Jubilee - 1904 - 1954
Download Jubilee Brochure 1954
The Story of Methodism at Rixton
Whilst this brochure is prompted by the Jubilee Celebrations arranged to be held on the 28th and 29th August, 1954, to commemorate the opening of the "new" Wesleyan Methodist Church and Sunday School at Rixton in 1904, it is thought that some reference to this country Cause, before that date, will be of interest and will help to make, so far as is possible, a more complete historical record.
Unfortunately, practically all the oldest books and documents appear to have been destroyed, lost or, if they still exist, cannot yet be traced, so that the beginning of Wesleyanism at Rixton, and the following 50 years of its life, are to a large extent "wropt in mystery."
We do know, however, that the "old" chapel, which stood on the site of the present building, was built in 1843. That fact is recorded on the iron plate taken from the old building when it was demolished, and, by wise foresight, fixed high on the outside wall of the west end of the 1904 building. Let the present and future trustees, at Rixton, see that that plate is carefully preserved! Photographs of the old chapel, in the possession of many of our senior members, show the plate on the front of that building.
It must be assumed that a Wesleyan Methodist Society, as that body was described in those days, was in existence at Rixton before 1843, and although some say the members met in a still older chapel, others have it that meetings and services were held at the farmhouses of, perhaps, the Atherton and the Tonge families. The writer of this short history holds a number of Class Tickets bearing the names of Joseph and Sarah Buckley (the writer's maternal forbears), the earliest of which is dated 1834. Whether they were then in membership at Rixton it not known, though Joseph Buckley, who farmed in Moat Lane until his death in 1885, when he was over 80 years of age, is spoken of as a leader of the devotional life, and was a trustee, of the old chapel.
The 1843 Chapel was built on a plot of land given by John Maddock, of Brow Farm, who was the sole member of his family to worship at the Chapel, his wife and daughters being Anglicans. He died on the 3rd January, 1885.
Reference to the Rixton Trust Deeds, deposited in the Cadishead Circuit safe, shows the transfer of this land to a Trust composed of "John Maddock, Rixton, farmer; John Atherton, Rixton, farmer; John Cross, Cadishead, butcher; George Fletcher, Partington, farmer; James Burtinshaw, Partington, paper-maker; John Parsonage, Glazebrook, farmer; John Turner Berks, Glazebrook, joiner; John Pownall, Rixton, husbandman; John Tonge, Rixton, farmer; John Thomason, Glazebrook, weaver; William Toft, Cadishead, weaver; William Atherton, Cadishead, weaver; with Jabez Rought, Leigh, superintendent preacher."
It will be seen that Rixton, along with Cadishead, was then under the administration of the Leigh Circuit. It was not until some 35 years later that the Cadishead Circuit was formed.
With the exception of, perhaps, three of the Trustees mentioned, not much is known regarding what other part, if any, they had in the life of the 1843 Chapel. It appears certain, however, that a branch of the Atherton family, who, according to parish registers, lived in the parish more than 200 years ago, were influential supporters of the Wesleyan Cause at Rixton, from its birth, Mr. John Tonge, of Barn End Farm (son of William and Christiana Tonge), now almost 92 years of age, relates with surprising clarity, in a recent interview, that a John Atherton, who farmed at Rixton Old Hall (presumably the member of the 1843 Trust), was a leading figure at the Chapel when he (Mr. Tonge) was a boy. "He was a real gentleman; very strict about public worship; he would see that all the folk round his place (employees) went to chapel." On retiring, Mr. Atherton built Holly Bank House, at the corner of Warburton Bridge Lane, where, it is said, prayer meetings and class meetings were held. He is reported to have said that he chose that site for his house because from there he could see Rixton Chapel! He died in January, 1875, aged 70 years.
Edward Atherton, his only son, who with his wife (formerly Martha Eaves) farmed at Nursery Farm before moving to Bridge Farm, Dam Lane, was also closely concerned with the work at the old Chapel. He was only 46 when he died, in 1879, but, said Mr. Tonge, "He and my Uncle John (Tonge) were the main men at the Chapel." Among Mr. and Mrs. Edward
Atherton's children who later worshipped there were John, Edward, Mary (who later became Mrs. Joseph Bate), James, William and Ann, while the children of John and William also took part in the work of the Church during the past 50 or 60 years. A brass memorial tablet to the memory of the later John Atherton, who died in 1923 was placed in the present Church by his family, who also gave a handsome fall for the pulpit desk, and a cover for the Communion table, in red brocade, beautifully embroidered in gold, in his memory.
John Ellis Tonge (the John Tonge mentioned as a trustee, in 1843), who is said to have come from Carrington, farmed at Clevelands Farm (the old house had a thatched roof) and is buried at Flixton Church burial-ground, was a man of deep religious convictions. He and his family, with the Athertons, doubtless formed a strong nucleus of the Rixton Church from its earliest days. His three bachelor sons, John, Mark and Thomas Tonge (who later carried on the farm); William (another son) and his wife, Christiana, of Barn End Farm; James (another son) and his wife, Ellen, of Bridge Farm; together with the families of the two latter (William and James), attended the old chapel, and certain of them the new chapel also. Their children were baptised at the old chapel before 1862, to 1884. Another son, Matthew Tonge, went to live at Warrington after his marriage. His daughter, Alice Ruth (now Mrs. J. H. Taylor, of Woolden), is well known at Rixton, being associated with the Rixton Church before her marriage.
It can be said, and it would be acknowledged by his five brothers mentioned, that John Tonge was foremost as a leader of the spiritual life of the old chapel during the last 30 years of its existence. His benign character and saintly bearing, and his quietly devoted filling of the offices of Society Class Leader, Society Steward, Chapel Steward, Trust Treasurer, Teacher and Superintendent of the Sunday School, deeply impressed all who were privileged to be in association with him. He was in the nature of a local pastor, concerned with the deep things of God, Whose glory it was his chief aim to promote, in his own life and that of others. He died in May, 1912, aged 64 years.
Other officials remembered by Mr. John Tonge were a William Sutton, from Tarleton, who followed his (Mr. Sutton's) father at Prospect Farm (where, later, the Pitchfork family came to live), being a teacher in the Sunday School at Rixton. Peter Sutton (probably William's uncle), whose children's baptisms are recorded in the old register, also appears to have had some interest in the place. He was a wire-drawer, and walked to Warrington and back each day.
Mr. Tonge spoke of old John Thomason, one of the 1843 trustees, "head man at Rixton Hall, for John Atherton," as a "great" teacher in the Sunday School. Evidently he gave long and faithful service to the Rixton Cause. Other teachers were Samuel Wright, who also played the harmonium; Samuel Blythe, who also taught tonic sol fa; and William Phoenix.
Mr. Tonge waxed enthusiastic regarding the Rev. Buckley Yates, Circuit Minister, 1871-1874, and again, 1889-1892, describing him as a grand chap, one of the finest preachers, and possessed of a voice that could be heard "at the end of Chapel Lane." Mr. Yates is spoken of by several of our older members as a minister beloved. He came from Dunstable, in April, 1895, to preach the Chapel Anniversary sermons, and the "collections", £7/0/31, indicates that more than ordinary interest was aroused by his visit.
One valuable link with the past is the Baptismal Register, still in use, the first entry in which is dated September, 1862, recording the baptism of John Tonge, son of William and Christiana Tonge. He is now the sturdy nonagenarian, whose recollections have so greatly helped in "joining-up" and confirming the numerous scraps of information gleaned elsewhere.
There is also the glass which belonged to Mr. Tonge's uncle, John Tonge, and which was used as a Chalice at the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the days of the old chapel.
More light is shed upon events at the chapel by the diaries kept by another Rixton farmer, William Down, from 1880-1894 (he and his family came from Twiggery Farm, Warrington, to Moss Side Farm, about 1875). He notes his attendance at the chapel by recording the name of the preacher, and the text upon which his sermon was based. Entries in 1883 are, "I joined the Class"; "I began to teach (in) the Sunday School"; "I went to the Quarterly Meeting at Cadishead." Class meetings appear to have been held on Tuesday evenings, and the Sunday School Anniversary was, as now, held mostly in June. On the 10th March, 1884, he records a week of revival services, and on the 1st June (Whit Sunday), the "United Sunday School Meeting." On the 30th May, 1886, a service was held in Tonge's barn, that is, Clevelands Farm (presumably during the renovation of the chapel), and at the re-opening services, a month later, the collection was £3/11/-. Harvest Festival collections in 1888 were £1/7/41, and in 1889, £2/18/3. On the 27th October, 1889, two weeks revival services began. In February, 1892, a new organ was opened, and on the 7th August, 1893, the Jubilee of Rixton Chapel is recorded.
About this time, numbers of men engaged in the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, opened in May, 1894, brought an influx of new "blood" to the Rixton Church.
In May, 1882, a number of the original Trustees having died, and John Thomason wishing to retire, a new Trust was formed of, John Tonge, Rixton; Joseph Buckley, Rixton; John Taylor, Irlam; John Gibbon, Irlam; James Bracegirdle, Irlam (later of Sinderland); John Birchall, Irlam; Peter Gratrix, Glazebrook; John Jackson, Cadishead; Peter Johnson, Cadishead; Thomas Walton, Jnr., Cadishead; Richard Shaw, Cadishead.
One remembers the interior of the old chapel, with its painted and grained box-pews, rising in three or four steps to the north end, and its gallery along the back of the chapel. The pulpit, at the south end, opposite to the gallery steps, was a high one, and from it we children said or sang our pieces at Christmas and other "entertainments." Under the gallery was a narrow, passage-like room, memorable for its loose, squeaking floor-boards, with the minister's vestry at the north end. Both rooms were brought into use for Sunday School and other activities. Heating was provided by a stove, in a central position, with its pipe soaring through the roof. The heat from the stove sadly blistered the paint on the pews nearby, and young experimental fingers seemed to take pleasure in bursting the blisters. Oil lamps were then, and for many years after, the normal source of illumination for the chapel, as for our homes.
Teas for Sunday School scholars were in severe contrast to those served in these more indulgent times. In those days we "filled up" with bread and butter and, that accomplished, received one piece of plainish fruit cake and, sometimes, one small ham sandwich. We drank our tea from mugs. To us, however, they were as exciting occasions as the more elaborate and refined feasts are to our present-day scholars.
The Cadishead Circuit safe has yielded an old Trust and Sunday School account book, in which are also recorded minutes of Trustees Meetings, dating from 1894 to 1920. Seat
Mr. Tonge waxed enthusiastic regarding the Rev. Buckley Yates, Circuit Minister, 1871-1874, and again, 1889-1892, describing him as a grand chap, one of the finest preachers, and possessed of a voice that could be heard "at the end of Chapel Lane." Mr. Yates is spoken of by several of our older members as a minister beloved. He came from Dunstable, in April, 1895, to preach the Chapel Anniversary sermons, and the "collections", £7/0/31, indicates that more than ordinary interest was aroused by his visit.
One valuable link with the past is the Baptismal Register, still in use, the first entry in which is dated September, 1862, recording the baptism of John Tonge, son of William and Christiana Tonge. He is now the sturdy nonagenarian, whose recollections have so greatly helped in "joining-up" and confirming the numerous scraps of information gleaned elsewhere.
There is also the glass which belonged to Mr. Tonge's uncle, John Tonge, and which was used as a Chalice at the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the days of the old chapel.
More light is shed upon events at the chapel by the diaries kept by another Rixton farmer, William Down, from 1880-1894 (he and his family came from Twiggery Farm, Warrington, to Moss Side Farm, about 1875). He notes his attendance at the chapel by recording the name of the preacher, and the text upon which his sermon was based. Entries in 1883 are, "I joined the Class"; "I began to teach (in) the Sunday School"; "I went to the Quarterly Meeting at Cadishead." Class meetings appear to have been held on Tuesday evenings, and the Sunday School Anniversary was, as now, held mostly in June. On the 10th March, 1884, he records a week of revival services, and on the 1st June (Whit Sunday), the "United Sunday School Meeting." On the 30th May, 1886, a service was held in Tonge's barn, that is, Clevelands Farm (presumably during the renovation of the chapel), and at the re-opening services, a month later, the collection was £3/11/-. Harvest Festival collections in 1888 were £1/7/41, and in 1889, £2/18/3. On the 27th October, 1889, two weeks revival services began. In February, 1892, a new organ was opened, and on the 7th August, 1893, the Jubilee of Rixton Chapel is recorded.
About this time, numbers of men engaged in the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, opened in May, 1894, brought an influx of new "blood" to the Rixton Church.
In May, 1882, a number of the original Trustees having died, and John Thomason wishing to retire, a new Trust was formed of, John Tonge, Rixton; Joseph Buckley, Rixton; John Taylor, Irlam; John Gibbon, Irlam; James Bracegirdle, Irlam (later of Sinderland); John Birchall, Irlam; Peter Gratrix, Glazebrook; John Jackson, Cadishead; Peter Johnson, Cadishead; Thomas Walton, Jnr., Cadishead; Richard Shaw, Cadishead.
One remembers the interior of the old chapel, with its painted and grained box-pews, rising in three or four steps to the north end, and its gallery along the back of the chapel. The pulpit, at the south end, opposite to the gallery steps, was a high one, and from it we children said or sang our pieces at Christmas and other "entertainments." Under the gallery was a narrow, passage-like room, memorable for its loose, squeaking floor-boards, with the minister's vestry at the north end. Both rooms were brought into use for Sunday School and other activities. Heating was provided by a stove, in a central position, with its pipe soaring through the roof. The heat from the stove sadly blistered the paint on the pews nearby, and young experimental fingers seemed to take pleasure in bursting the blisters. Oil lamps were then, and for many years after, the normal source of illumination for the chapel, as for our homes.
Teas for Sunday School scholars were in severe contrast to those served in these more indulgent times. In those days we "filled up" with bread and butter and, that accomplished, received one piece of plainish fruit cake and, sometimes, one small ham sandwich. We drank our tea from mugs. To us, however, they were as exciting occasions as the more elaborate and refined feasts are to our present-day scholars.
The Cadishead Circuit safe has yielded an old Trust and Sunday School account book, in which are also recorded minutes of Trustees Meetings, dating from 1894 to 1920. Seat 894 produced £4/9/-; 5 cwt. of coke cost 3/-, while 2/3 was paid for 3 cwt. of coal. Mrs. James Eaves, chapel- keeper, was paid the princely sum of £3/2/6 (including "soap, etc.") for 12 months work! In those days, oil lamps had to be trimmed, cleaned and filled, and the chapel kept clean—all for a little over a shilling a week. Those duties, or, more correctly, that loving service, Mrs. Eaves performed from about 1875, until prevented by old age, when her daughter, Miss Martha Jane Eaves ("Janie"), who is still with us, gave similar service to the chapel for many years. Renewing the stove-pipe seems to have been a frequent charge on the Trust account. Paddy Norman's fee for an eleven-day mission, in March, 1895, was £5. Grants of 10/- and 11/9 were made by the Ladies' Sewing Meeting to the Trust account in June, 1896.
In 1895, the "last subscription, £1," from "the late Mrs. Atherton," is recorded. It it not shown as to which Mrs. Atherton this was, but it is suggested that she was Mrs. John Atherton, who, on the death of her husband, went to live at Peover, near Knutsford.
A Band of Hope, formed in April, 1894, appears to have been short-lived, the last-recorded meeting having been held on 9th February, 1896. Serving on the committee were William Shaw, J. Bate, Thomas J. Down, James Johnson, James H. Clarke, G. Wright, W. Bate, William Clarke, Jeffrey Rimmer, John Tonge.
Mr. and Mrs. William Hobson and their son, William, lent their support to the old chapel about this time.
Inspiring the devotional life of the old chapel during its last 10 years, and in some cases the early years of the new chapel, were Jeffrey Rimmer, Mrs. Barlow, Joseph Bate (who, until 1897 when he left the district, also led the musical side), William Shaw, (organist for many years), William Bate (until 1910, Class Leader, teacher, assistant-superintendent, and secretary of the Sunday School), and Thomas J. Down.
Mr. Down, happily still with us, though enfeebled with age, is in the true line of succession to John Tonge. He was called upon in an emergency, about 1885, when only 17 years of age, to teach and become part-superintendent in the Sunday School. This work he continued with the utmost devotion and effectiveness of 35 years or more, and there are those among us who can testify to the deep influence he exerted upon our lives.
e was no less influential as a Class Leader, for he was able to convey to others something of his own rich spiritual experience enjoyed as he "walked with God." His sister, Susan Down (the late Mrs. George Whitfield), also taught in the Sunday School, in the 1890s.
It would seem that for a long time, financial support for both Society and Trust was quite small, and often the year-end statements recorded a "balance owing to the treasurer." The advent of four families into Rixton, however—Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Johnson (about 1880); Mr. and Mrs. Lot Batholomew (1890); Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Pitchfork (1894); Mr. and Mrs. John Blackwell (1902), brought a fresh impulse to the life and outlook to the Church. (Mr. Bartholomew died in 1891). These, like the Tonges and Athertons, 40-50 years earlier, became the hard core in the closing years of the old chapel, and the first decades of the new. They are still represented in our membership to take part in the present celebrations.
Here, indeed, was "something to nail to," not only as regards their numerical strength, but as to their loyal and outstanding support in matters both temporal and spiritual. In almost every aspect of the Church's work those families contributed largely to the marked progress realised in the first quarter of the century. While paying honour to all, it would be no reflection upon any to say that Mrs. W. H. Pitchfork, a woman of great energy and consecrated zeal, became the main driving force in the various endeavours of the Church. Capable organiser, most diligent worker, she gave no less than herself, and infected others with a like enthusiasm. As a Class Leader she did her utmost to keep going the Society Class Meeting, along with Mr. T. J. Down, but this followed the fashionable trend and became extinct in the 1930s, not long after her death.
The Trustees' minute book, beginning in 1894, referred to previously, reveals the first moves to provide better Church and Sunday School accommodation.
At a Trustees' Meeting held on 11th February, 1896, a minute reads "A conversation was held as to the advisability of securing an adjacent plot of land on which eventually to erect a new chapel, and it was thought well to see the owner, with a view to this most needed extension of our work, as the present premises are too small and inconvenient."
The next reference to extension is in the minutes of a Trustees' meeting, held on 24th January, 1899, one of which reads—"Moved that three Trustees, and three from the Rixton Society, form a committee for the purpose of selecting a suitable site for a new chapel . . . " These were John Tonge, Richard Shaw, John Jackson, Thomas J. Down, William Shaw, William Bate.
There is no indication as to which site, or sites, were considered, though the writer was informed, many years ago, that a site nearly opposite to the old chapel was offered for sale to the Trustees, but apparently this was not taken up.
On 9th May, 1900, a special Trustees' meeting was held, under the chairmanship of the Rev. Henry Scanes. Two schemes were laid before the meeting, either "to enlarge the present church, or build a new one." "It was unanimously thought best to enlarge and re-model the present premises." The feeling of the members of the congregation was sought at a meeting on the same evening. "Some few expressed a strong desire to go in for an entire new place, but the major portion were in favour of enlargement and modernising the present premises."
A committee was formed thoroughly to consider the whole question, and report their findings to later meetings of the Trustees and congregation. This committee was composed of John, Edward and William Atherton, John Atherton Hobson, Joseph Johnson, James Tonge, Sen., William H. Pitchfork, Jeffrey Rimmer, William Shaw, William Bate, William Down, Thomas J. Down, John Tonge.
On 8th January, 1903, at a Trustees' meeting, under the Rev. W. Britten Butters, a new Trust was formed, and it was "resolved that the recommendation of the Building Committee be confirmed, namely, that—The present chapel be completely renovated; that land be purchased from Mr. (John) Tonge, and a new schoolroom erected. To this scheme the Trustees gave their unanimous sanction."
Except for the acquisition of the land, this decision was not carried into effect, however, and though there is no record as to how this change of mind took place, events proved that it was thought that a completely new building would better meet their needs.
The old building was taken down, and the new Church and Sunday School erected on the same site.
Meanwhile, according to William Down's diary, a two-day bazaar was held at Hollinfare School, in July, 1900, and a three-day bazaar in October, 1903, in support of the proposed extension. A pamphlet, preserved by the late Mrs. T. J. Down, announces a Grand Bazaar on the 9th, 10th and 12th October, 1901. The latter effort raised £130/7/-, while another three-day bazaar, in October, 1906, realised £191/2/9.
The last services in the old chapel were held on the 13th March, 1904, the preacher being the Circuit Minister, the Rev. W. Britten Butters. All the Church and Sunday School activities were then transferred to the Temperance Hall, Hollinfare, and an entry in the Trust account book reads, "Use of Temperance Hall, 30 weeks £4/10/-."
The Temperance Hall, an attractive and valuable building of wood, with corrugated iron roof, was lost to the district in 1914, when it was sold for the purposes of World War I. It stood on the site of the house now occupied by Mrs. Warsop.
The foundation stones of the new building were laid on 21st April, 1904, and the opening ceremony was performed by Mr. A. M. Blakeway, of Salford, on Thursday, 29th September, 1904.
The service which followed was conducted by the Rev. J. S. Simon (Chairman of the District, Governor of Didsbury College, Manchester). The circular (also handed to the writer by the late Mrs. T. J. Down), states that "A Public Tea, of substantial quality, in the Temperance Hall," followed the service. Tickets were 1/- each! A Great Public Meeting was held in the evening, "in the New Chapel," and on the two following Sundays special services were held.
On the fly-leaf of the circular, it is stated that "through the kindness of Miss Maddock, and Mr. John Tonge, it has been possible to purchase more land; hence very considerable alterations have been made from the original design. Entirely new premises have been erected, consisting of a neat, well- lighted and ventilated chapel, decorated with great taste, provided with a movable pitch-pine rostrum, and comfortable pitch-pine pews, to accommodate 120 adults. (Also) a schoolroom, separated by a handsome patent sliding partition, by which it can, in a few moments, be easily thrown open to the chapel. The work has been carried out most efficiently by Mr. W. Garner, under the direction of Mr. S. P. Silcock, architect,
The Johnson family has been represented on the organ for more than 40 years; the present organists being Mr. Harry Johnson and Mrs. A. H. Goodwin (formerly Ada Johnson). The latter's efficient and faithful service extends for nearly 40 years. The present two-manual, pedal-blown reed organ can be described as a superior instrument, and though lacking the volume of a pipe organ, is shown to be capable of producing many of the recognised "colours" and effects. It was opened in March, 1925, by Mrs. Ann Bartholomew, and cost in the region of £90. Mr. T. Tanner, of Warrington, supplied the organ and played selections at its opening, Miss Eva Tanner, his sister, singing a number of solos. Special organ and vocal items were rendered on the following Sunday also.
An item of some importance was added to the appurtenances of the Church and Sunday School in 1953, in the form of a handsome blue, processional banner. It was subscribed to by past and present members of the Church and Sunday School, cost £140, and was unveiled by Thomas Bate, at a special service, conducted by the Circuit Minister, the Rev. Alfred Brown, M.A. It was first used in the procession of June, 1953.
Those who have served the Church well, as Society Stewards, during the past 35 years are Joseph Johnson (who died in 1940), Lot E. Bartholomew (also Sunday School teacher and superintendent), Thomas Bate, Harry Johnson, Albert Pitchfork. Mr. Pitchfork has served longest of all, and in other offices of the Church has rendered noteworthy service. His loyalty, together with his most generous financial and material support, have made him a great asset to the Church throughout the years.
Rowland Goodwin, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Goodwin, became the first of our young men, so far as is known, to go on the Plan as a local preacher (in March, 1947). He was a scholar in the Sunday School, and later became a teacher and assistant-superintendent. He was accepted for the Ministry in July, 1950, and is to be ordained in 1956.
As we enter our Church each Sunday, there is before us a reminder of the lovely offering to the glory of God and to the place where His honour dwells, that is made by Miss Helen Bartholomew, who for upwards of forty years has supplied the flowers we see on the Communion Table. Her tasteful arranging of the flowers, in season and out of season, sets the seal on this as an act of devotion not far removed, at least in spirit, from that of the woman in our Lord's day, who poured out upon Him her precious box of perfume.
The Rixton Church, it may be whispered, has been well- served by its choir for many years, capably leading the musical side of its worship, with the understanding, as well as from the heart.
The present Trustees are Thomas J. Down, James Eaves, Thomas Bate, Albert Pitchfork, Lot E. Bartholomew, Alfred H. Goodwin, William Ball, Charles Tonge, Harry Wright, Bernard Eaves, Alan L. Bartholomew, Henry L. Harris, Harry Johnson, Edith Johnson.
In writing an account of this nature, covering so long a period, it is inevitable that a comparison be made between the quality and character of the church life of the "good old days," and that of the present age.
One recalls a service in the old chapel, when the Rev. Henry Scanes preached his farewell sermon. Even the gallery was full on that Sunday evening. The Rev. Henry Lewis said farewell to Rixton in the "new" chapel, preaching most impressively, to a large congregation, from the text, "How wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan."
Apart from the fact that large congregations were then the rule, rather than the exception as in these days, there was, perhaps, a deeper sense of churchmanship, and unity of spirit with the minister than now obtains. Loyalty to the minister is an old Rixton tradition, observed, with very few exceptions, for very many years. It is not unknown for quite a few of our past ministers (and local preachers) to refer feelingly to their visits to Rixton, as a sort of "balm in Gilead" to their spirits.
This sense of a spiritual home, which several generations of Rixton Methodists have experienced, is too precious to be lost, and if we are feeling, latterly, when so many of the older members of our "family" have gone to their reward, that we are in danger of losing that attribute, we should earnestly see, by the grace of our Lord, that it is revived and maintained.