THE CLOUGH METHODIST CHAPELS IN 1935

THE CLOUGH METHODIST CHAPELS IN 1935

Before 1935, there were two Methodist Chapels in Clough (wow! thats incredible for such a small community). One was Wesleyan, the other Primitive. However, following the national union of these two flavours of Methodism in 1932, only one chapel was needed going forward. Hence what we now call the Centenary Methodist Church was built to replace both the old chapels.

On Sunday, 7 July 1935, the last services were held in the ex-Primitive and Wesleyan chapels. The doors were ceremoniously locked by Mr. Percy Inkley and Miss Mabel Haresign respectively. It was the end of an era.

The opening ceremony for the new chapel was held on Thursday, 11 July 1935, with a good sized crowd in attendance – some of whom had travelled a great distance to be there. The ceremonial opening of the chapel door was performed by local Councillor, Mr. F.B. Chapman, of Rigbolt Hall. The Sunday School door was opened by Mr. Herbert Quarmby, O.B.E., of London. Mr. Quarmby’s father (Charles) had been the first headmaster of Clough and Risegate school, and Herbert had many happy memories of growing up in the Parish, having been born in the old school house. The chapel was packed for the dedication service inside, which was then followed by the first Christening – the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Wood. The organists were Miss Clarice Witherington and Mr. Harry Wood. After the service, tea was served in a large marquee in the grounds of the chapel.

The first reference in the local newspapers to the new chapel being referred to as the ‘Centenary’ Methodist Church occurs in February 1936. This nomenclature is a reference to the fact that the opening of the chapel in 1935 fell in the year the Primitive Methodists in Clough celebrated the centenary of the opening of their Sunday School (1835).

Clough residents were proud of their new chapel, which would serve as the centre of their community for many years to come. The building itself stands out as the most impressive in the village.

Sadly, the Centenary Methodist Church held its last service in 2024, the victim (like many other chapels today) of declining attendance.

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