Monmouth Street Methodist Church, Bridgwater: A Short History by J.A. Harris. This booklet appears to have been published sometime in the 1950s – 1952 is the latest date mentioned in the text. Minor edits and additional pictures by MKP 20 July 2023.
ANTECEDANTS OF THE MONMOUTH STREET CHAPEL
UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCH
The United Methodist Free Churches were formed by the Protestant Methodists who originated in 1828 and who united with the Wesleyan Association in 1836 and the Wesleyan Reformers who started in 1849. This amalgamation took place in 1857. The Church in Bridgwater was originally Wesleyan Reform and was established about the year 1851. Their first meeting place was in the Dome of the Market House where they worshipped for about 12 months. From thence they removed to Gloucester Place at the top of Albert Street. After spending 3 years there they removed to their new chapel in St. Mary Street, built about the year 1854 or 1855.
The first settled minister was the Rev. D. W. Pennell, who only appears to have remained one year. From 1855 to 1857 no minister was apparently appointed. The following is a list of ministers with the dates of their appointments:-
- 1857 Rev. Wm. Smith
- 1858 Rev. Thomas Cooper
- 1860 Rev. Joseph Martin
- 1861 Rev. J. S. Balmer
- 1865 Rev. W. 0. Lilley
- 1868 Rev. G. H. Thompson
- 1869 Rev. J. W. Achill
- 1871 Rev. J. G. Hartley
- 1873 Rev. Benjamin Glazebrook
- 1877 Rev. C. R. Ramshaw
- 1878 Rev. D. W. Pennell
- 1881 Rev. Tubal Caseley
- 1885 Rev. Jabez Langford
- 1888 Rev. Geo. Hudson
- 1892 Rev. Geo. Reeves
- 1895 Rev. W. Edmondson
- 1896 Rev. J. E. Hacking
- 1898 Rev. John Wilson
- 1901 Rev. Geo. Lowndes
- 1904 Rev. James Seden
- 1905 Rev. R. I. Gibbs
- 1907 Rev. W. H. Beeken
- 1908 Rev. J. G. Williams
During the ministry of the Rev. John Wilson plans were prepared by Mr. Challice of Exeter for a new school hall to be built in front of the St. Mary Street Chapel. The scheme, however, was found to be unsatisfactory, as to reach the old chapel it would have been necessary to have a sub-way underneath the proposed new school hall. Steps were then taken to obtain a suitable site elsewhere. This was eventually secured in Church Street on which it was proposed to build a new Church and a two-storied school building. The Bible Christians also contemplated building a new Church in Monmouth Street on a site adjoining their chapel in Polden Street. Before a start could be made with either scheme, however, the union of the Bible Christians, Methodist New Connection and Free Methodists was contemplated, and the Connexional authorities in both instances requested the two churches to postpone operations. The chapel in St. Mary Street was vacated in December, 1906, and in January, 1907, services were commenced in the Y.M.C.A. large hall. For the sake of economy the lower hall was rented in October, 1908. On the 28th January, 1909, it was decided to discontinue the services at the Y.M.C.A. hall and to worship at the Polden Street chapel on the understanding that building operations would commence at the earliest possible moment.
Before proceeding further, mention should be made of Mr. W. J. Coles. His first connection with the Church in St. Mary Street was about the year 1869, when, as a lad of 16 he accepted the position of organist. In 1877 his offer to construct a two manual organ was accepted, parts of the old one being utilised. This stupendous undertaking he carried out without any expense to the church, devoting the whole of his spare time to the work. Immediately after becoming organist he was made secretary of the Sunday school; then a few years hater, superintendent. In 1873 he was unanimously elected circuit steward and for 35 years in succession he was re-elected. When there was a debt of £500 on the premises (a large sum in those days) contracted through the internal reconstruction of the church, the side and end galleries having been removed and replaced with a semi-circular end gallery, he, with the Rev. Jabez Langford, was largely instrumental in collecting sufficient to clear the debt. It was he who started the effort to build a new school hall by collecting 2,000 half crowns, a task in which he more than exceeded. As previously mentioned, the school hall was not built in St. Mary Street, but eventually developed into a larger scheme, viz., the present Monmouth Street Church and School premises.
BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
The Bible Christians were originally called Bryanites. William O’Brian, a Cornishman, retired from business as a farmer and started preaching as a Wesleyan. In consequence of his being away on a preaching tour on one occasion for three weeks and being absent from his class meetings the Wesleyan minister erased his name from the roll of members, with the result that on Monday, October 9th, 1824, he formed the first Society of Bryanites at Lake Farm in the parish of Shebbear, North Devon, and the first roll only numbered 22 names. In or about the year 1865 James Pudner and others who had been members of the Bible Christian Church elsewhere felt that something should be done at Bridgwater. Services were commenced in Mr. Pudner’s house and subsequently an “iron” chapel was erected on the Bath Road and the Rev. John Jeffery became the first regularly appointed pastor. He succeeded in laying the foundation of a congregation. He left in the year. 1868 and was followed by the Rev. Daniel Sturges, who only stayed until 1869. The Rev. Richard Orchard was next appointed and during his ministry St. John’s Cottage was purchased for a manse and also the land upon which a new chapel was built in 1876. He retired in 1871 and the Rev. Henry W. Lillington was appointed. He was successful and raised a considerable amount towards the new chapel. Writing in the Bible Christian Magazine a report dated February 17th, 1875, he stated “Our congregations have so increased of late that on the Sunday evening our place is full. A new class has been formed for young members and about 16 have been added. Our great want is a new chapel and more of the Holy Ghost power. If some generous friend would only supplement the monies we have in hand with £50 we would immediately arise and build.” On Good Friday of the same year more than 170 took tea and the chapel was full at the evening service, some being unable to find seats. The chairman, Mr. A. Bounsall, directed attention to the need that existed for a new chapel, which was never so greatly needed as at that time. Before the new chapel was built, however, the Rev. H. W. Lillington left in 1875. He was replaced by the Rev. T. W. Garland and during his ministry the new chapel was built.
The opening ceremony took place on the 9th November, 1876, but I am unable to find any account of it in the Bible Christian Magazine for November or December of that year. The Rev. T. W. Garland remained until 1878, when the Rev. Henry Ellis succeeded him. Then came the Rev. William Higman, one of whose daughters is still with us. Miss H. S. Higman, who was a member with us for about 37 years passed to higher service as the result of an accident on Sunday, September 28th, 1952, as she was leaving morning worship. During his ministry hundreds were per-suaded to sign the pledge and scores were added to the church. In 1884 he removed to Taunton. Whilst in Bridgwater a noted char-acter, a member of his congregation, used to supply him with logs of wood and it is related that on one occasion he loaded a wheel-barrow full of logs and wheeled them to Taunton for “his minister.” “Billy” Hawkes was his name and there was a small booklet pub-lished about him written by a Mr. Crocker. The Rev. Edmond Turner was the next minister appointed. Others who followed were the Revs. W. Jeffry, R. Hawkey, J. Hender, T. E. Mundy, T. Hill, V. H. Culliford and M. Hoare.
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
In 1907 the Bible Christian Methodist, the Methodist New Connexion and the United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to form the United Methodist Church. It was during the year 1907 a united church meeting was held in the Polden Street chapel when nine trustees from each church, i.e., the Bible Christians and the Free Methodists were nominated to meet a deputation consisting of the Revs. W. R. K. Baukwill, John Luke, John Moore and E. D. Cornish. Mr. J. A. Harris was appointed secretary. The first meeting of the provisional trustees was held in the Polden Street chapel on the 18th December, 1907, immediately after the Mon-mouth Street site had been purchased. On the 3rd February, it was resolved as follows:-“That an architect be called in at once to prepare a block plan of Monmouth Street and Church Street sites, giving him instructions that a chapel to accommodate 500 and schools for 400 wilt he required.” On the 17th February a meeting was held, when Mr. Gabbutt, the architect, presented a plan of Monmouth Street and Church Street sites, stating that to erect a chapel to accommodate 420 on the ground floor or about 650 with galleries and a school to accommodate 400, it would be necessary to retain the whole of both sites and destroy both houses on the Monmouth Street site. This idea did not fall in with the views of the Connexional authorities. It was therefore decided to retain one home on the Monmouth Street site and to sell most of the Church Street site. It was only after considerable trouble that the Connexional authorities allowed us to retain sufficient land to build what is now the Primary room and the Church Parlour and a right of way to the school premises from Church Street. In 1908 the Rev. J. G. Williams was appointed with the express object of carrying out the building of church and school without delay. At the first meeting over which he presided it was decided to ask an architect to prepare a sketch plan of a chapel to accommodate 400 on the ground floor and 100 in an end gallery and school premises to accommodate 300. At a meeting held on the 11th August, 1908 it was decided to ask four architects to submit plans. Mr. W. H. Dinsley of Chorley, Lancashire, was selected as architect. Now that things were taking a definite shape it was time to form a local Trust and the following consented to act:-Messrs. W. J. Coles, H. Croker, S. Cummins, C. Ferris, Ford, S. Gingell, E. Hamblin, J. A. Harris, R. J. Jarman, W. Newberry, C. Perrett, G. Randle, C. Trelease, J. Williams and F. T. Westlake. It was not until January 25th, 1909, the deed for the conveyance of Monmouth Street property was signed and Mr. J. A. Harris was officially appointed Trust secretary.
The question now arose as to ways and means of raising the necessary funds. The old chapel in St. Mary Street had already been disposed of and negotiations were taking place for the sale of the ex Free Methodist manse in St. Saviour’s Avenue. It was not possible to sell the ex Bible Christian property until the new school-room was ready for occupation. Applications were made for. connexional grants and loans to which the Chapel, Home Mission and 20th Century Fund Committees responded generously.
Tenders for the erection of the new church and school premises were advertised in the “Bridgwater Mercury” dated December 21st, 1909, and the “Bridgwater Independent” dated December 23rd, 1909. Eighteen tenders were received and Messrs. Westbury & Jarman’s was accepted at £2,679. Architect’s fees, building extras and other expenses brought the total cost up to approximately £3,000. The Monmouth Street site with the two houses, one of which was demolished to make room for the building of the church, cost £1,338. To this must be added the value of the portion of the Church Street site retained for the passage entrance from Church Street, the Church Parlour and the Primary room.
Mr. John Harris, a retired builder and a member of King Street Church, acted as voluntary Clerk of Works.
SCHOOL STONE-LAYING CEREMONY
The stone-laying ceremony in connection with the school premises took place on the 26th April, 1910. Fortunately bright weather favoured the proceedings, which commenced with a hymn, after which the Rev. J. Bra.nsom, superintendent minister of the King Street Wesleyan Methodist circuit offered prayer. The minis-ter of the church, Rev. J. G. Williams,•then made a short statement and introduced the Mayor, Councillor R. 0. Sully, who, after an appropriate speech proceeded to lay the first stone. Other stones were laid by Mrs. Radford (the oldest member of the Methodist Free Church), Mrs. Bridgwater of Weston-super-Mare, Mrs. C. Bryer, Mrs. Wilson, Miss Trelease, Miss Lily Coles on behalf of her uncle (Mr. W. J. Coles) who was absent through illness, Miss Hamblin, Miss Nellie Hamblin, Mr. J. Hamlin, Mr. E. H. Reed, Mr. John Harris and Mr. R. Trelease. A number of initialled bricks were laid by scholars and a stone on behalf of the Sunday school was laid by Mr. H. Croker, bearing the initals of the two ex superintendents (Mr. C. Perrett and Mr. W. J. C,Oles) and the secretary, Mr. H. Croker. A stone was laid by Mr. J. A. Harris on behalf of the Christian Endeavour Society bearing the initials of the President, Treasurer and Secretary, Rev. J. G. Williams, Miss A. K. Hamblin and Mr. J. A. Harris respectively. The following hymn was written specially for the occasion by the Rev. J. G. Williams and sung to a tune composed by Miss Nellie Hamblin, F.R.C.O.
1
O Lord of all in sky and earth
From Thee each blessing comes;
The holy joys that give life worth,
Our health, our friends, our homes.
2
Help as Thy precious gifts to take
As treasures from above,
To use them wisely for Thy sake
In deeds of kindly love.
3
With gifts to Thee we now draw near,
In Jesu’s name we ask
Thy blessing on this school we rear;
Lord smile upon our task.
4
And not alone our gifts we bring
But hearts to love Thee true;
And lips, the praise of Christ to sing,
And lives, Thy work to do.
Subsequently a large number of friends sat down to tea in a marquee erected on the site of the present chapel. By the kind permission of the deacons of the Fore Street Congregational Church, the evening meeting was held in that church, presided over by the Rev. J. G. Williams. Our own choir was in attendance and the organist was Mr. Metford Rowe (Fore Street Congregational Church organist). After the opening hymn, the Rev. H. Butler (Pastor of Fore Street Congregational church) offered prayer. Mr. J. A. Harris (Secretary) gave a report and stated that the result of the afternoon’s stonelaying ceremony amounted- to £199 17 0. The Rev. Jabez king of Bristol (Chairman of the district) gave an earnest address and the Rev. A. Hancock of Plymouth followed with a stirring address.
CHURCH STONE-LAYING CEREMONY
On the 28th July, 1910, the stone-laying ceremony of the new church took place. Rev. J. G. Williams conducted the proceedings and stones were laid by the following-Mrs. Reddy, daughter of Mr. W. H. Butler of Bristol 4 who was unable to be present owing to illness, on whose behalf she laid the first stone, Alderman F. C. Foster, Mr. F. E. Coles, Mr. W. J. Wilkins, representing East Huntspill church, Mrs. Radford (aged 92, the oldest member of the church), Capt. E. Hamblin, Mrs. G. Davey, Miss Depledge (for her uncle, Mr. W. J. Coles), Mr. C. Perrett and Mr. C. Trelease. Revs. E. D. Cornish of Manchester (Connexional Chapel Secretary) and D. J. Rounsefell of Exeter proposed and seconded a vote of thanks to the stonelayers. Tea was served in the unfinished school hall to about 140. A public meeting was held in King Street church in the evening, presided over by the Mayor (Councillor R. 0. Sully, J.P.). The meeting was addressed by the Revs. E. D. Cornish and D. J. Rounsefell. The day’s proceedings amounted to £258 9 4. Owing to the close proximity of the church stonelaying and the uncertainty as to when the school hall would be ready for occupa-tion, no official ceremony was arranged, but the premises were occupied in August, 1910.
CHURCH OPENING CEREMONY
The church was opened on the 6th April, 1911. It was a very cold day, and just as the church doors were about to be opened, it started to snow. The proceedings opened with a luncheon at 1.30 p.m., provided by the ladies of the church. There was a large and representative attendance, the school hall being well filled. The Trust Secretary (Mr. J. A. Harris) extended on behalf of the trustees a warm welcome to those present. This was acknowledged by the Rev. George Hooper of London. Other speakers were the Rev. James Bryant (Wesleyan Superintendent Minister), Rev. H. Wyatt (Baptist Church), Rev. H. Mould (Mariners’ Congregational), Rev. David Lloyd (North Petherton Congregational and Secretary of the Bridgwater and District Free Church Council), Rev. J. G. Williams and Mr. John Harris (Honorary Clerk of Works). Immediately following the luncheon, the opening ceremony took place and despite the keenness of the wind and the intermittent snowy showers, a large crowd gathered outside the front of the church to take part in the proceedings. A hymn “Great is the Lord our God” having been reverently sung, Mrs. R. A. Sanders, wife of the M.P. for the Bridgwater Division and Mrs. Joseph Butler of Bristol took up a position at the north and south doors, and at a given signal, simultaneously unlocked and opened the doors. They led the way into the church, which was speedily crowded by a thankful congregation. The impressive dedication service followed a sermon preached by the Rev. George Hooper. The tea which followed had to be taken in three or four sittings. The evening meeting was presided over by the ex-Mayor (Councillor R. 0. Sully), in the absence of the Mayor, Alderman H. W. Pollard, owing to family bereavement. Rev. J. Bryant offered prayer and the singing was led by an augmented choir, Miss Nellie Hamblin, F.R.C.O., presiding at the small organ. The Trust. Secretary’s financial statement gave the position as follows:—Balance from the late United Methodist Free Church building fund and the sale of their old chapel in St. Mary Street, £1,305, Sunday school and church stonelaying subscriptions £463, previous efforts and subscriptions handed in at the opening services £115, collectors books £2 4 0. Approximate sum expected from the sale of quotation albums £20 (this amount was actually ‘realised). Proceeds of tea £7 19 4. Connexional grant £500. Total £2,413 3 4. Leaving a debt of £1,648 16 8. The Rev. G. Hooper delivered a striking address, followed by the Rev. H. Butler (Fore Street Congregational).
DEBT REMOVAL CAMPAIGN
During the ministry of the Rev. R. E. Craddock there was a capital debt outstanding on the church and school premises and manse of £1,680. A determined effort was made to clear this debt by the end of 1918. This was very nearly accomplished, the amount outstanding being only about £280. The final payment to the Chapel Loan Fund of £7 10 0 in 1942 cleared the whole of the Trust estate of capital debt.
THE ORGAN
A small reed organ, kindly lent by Capt. E. Hamblin, led the singing for 14 months. Miss Nellie Hamblin, F.R.C.O. was appointed organist and Mr. J. A. Harris, deputy. Steps were immediately taken to procure a pipe organ and on the 15th May, 1911, Rev. J. G. Williams was asked to kindly write Mr. Andrew Carnegie with a view to obtaining a donation towards the cost. It was not until October a favourable reply was received, offering a gift of £150 on condition that the organ was opened free of debt. Mr. Frank Docksey, Mus. Bac., F.R.C.O., organist at St. Mary’s Church, Bridgwater, visited Victoria Wesleyan Church, Weston-super-Mare to inspect their organ, the Sweetland Organ Building Co., Ltd. (Bath) and Mr. George Osmond, Taunton, on behalf of the trustees. A specification was drawn up by him and tenders invited for a two manual organ with preparation for the third manual. The order was placed in February, 1912, with Mr. George Osmond at £402. The organ was opened on June 13th, 1912 by Mrs. J. B. Butler of Bristol, Mr. F. Docksey giving the recital. At a meeting of the trustees held on the 11th July, 1912, the following resolution was passed:-
“That we place on record our high appreciation of Mr. Hamblin’s devoted services in connection with the raising of the necessary funds for the purchase of the new organ.” Rev. J. S. Treweeke and Mr. C. Trelease also collected substantial sums. There were also several collectors of smaller amounts.
The income amounted to 425 10 0 and the expenditure, including structural alterations, to £425 4 2. On the 6th February, 1913, the trustees passed a resolution to the effect “That an effort be made to complete the organ by finishing the third manual at the earliest possible date.” The cost was £70 and there were £41 17 6 in hand. It was not until January 22nd, 1914 that it was decided to place the order for completing the third manual. It was opened on the 21st April, 1914, Mr. F. Docksey again giving the recital. Until the 3rd February, 1946 the organ had been hand blown, but a sum of £80 was set aside until such time as an electric blower could be obtained. The order was actually placed with Messrs. G. Osmond & Co., Ltd., of Taunton in March, 1943, but owing to the war it was not possible to obtain a suitable blower until early 1946. The cost of the installation was actually £70 12 0 The builders value the organ at the present time (1952) at £4,000 to £4,500. Miss N. Hamblin remained organist until her marriage to Mr. John Rounsefell in August, 1918, when Mr. J. A. Harris was appointed to fill the vacancy. At the some time Mr. Frank Baker was elected choir master, a position he held until his death on the 18th March, 1946. Mr. Leslie J. Godden was appointed to fill the vacancy on the 20th February, 1947. He was also appointed deputy organist on the 22nd January, 1930 and Mr. W. G. Strickland on the 13th February, 1943.
THE MANSE
In September, 1915, No. 35 Church Street was purchased for use as a minister’s residence at a cost of £400. No. 5 Monmouth Street, hitherto used as the manse, became the residence of the caretakers. The freehold of 35 Church Street was purchased early in 1920 for £89.
MONMOUTH STREET MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
The following is a list of the ministerial appointments since the church was opened on the 6th April, 1911:-
- Rev. J. G. Williams, until, August, 1911.
- Rev. H. Livesey, who only lived about a month after arriving at Bridgwater.
- Rev. J. S. Treweeke, from November, 1911 to August, 1915.
- Rev. R. E. Craddock, 1915 to 1923.
- Rev. S. L. Warne, 1923 to 1930.
- Rev. James Hopper, 1930 to 1934.
- Rev. F. Trezise, 1934 to 1937.
- Rev. W. S. Kelynack, M.A., 1937 to 1944.
- Rev. W. J. Penberthy White, a supernumary, 1944 to 1948.
- Rev. R. Douglas Ord, 1948 to 1951.
- Rev. Cecil Dawes, 1951-
CHURCH CRUSH HALL, CHURCH PARLOUR, Etc.
At a meeting of the trustees held on the 7th December, 1939, Rev. W. S. Kelynack reported the receipt of a cheque from an anonymous donor which would cover the cost of redecorating the walls and ceiling of the church, modernising the electric light system and constructing a crush hall connecting the two main entrances of the church. The Rev. W. S. Kelynack also collected sufficient money to furnish the church parlour., which the troops had used for a kitchen in which had been installed 3 gas cooking stoves and which had . since been used as a store room. Chairs were given by members of the church, Mr. Kelynack provided a piano, table, reading desk, lino, gas fire, hymn books, bibles and pictures. Mr. R. J. Jarman spent about 60 hours voluntary labour decorating the room and Mr. W. G. Strickland 9 hours fixing chair and picture rails.
OCCUPATION OF SCHOOL PREMISES BY THE MILITARY.
The military authorities took over the school premises on the 30th November, 1916 and they were derequisitioned early in 1917. They were again requisitioned in 1942 and derequisitioned in June, 1945.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The superintendent of the Methodist Free Church Sunday School in St. Mary Street was Mr. W. J. Coles and of the Bible Christian Methodist in Polden Street Mr. C. Perrett. There have been several superintendents of the Monmouth Street Sunday School, viz., Mr. S. Gingell, Mr. W. J. Drake, Mr. C. J. Shapter and Mr. J. M. Lang. Mr. Shapter resigned on the 28th July, 1938 and it was not until the 11th October, 1938 that Mr. Lang was invited to become superintendent and he did not accept until Sept-ember 1st, 1939. The school is now fully graded. There are 22 in the Beginners’ department, 26 in the Primary, 87 in the Junior and 17 in the Senior, making a toil of 152. There are 20 teachers and helpers. Apart from the classes held Sunday by Sunday other activities during the year include the following:—January, Annual Children’s Parties; March, Annual Prize Distribution and Scripture Examination; May, Concert on three evenings; June, Sunday School Anniversary; July, Sunday School Outing; September, Harvest November, Bazaar Stall and Concert; December, Toy Service. For the Annual Effort in 1951 the Sunday School raised £47 4 4. They also contributed £3 to the General Missionary Fund and 30/-to the Women’s Work (Missionary) Fund. Gifts to the Trust also include a wall clock, folding chairs and forms. Birthday cards are sent to all scholars and teachers. The energetic secretary is Mrs. Leslie Goddon and her husband is the school organist. Miss R. Davey is treasurer.
MONMOUTH STREET CIRCUIT
The Monmouth Street circuit consisted of only two churches, one at Bridgwater and one at East ,Huntspill. A new church and school were built at East Huntspill and opened on the 25th April, 1923.
AMALGAMATED CIRCUIT
Three attempts were made to amalgamate with the King Street circuit. The first two failed, but at the third attempt the voting in favour of amalgamation was unanimous in both circuits. The union of the two circuits took place in September, 1951 and appears to be working well.
OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES
A prayer and Fellowship meeting is held on Mondays at 7.30 p.m. and is usually led by the Rev. Cecil Dawes. A Junior Girl’s Club meets on Monday evenings under the leadership of Mrs. Ruby Norman and Miss Margaret Evans. On Tuesday afternoons at 3 p.m. there is a meeting of the Women’s Bright Hour. This organisation was formed in 1930 by the Rev. James Hopper with Mrs. Paul as the first President and Mrs. J. A. Harris as Secretary. Mrs. Paul retired after 21 years’ service. Mrs. Dawes is now the President. During 1951 they raised £33 12 2 for the Annual Effort. The Women’s Missionary Auxiliary (now known as Women’s Work) was commenced by Mrs. Craddock. The Secretary was Miss A. Higman and the Treasurer. Miss H. Higman. They both resigned in 1948 after 33 years devoted service. Mrs. J. A. Harris was then elected Secretary and Mrs. Andrew Treasurer. Mrs. Harris resigned on the 15th January, 1952 and Mrs. R. K. Lean Was elected to take her place. Originally the meetings were held separately, once a month, but in order to increase the interest, they were combined with the Women’s Bright Hour, a Missionary Meeting being held jointly once a month.
The Cubs and Scouts meet on Tuesday evenings. The cubs were started by Miss R. Godden and the scouts by Mr. R. K. Lean. Mr. Lean retired from the leadership a short time ago to become District Commissioner and his place was taken by Mr. R. Hayman. Miss Audrey Loveless is now cub leader.
On Wednesdays at 6.15 p.m. the Junior Christian Endeavour Society meets. The first President was Mr. J. M. Lang. Rev. C. Dawes now holds the office. The Secretary is Mrs. ‘L. Green. This Society was only formed on the 13th October, 1948.
The Senior Christian Endeavour Society meets on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. The Rev. George Reeves started a C.E. Society in 1892 at St. Mary Street Methodist Free Church. This merged with the Bible Christian Society in 1908.During the ministry of the Rev. S. L. Warne the Society lapsed for about two years, but was re-started in 1930 by the Rev. James Hopper. The President is now the Rev. C. Dawes and the Secretary Miss R. Hale.
A Youth Club started by Mr. Vernon H. May in 1945 meets on Friday evenings and after the Sunday evening service. Mrs. May is now the leader.
A monthly Messenger is produced by the Rev. C. Dawes. Copies of these are distributed by a number of voluntary workers and the results are proving very satisfactory.
The writer of this brief history hopes that it will prove of interest to all the members and friends who attend the Monmouth Street Methodist Church.