Photo-a-Day  (Sunday, 22nd October, 2023)

That’s built on where I last lived in Aspull Dennis School Close.My first house £600 whilst working at the Bakery (Harvey’s)1968 cheers Dennis, I was up early ready for riding and just cancelled due to rain.

Until I scrolled down I thought it was someone's house! What a neat and tidy-looking building. In these days of churches closing down in rapid succession it seems strange to see an obviously new one. I hope it is well patronised and wish its communicants well.

I remember the old one - central pulpit, choir to the right ( strong vocal ladies) and an array of lay preachers who usually spoke well.
I wasn't a Methodist but went to the youth club and for a while played in their football team - other teams in the league were Whelley Legion, Hindley Borstal, Rose Bridge. This was the mid 60s. Billy Hindley was the manager.

It’s a lovely building. It must be well attended to have a new church built. I have always found Methodists to be very welcoming and friendly. I imagine it will be well used for the various groups meetings.

From what I was told when I joined the Board of the former Grosvenor Housing Association, the new church building was part of a deal with the Methodist Church for the redevelopment of the site of their former church buildings for social housing.

All the Methodist Chapels & Churches that I see are neat & well cared for, even the very small ones with small congregations.
The one in the photo may be more modern but it follows the same trend. A very neat building cared for by its people.

You are right Veronica. I was christened Methodist as Mr. Stoneley at Ince Parish refused to christen me....I have since been told if you were one of the wealthier families in Ince your children had no problem being christened! Anyway, My Mam asked Rose Bridge Methodists if they would christen me and apparently I was welcomed with open arms. I attended the Sunday School there and once when I was late I explained it was because my Mam wasn't well and they sent out for a bunch of flowers for her, and when I was in hospital for two weeks when my son was born, a Methodist minister came round Billinge hospital and visited those mums who had given their religion as Methodist. I like their practical, hands-on approach. As you say, the building is lovely and will probably lends itself to a variety of meetings and other gatherings as well as worship which will help to keep it in use.

I was brought up a Methodist and went to as was called The Top Chapel in New Springs. The Bottom Chapel was just a bit further down the road. I remember them showing films on a screen and it was the highlight of the week, before anybody had a TV. There must have been a lot of Methodists in New Springs to have two chapels. The people at The Top Chapel were the nicest people you could meet. I particularly remember the Churchhills who lived in Bolney Street. Of course they are both churches demolished and houses built onthe land.

Kath H, the wall in front of the bottom chapel is still there, but the the chapel itself is now a private house.

My brothers and I all attended the old Methodist school from the age of five. the teacher when I started was Mrs Dickson and she played the piano for morning assembly. the sight of her banging out the hymns with fervent gusto as stayed with me ever since.
Many years later my brother Ken, who was a Ships engineer, was killed at sea. Mrs Dickson wrote to my mother saying how she remembered us all and how sad she was at hearing the news.
I know how touched my mother was that she still remembered him after all that time.

I don't think Mr.Stoneley was only awkward with people he perceived to be 'less well off',I believe he could be really contrary if your 'face didn't fit'.

It’s hard to believe a child being refused Baptism. I’ve heard of some poor souls not being permitted a requiem ! One instance because of the music chosen at the end!!! (I don’t know what that choice was!) it would be interesting to know though…perhaps the Flight of the Valkyries..who knows but they did manage to find a church which was sympathetic.

Veronica, I won't go into detail but the banning of the choice of a certain song at my husband's friend's funeral at my local church in Abram was ridiculous!

It's actually against Canon Law for a Vicar to refuse Baptism. That doesn't stop some, however.
When I've been researching families in Higher Ince I've sometimes found marriages there - but not subsequent Baptisms. I've assumed the couples had children Baptised at Chapels nearer their homes for convenience sake - but perhaps Christ Church had a history of uncooperative Clergy....
As for music for Funerals - if it's in a church, it seems reasonable to insist that Christian hymns are sung - though I've got into trouble for saying that it might be better to choose hymns everyone can join in with, rather than an obscure one (ie one I have never heard of - as I usually have to lead the hymn singing!) which might lead to an embarrassed silence. And for music to enter and leave the church - most people expect it to be respectful even if it is secular.

Thankyou Rev. David. Rev. Stoneley had a reputation for being fussy over who he baptised. I won't go into detail but to my mind the song that was allowed when my husband's friend was carried into church was more disrespectful than the one that wasn't allowed. I personally prefer traditional hymns than modern songs but times have changed and I know families' requests have to be respected, particularly if the deceased person has expressed a preference on the music to be played.

It depends where the funeral is I suppose Irene. If it’s at the Crematorium and after the church service - anything goes music wise. I went to a nurse’s funeral who I had worked with and the song “She” was played as she was brought in and it was quite touching. Usually it’s a song that means something to husband and wife. I couldn’t have imagined that played in Church though.

Thanks Dennis. I’ve driven past hundreds of times and never noticed that, but you see a lot more when you are on foot. Will have a proper look when we ride past tomorrow.