Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 11 November 1932

Mrs. Lindsey Moore.

The fifth anniversary of the pastorate of Mrs. A. Lindsey Moore is to be celebrated at the Cortonwood Methodist Mision Hall this week-end.

“It has been a year of great experience,” says Mrs. Moore, “and we are grateful not only for the way the work has been maintained, but because there has been very definite progress. The grace that availed to save has now revealed its efficiency to expand and develop.”

The death of the Rev. Samuel Chadwick, of Cliff College, east a shadow over the usually radiant atmosphere of the Mission Hall at Cortonwood, but hearts will he revived again by the presence at the anniversary celebrations of the Rev. F. L. Wiseman, ono of the great Methodist figures at present.

The success of the work at Cortonwood Mission hall is an example of the triumph of spiritual force over industrial hardship. Mrs. Moore says:

The mining industry has hit on evil days and never have we had such trade depression to test our spirits. Our people have endured hardships and made sacrifices of which they alone know. To maintain a home on the wages of two days work in a week, and yet to attend worship, is not an easy thing. It requires grace and grit, patience and faith. Through all our people have been splendidly loyal and have steadfastly refused to be discouraged. But this hoe not been accomplished without severe trial.

She writes: There have been dreary valleys. The terrible thing about poverty is not that it starves the body but that it clouds the spirit, warps the outlook, has a tendency to blight faith and kill hope; but in the midst of the valley there has been a fountain offering bright, refreshing worship, stimulating fellowship and joy.

In a proclamation of thankfulness regarding the work in the various depths of mission organisation she writes joyfully of the richness of the spirit that permeates the young people’s “group.” the binding force of the guide movement, the intelligent and efficient service of the Sunday School preparation class, the warming influence of the prayer and class meetings, the vigorous power of the men’s meetings and the edifying spirit which pervades the guild.

She tells how delicate women burdened with ailing children, and bowed low by penury, have found peace and satisfaction in the comradeship of the church.