188 Years of The Stanhill Methodist Church

The origin of the present church dates from the time when ‘8 poor men’ left Hippings Wesleyan Society, in Oswaldwistle, on questions of principle. During 1836 the men taught in the Primitive Methodist School at Foxhill Grove. Afternoon services were held of Thomas Barlow at Higher Twinch. Sunday evening services were held in the home of the Pemberton sisters at the end of Nab Lane on Stanhill Road. The services were led by local preachers from Blackburn and Clitheroe. The ‘8 poor men’ settled down in Stanhill and were the founders of the society in Stanhill. The names of these founders were: William Grimshaw, William Walsh, Thomas Johnson, James S. Brown, William Walker Openshaw and Mrsses Houlker, Nixon, and Barlow. They began to build a place. It was opened on February 26th 1837. Stanhill became a part of the Wesleyan Methodist Society. The First Sunday School Anniversary was celebrated on the First Sunday in May. Taking the Gospel out into the village. An orchestra played for the Hymn singing and a visiting minister was invited to lead the Worship for the day. People flocked to Stanhill for the occasion. Police on horseback had to control the crowds!

Sermons in the village 1910. Police on horseback had to control the crowds!

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