Mexborough and Swinton Times November 12, 1937
New Church For Old
Wombwell Celebration Bazaar
Congregationalist Effort
Mr JJ Neville, Senior Life Deacon of the Church, lighting the 72 candles on the cake
The spirit of unity existing among the churches of Wombwell was aptly expressed at the opening on Wednesday of a two days’ bazaar In connection with the Congregational Church,
Prayers for commendation of the effort were offered by Canon J. S. Leger Blakeney, M.A., Rector of , Wombwell and Rural Dean of Wath on Dearne, while there were also on the platform the Rev. F., L. Lewis, who has charge of the Congregational Churches at Elsecar and Wombwell, the Rev. M. Robinson, of Barnsley Road Methodist Church, Wombwell and the Rev. W. Silver. of the Independent Congregational Church, Rotherham.
This circumstance evoked special comment from Mr. J. J. Neville, senior deacon of the church.
“The protestant churches of Wombwell.” he said, “are one very happy family and we are thankful for It.” (Hear, hear). “We believe in and are endeavouring to live up to the motto: In things essential—unity; in things doubtful—liberty; in all things—charity.”
The effort was organised to mark the surrender of the old church and in celebration of the commencement of the construction of a new building at a cost of over £1,000. It was aptly styled. “Ye Olde Church Farewell Bazaar.” The pews of the old church had been dismantled to make room for the well laden flower-decked stalls which stood under streaming pennants of patriotic colours, The church was most atttractively decorated. The bazaar was the last effort in the old church which, in the course of the next a few days, is to be taken over for adaptation to business purposes, and the historical significance of the event was not lost sight of. It was mentioned that the church was erected seventy years ago and that the grandparents of many of those present were in at the foundation.
Visitor From Morecambe.
On the platform in addition to those mentioned were the opener, Mr. A. E. Allott. J.P.. Mr. H. Hallsworth, J.P., chairman of the Wombwell U.D.C. and of the Wombwell Education Committee, Mr. A. J. Wroe a former deacon who had come over from Morecambe to attend the ceremony, and Mr C. Sewell. Mr. Wroe, who is now living in retirement, was superintendent and secretary of the church for thirty years. At the opening of the proceedings the pastor, the Rev. E. L. Lewis, referred to the death of Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, and the assembly stood for a moment in silent tribute.
Mr. Neville who presided, extended a hearty welcome to all who had rallied to their support. They were honoured to have with them Canon Blakeney, other ministers of the town and two worthy Justices, Messrs. Allott and Hallsworth. It was fitting that they should have with them the civic head of Wombwell. “and,” said Mr. Neville playfully. “I hope that when he comes to the stone-laying on Saturday he will put on his chain of office.” (Laughter).
Mr. Neville said it was with mixed feelings that he occupied the chair and, as they would readily understand, he was tempted to review the past and become a little reminiscent. He had been connected with that church ever since he came to Wombwell in 1888 and therefore next year they would be celebrating his jubilee. Mr. Neville said the bazaar was arranged before they launched their building scheme, but it was all the more necessary now that they had additional commitments. Accumulated deficits had caused them to have an overdraft at the bank but they were determined that before they entered into possession of their new church they would be out of debt. He thought they had already wiped out the deficit and what extra they got would go toward the big fund.
“Stranger Than Fiction:*
Mr. Neville recalled that on the occasion of the last bazaar he suggested that some of the proceeds should be devoted to fitting new windows, never dreaming at that time that they would be able to get sufficient for the old church to enable them to build a modern church In a more suitable spot, They wore all looking forward to being accommodated In a quieter and pleasanter building, much as they had oved the old church. Mr. Neville welcomed Mr. Allott as a “true friend of the church,” and one upon whom they had relied on many occasions. They were particularly grateful for the assistance he had given them In helping them to acquire the new site and making the new church possible. Mr. Neville remarked that on the new site In Summer Lane they would be In good company because they would be about as near to the Rectory as It wits possible to get.
“Farewell” To Debt.
Referring to the term “Farewell Bazaar” Mr. Allott said It might be a case of “farewell” to debt. The actual significance, however, was that it was “farewell” to the old, church. In any case he was pleased to be associated with that good work. The breaking of old associations, said Mr. Allott, would cause deep regret to many and that was easily understandable when they remembered that the parents of many of them, and the grandparents of some, loved and worshipped in that place in their day. In church life, as in business life, however, they had to move with the times and there was no doubt that Summer Lane was a better situation for a church than that noisy, busy thoroughfare. The Congregationalists of Wombwell had embarked upon a big task, but they would receive great encouragement and inspiration if they would only carry their minds back seventy years.
“To my mind.” he said, “the difficulties in those days were much greater than those you have to face to-day. Wombwell at that time was no more than a large agricultural village. I don’t consider myself an old man yet but I can remember the time when this thoroughfare was dotted on each side from end to end with farm houses. Those pioneers of the old days took their courage in their hands and erected this building, which in those days would be thought to be a very magnificent structure. If that could be accomplished at that time surely what you are attempting to-day can be more easily accomplished.” (Applause).
Dedicated Labour.
Mr Allott said there was ample evidence on the stalls that they had made a good start, and he was sure that with faith, courage and sacrifice they would achieve their object. He congratulated the Rev. E. L. Lewis on the terms of the appeal in the bazaar programme, particularly that part in which he described what was on the stalls as the “fruits of consecrated industry” and the work of organisation as “dedicated labour.” He hoped that would be borne in mind throughout the effort. Mr. Allott said he wished specially to thank their chairman, Mr. J. J. Neville He had known Mr. Neville for many years and he had always looked upon him as a stalwart of the Congregational Church. He thought he might refer to him as “the father of Congregationalism in Wombwell.” (Applause).
He had not only taken a great interest in the religious work of the township but he also had played his part in the civic administration. For many years they were associated as members of the Wombwell Urban Council, and they were still members of the oldest body in Wombwell, the Town Land Charity, from which they got their almshouses and the district nurse. The Town Land Charity was in being before Urban District Councils and Education Committees were thought of. Irrespective of party Mr. Neville always discharged his public responsibilities with ability and impartiality.
He hoped that Mr. and Mrs Neville would live long to enjoy the fruits of their labours. (Applause).
“Miracle Man.”
Referring to the “marvellous recovery” of Mr. Neville from a serious illness and to his subsequent interest In acquiring the new church, the Rev. E. L. Lewis said this might be regarded as the piece of work God had called him back to do. No one could have thrown himself more heartily into the work. It would be a glorious world if all would dedicate themselves as enthusiastically to the work of God as Mr. Neville had done.
In proposing a vote of thanks, Mr. Lowly said that in every possible way Mr. Allott had assisted them. They also welcomed the Rev. W. Silver. from the Independent Church et Rotherham.
Seconding the vote of thanks. Mr. C. Sewell paid tribute to those who had worked behind the scenes. He also mentioned the good work of Mr. W. A. P. Hoskin as secretary.
Yesterday’s proceedings were opened by the children of the Sunday School and votes of thanks were proposed and seconded by Mr. A. Butroid and Mrs. Ablett. Mr. W. Paling, M.P for the Wentworth Division, presided.