188 Years of The Stanhill Methodist Church

The rest of the site was cleared and made into a garden with stone boundary, iron railings and gate. This was to mark and celebrate the Jubilee in 1887. On 26th and 27th February, services were held, followed by a tea party in the schoolroom. During 1891 John St.Church decided to close due to many mills closing on account of bad trade and families moved elsewhere to find work. Some came to Stanhill and proved to be helpful workers. In 1892 the church suffered a heavy loss in the death of a most outstanding leader, Mr. Thomas Pemberton. A stone tablet was erected in church in memory of this devoted class leader and Sunday School Superintendent. The ladies effort took the form of a Pink Tea and was pink throughout. A selection of ladies choirs performed. The chair was occupied by Mrs. W.H.Bury. A speech was given by Miss May on Pink. The ladies effort raised nearly £10 more than the men’s contribution ! In 1901, another shock to the church, when Thomas Harrison aged 55, died on 29th November. A stone tablet was erected in church in memory of this upright and consistent member and class leader, and devoted teacher and Superintendent of the Sunday School. ‘Faithful unto Death’. In 1904 the young ladies decided to hold a series of ‘At Homes’. These were held annually at the end of February and continued into the late 1950’s ! Four nights of entertainment. The Schoolroom was transformed into a ‘home’ – people bringing table lamps, pictures etc. Alice May Bury made a mock fire place. Professional concert parties entertained. Friday night was Children’s night. Excited children said recitations, or played a musical instrument, or performed a pantomime. In 1899 an effort was made to keep the finances afloat. The men organised a concert party and tea which made £30.

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