Burnley Express
Saturday 02 April 1904
Opening Of A Chapel At Harle Syke
Yesterday witnessed the opening of a new Wesleyan Chapel at Harle Syke, Briercliffe, an event which many who espouse John Wesley's faith were interested. Of late years a number of Wesleyans have become settled in the district, and about a year ago, through these having become augmented by others, their thoughts became collectively turned in the direction of establishing a place of worship after their own heart in their immediate locality, for up to then some had travelled into Burnley Sunday after Sunday, whilst others, not disposed to undertake so long a journey, found temporary spiritual homes at neighbouring chapels of other denominations. These people who had a longing for a "Little Bethel" of their own, appear to have been led by a young man named Chas. Fellows, who, pending the time when they should be able to axquire better and more suitable premises, volunteered the loan of his house for the purpose of public worship. This was about a year ago. The offer od Mr. Fellows, who was formerly a scholar at the Colne-road Wesleyan Sunday School, was at once accepted. The first service which was held under what were most incommodating circumstances, was attended by 38 persons, and at the second one, which took place the same day, the number was further increased. A corner served for a rostrum, and a sewing-machine covered with a spotlessly white cover, was for the nonce turned into a readin desk. The cause prospered, land was purchased, and upon this has been placed a corrugated-iron chapel, the total cost of land and building, together with the fittings and furnishings, having been about £700. The structure has been erected by a Camberwell firm in about a month's time, somewhat quick for even a building of that character. It will seat some 220 persons. Besides the assembly hall, there are two vestries, which, by means of folding doors, can be made to supply additional accommodation for service purposes. The corrugated-iron has an interior coating of stained wood, and altogether the chapel has a comfortable and prepossessing appearance. The Colne-road Sunday School have presented their friends at the new chapel with a good American organ, and gifts also have been received from other quarters. As to funds, it was reported at a recent meeting that the sum of £200 had been promised by various supporters of the cause, and of this amount £178 has been paid in. The children who constitute the nucleus of the Sunday school, have busied themselves in the matter, and have collected about £15. In the course of a brief ceremony yesterday afternoon, the new chapel was opened by Mr. J. Howorth, J.P., who has done much for local Wesleyan Methodism. A souvenir of the occasion, in the shape of a silver key, was presented to Mr. Howorth. Afterwards the inaugural sermon was preached by the Rev. C. J. Bach, Blackburn. The ministers of the Fulledge Circuit, in which the chapel will be embraced, attended, as also did many prominent laymen from Burnley, Wheatley Lane, and other surrounding places. After the service tea was provided in the Hill Lane Institute, and at six o'clock Mr. Bach delivered another sermon.
_________________ Mel
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