The story of the early years of Methodism is much the same whether it is about Chorlton, Didsbury or here in this case in Furness Vale from David Easton who is a memberof the successful Furness Vale History Society.*
John Wesley was a frequent visitor to towns such as New Mills, Chinley and Chapel-en-le-Frith. His journal records that between 1745 and 1788 he preached on a number of occasions, often having travelled over from Macclesfield.
It is known that Wesley preached a sermon at Waterside, the little hamlet by the River Goyt just across the water from Furness Vale. There is a stile by Waterside cottage where he is said to have stood to address his congregation.
Methodism was first established in Furness Vale in 1812 and without a chapel or mission, it is probable that worshippers met in peoples’ homes.
The row of three cottages at 30 to 34 Yeardsley Lane was built in 1822 and one was rented to the Methodists for £5 per annum to become the village's first mission hall.
In addition to worship, it provided a Sunday School, teaching not only scripture but also the "three R's."
On weekday evenings, adult literacy classes were held.
As the village population and attendance grew, there came a need for a purpose built chapel and this opened in 1840.
The centenary of Furness Vale Methodists was celebrated in 1912 and on that occasion, a commemorative cup was produced.
One of these has just been donated to the History Society by Beth Kucera, an antique dealer from Wisconsin, USA who came across it when on a buying trip some years ago.
The Methodists did not reach their bicentenary.
A reduced membership could not afford essential alterations to the chapel and it closed about ten years ago.
The building was converted to apartments which have never been popular.
The cottage on Yeardsley Lane became in 1840, a private house.
The row eventually came to be owned by Miss Webb who is seen at the door of number 32 and whose guests have arrived by car. Number 34, the original mission is now my home, the smallest dwelling in the village.
Furness Vale History Society meets regularly, and their newsletter can be obtained from the link below.
© David Easton
Pictures; from the collection of Furness Vale History Society
*FURNESS VALE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY, http://furnesshistory.blogspot.co.uk/
It is known that Wesley preached a sermon at Waterside, the little hamlet by the River Goyt just across the water from Furness Vale. There is a stile by Waterside cottage where he is said to have stood to address his congregation.
Methodism was first established in Furness Vale in 1812 and without a chapel or mission, it is probable that worshippers met in peoples’ homes.
The row of three cottages at 30 to 34 Yeardsley Lane was built in 1822 and one was rented to the Methodists for £5 per annum to become the village's first mission hall.
In addition to worship, it provided a Sunday School, teaching not only scripture but also the "three R's."
As the village population and attendance grew, there came a need for a purpose built chapel and this opened in 1840.
The centenary of Furness Vale Methodists was celebrated in 1912 and on that occasion, a commemorative cup was produced.
One of these has just been donated to the History Society by Beth Kucera, an antique dealer from Wisconsin, USA who came across it when on a buying trip some years ago.
The Methodists did not reach their bicentenary.
A reduced membership could not afford essential alterations to the chapel and it closed about ten years ago.
The building was converted to apartments which have never been popular.
The cottage on Yeardsley Lane became in 1840, a private house.
The row eventually came to be owned by Miss Webb who is seen at the door of number 32 and whose guests have arrived by car. Number 34, the original mission is now my home, the smallest dwelling in the village.
Furness Vale History Society meets regularly, and their newsletter can be obtained from the link below.
© David Easton
Pictures; from the collection of Furness Vale History Society
*FURNESS VALE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY, http://furnesshistory.blogspot.co.uk/
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