great War – 36 young men went to service. 32 returned in 1918. It was decided to show a sense of gratefulness by adding a tremulant stop to the organ. There was an organ recital in memory of the four lads who lost their lives. A stone Baptismal Font was gifted to the church in memory of the late Mr. Edward Boardman, a class leader, and loyal member of Stanhill. In 1925 the first baby to be Baptised from this font was Hilda Gregson. Baby Hilda lived with her parents, Hilda and Richard Gregson at number 8 Nab Lane. Richard, known as Rex, was a joiner and the local undertaker. He had his workshop at number 7 Nab Lane, where he made coffins, and he made the Communion Table and chairs for church. A craftsman indeed ! Baby Hilda grew up and became Hilda Slater, the village postmistress, taking over from Alice Taylor. Hilda lived with husband Alan and their daughter Lynda in James Hargreaves’ cottage, which became the village Post Office, sweet and paper shop. The extension to James Hargreaves’ dwelling was built in the 1870s for the headmaster of St Matthew’ school, and was named The School House. Hilda continued to be a member of the Stanhill Methodist Church and Lynda was Harvest Queen in 1964.

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