A History of Horncastle, from the earliest period to the present timeWalter, J. Conway (James Conway)
History
A History of Horncastle, from the earliest period to the present time
Walter, J. Conway (James Conway)
Horncastle (England) -- History
In May of the same year Mr. Richard Gunton, of the Lincolnshire New
Church Association, visited them, followed by Rev. John Hyde in October,
Mr. Gunton coming again in December of the same year. We may here
observe that this connection with Mr. Richard Gunton became, as will be
hereafter shewn, a most valuable asset in the Society’s favour, in more
ways than one. He took up his residence in London, first in Oseney
Crescent, Camden Road, N.W., and afterwards in Tufnell Park Road, N., but
he never lost his interest in the Horncastle branch; visiting the town
year after year, to preach or give lectures, in the Corn Exchange, on
behalf of the Society. His last visit was in October, 1896; his death
occurring on the 5th of the December following, after (as was fitly
stated) “40 years of faithful service as Superintendent Missionary,” as
well as having been Treasurer of the New Church Conference.
In 1871 Mr. Moore left Horncastle, the room in Tinker’s Entry was given
up, and the meetings were held in the house of Mr. W. Hall, where a
library was also opened for the members. Subsequently, with a view to
the erection of a suitable place of worship, Mr. Hall bought a piece of
land in Croft Street and presented it to the Society, the project being
also warmly supported by Mr. R. Gunton. A subscription list was opened,
plans and estimates obtained, and the foundation stone of a fabric was
laid, Sep. 16, 1872. The appeal for support concluded with these words:
“This will be the first house of worship constructed in the County of
Lincoln, for the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only God.” This
was signed by W. Hall, Treasurer, and Edwin Dawson, Secretary.
The Chapel was opened Jan. 29, 1873, being dedicated by the Rev. Dr.
Bayley, Minister of the Chapel in Argyle Square, London; who had given a
series of lectures in aid of the Society four years before (November,
1869) in the Corn Exchange; and, after the dedication, he again gave
addresses, which were continued by Revs. P. Ramage, R. Storry, C. H.
Wilkins, Mr. R. Gunton, and others, usually morning and evening.
We will now describe the Croft Street fabric, opened under these
favourable auspices. It consists of a square oblong, standing north and
south, 40-ft. by 20-ft.; the architect was Mr. Gosling of London, the
builder Mr. Chas. Blyton of Horncastle, the material being red and white
brick. There is accommodation for 150 persons; the cost of the structure
was £350. The fittings, which had formerly belonged to a chapel in Cross
Street, Hatton Gardens, London, were presented by Mr. William Pickstone.
At the south end there is an apsidal recess with three lancet windows,
the central one having coloured glass, with the figure of the Good
Shepherd and an inscription at the bottom stating that it was “Presented
by J. W Fishleigh and Fanny his wife, in memoriam, Feb., 1901,” being in
memory of their only daughter, who died in London, the mother having been
brought up in this connection.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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