Primitive Methodist Chapel

Hull District Synod,

1911.

TO THE DELEGATES AND VISITORS.

In doing anything which is customary, an act may or may not be formal in its manner as also in its "acceptance. As Officials, Members and Adherents of our Churches in the Pocklington Circuit, we assure you that our welcome is in no sense formal but sincere and hearty. ) It is twelve years since you were last welcomed to this old Market Town; then as now, a sight of Gothic architecture either ''perpendicular " or " decorated," could not be promised you. However, what the town lacks in artistic design, is more than compensated for by its bracing atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. It is of the Circuit, however, we must speak, and this, to loyal Primitive Methodists, is of interest in more ways than one. It is—next to Hull —the oldest Circuit in the Hull district and was---according to Herod's " Sketches"---first missioned in the early part of May, 1819, by Sarah Harrison, followed in her work a few month's later by William Clowes who preached in the Market Place to "a vast multitude " from the stepping stone of the Black Swan public house. It is unnecessary, perhaps, to remind you that it was from Pocklington Circuit Johnny Oxtoby ---"Praying Johnny " --- entered the ministry and whose mortal remains are laid to rest in Warter Churchyard; a few miles from the Church where you will deliberate upon the work he loved so well and where you will scheme for its future extension. The Pocklington Circuit was formed in 1821 and had as its first ministers T. Jackson (1), Ann Armstrong, M. Martell. Before the end of the year these were joined by a young man who was destined to make his " mark " in the ministry of our beloved Church ; his name was William Sanderson.

It remains for us only to make mention of our Market Weighton Church (photo of New Building here given). Our cause in this town was opened by William Clowes himself on May 27th, 1819. Of this visit he says :- " I preached in the Market Place to a well behaved people who were very courteous and friendly in their conduct towards me. The good work of God broke out at Market Weighton and a lovely Society was formed and the cause still progresses."

The first meetings were held in a cottage, afterwards converted into a model lodging-house and now known—we are told —as the " Ranter chapel model lodging house." Of our Church here—in its new home — we have the brightest hopes. Finally, it is to this historic Circuit we welcome you in the name of our Common Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We are, yours in His Service,

WILLIAM H. MAXWELL. ..........} MINISTERS.
WILLIAM ARMSTRONG,..........}

JOHN T. EVERINGHAM,......... } CIRCUIT
THOMAS SIMPSON, ..............} STEWARDS.