Winsham Chapel - Minutes of Meetings 1875-1899

January 1875

At the monthly meeting of the church the following persons were unanimously received into the fellowship of the church, John Samuel Prentice on profession of his faith in Christ and Harry White by letter of dismissal from the Baptist Church at Upottery. Signed Thomas M Prentice 

March 1875 

At the monthly meeting of the church, Evangeline Wyatt  was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church on her profession of faith in Christ

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

May 1876

At the monthly meeting of the church, Mary Turner was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church by letter of transfer from Venn Congregational Church.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

March 1877. 

At the monthly church meeting Mary Cox was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church on profession of her faith in Christ

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

October 1877. 

At the monthly meeting of the church the following persons were unanimously received into the fellowship of the church on profession of their faith in Christ; Amelia Trenchard, Mary Letitia Trenchard and Sarah Bishop.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

November 1878 

At the monthly church meeting the following persons were unanimously received into the fellowship of the church  Jane Aplin, William Rowe.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

July 1879 

At the monthly meeting of the church John Chick was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

August 1879 

At the monthly church meeting the following persons were received into the fellowship of the church by unanimous vote on  profession of their faith in Christ , Solomon Hutchings and Anne Barlow Prentice.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

February 1880

At the monthly meeting of the church the name of William Rowe was removed from the roll of the church in accordance with his own request.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

March 1880

At the monthly meeting of the church Frank Forsey was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church on profession of his faith in Christ.  Harriet Hutchings was received at the same meeting unanimously.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

August 1880

At the monthly meeting of the church Maurice Francis was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church on profession of his faith in Christ.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

April 1881 

At the monthly meeting of the church Mary Hutchings, on  profession of her faith in Christ,  was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church, Thurza Channing and Ellen Francis received at the same time.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

May1881 

At the monthly meeting of the church, Ellen Meech,  on  profession of her faith in Christ,  was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

June 1881 

At the monthly meeting of the church Francis  Meech,  on a letter of transfer from the Crewkerne Baptist Church being read,   was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

July 1881 

At the monthly meeting of the church Isaac Francis, on  profession of his faith in Christ,  was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

February 1882   

At the monthly meeting of the church the following young persons,  on  profession of their faith in Christ,  was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church, viz Tom Phelps, Hugh Trenchard and Tom Warren.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

August 1882.   

At the monthly meeting of the church the following persons were removed from the fellowship of the church by unanimous vote, viz John Chick for continued absences from the Lord’s table, Hugh Trenchard and Tom Warren for irregularity of conduct.

Signed Thomas M Prentice

 

September 1882. 

At a special meeting of the church the pastor intimated that, in consequence of his having received a very hearty and unanimous invitation to the secretary ship of Tettenhall College, and the pastorate of Tettenhall Wood Congregational Church, he should resign the pastorate of the Winsham Congregational Church on the second Lord’s Day in November.  The intimation was received with deep feelings of regret, several of the brethren gave expression to the sorrow with which they heard the tidings, Isaac Francis, Joseph Wellman, Richard Franks and Francis Meech spoke very feelingly on the subject.

Signed, Thomas M Prentice

 

October 8th 1882 

At a meeting of the church specially summoned Miss Amelia Trenchard was at her request transferred to the Congregational church, Richmond.  Mrs Raison was received most unanimously in the fellowship of the church on a letter of transfer being made from the Wesleyan Church, Swindon.  The Pastor mentioned that Mary Bishop and Charlotte Franks were desirous of becoming members of the church and that his belief was that they were fit and proper persons for occupying that position, Mrs Francis and Mrs Meech were appointed to visit the former and Mrs Prentice and Fanny Forsey the latter.  It was proposed by Mr Francis, seconded by Mr Franks and unanimously carried, that as the pastor would shortly leaving for a new sphere they should have a farewell service to take the form of a public tea and public meeting.

The following were named as a committee to carry the foregoing resolution into effect, Messrs Francis, Franks, Rowe, Meech, White, Hutchings and Prentice, the Mrs Francis, Meech, Forsey and Miss Trenchard.

Signed, Thomas M Prentice

 

October 29th 1882 

At the monthly meeting of the church it was thought wise to let the case of Mary Bishop stand over for a little longer, Charlotte Franks on profession of her faith in Christ was unanimously received into the fellowship of the church, the following members were unanimously dismissed to other churches, John Samuel Prentice to the Congregational church in Chard, Jane Rebecca Prentice, Susie Prentice and Anne Barlow Prentice, to the Congregational Church at Tettenhall Wood, Staffordshire.  Mrs Franks, Mrs Raison and Mrs Wyatt were added to the committee for carrying the resolution, as to a valedictory service, into effect.

The minutes of the previous were read and confirmed.

Signed

 

 

Dec 3rd 1882

At a special Church Meeting it was resolved to invite the Revd Alfred Griffin of Bath to undertake the Pastorate of the Church.

 

Dec 31st 1882

A letter from the Revd A Griffin was read to the church accepting the invitation sent in accordance with the resolution of Dec 3rd.

 

January 7th 1883

The Rev A Griffin commenced his labours at Winsham this day.  After the Morning service the Lords Super was celebrated.

“O Lord, we beseech thee, send now prosperity.”

 

October 7th 1883

After the observance of the Lords Supper this day a church meeting was held; at which John Chick a former member was proposed for Church Fellowship.  he was unanimously received.

 

Feb 3rd 1884. 

After the celebration of the Lords Supper this morning a Church Meeting was held: at which Joseph Wellman proposed Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowditch for Church Fellowship.  Isaac Francis was requested to visit her, and report the result of his visit at the next Church Meeting.

 

Feb 28th 1884

At a Church meeting held this evening Elizabeth Bowditch was unanimously received as a member of this Church.

 

April 3rd 1884. 

A Church Meeting was held after the service this evening. Mary Bishop was proposed for Church Fellowship: and as she was so well known by the members and her Christian character unquestioned she was at once admitted as a member of this church.

 

August 28th 1884.

A Church Members’ Tea Meeting was held this evening at the close of which several of the Members spoke.  It was a very enjoyable and profitable Meeting.

 

April 5th 1885

At the conclusion of the Communion Service this morning Miss Amelia Trenchard a former Member was readmitted into this church by dismassal from the church at Richmond.

 

July 2nd 1885.

A Church Meeting was held this evening.  Mrs Ann Singleton was proposed as a member of this church.  The testimony of two members Joseph Wellman & Richard Franks being most satisfactory she was at once unanimously admitted to the fellowship of the church.

 

July 29th 1886. 

A Church Meeting was held this evening.  Miss Elizabeth White of Forde Abbey Thorncombe, formerly a member of the Baptist Church at Honiton was proposed for Church fellowship, and was at once unanimously received.  Mr Tom Philps was also unanimously readmitted to the fellowship of this Church, he being very desirous of again taking his place amongst us.

 

September 2 1886

A Church Meeting was held after the service this evening.

Mrs Sarah Hussey was proposed as a Member of this Church, and as the testimony of her Christian character was so satisfactory she was at once unanimously received into our fellowship.

 

October 3rd 1886. 

A Church Meeting was held after the Communion service this morning at which Miss Annie Wyatt of Berechapel  was proposed as a member of our church.  Mrs Griffin was requested to visit her.

 

November 4th 1886. 

At a Church Meeting held this evening Miss Annie Wyatt was unanimously received into the fellowship of this Church.

 

Dec 30th 1886

Mr James Harry Purse was proposed for fellowship of this church this evening.

Mr Rowe was requested to visit him and report at the next Church Meeting.

 

Feb 3rd 1887

Mr James Harry Purse was received into our fellowship at a Church Meeting held this evening.

 

May 31st 1888

Miss Woodley was admitted a Member of this Church at a Church meeting held this evening after the service.

 

Oct 4th 1888. 

Mr & Mrs Buckler late of the church at Chard wish to be associated with us in Church Fellowship.  We very cordially welcome them.

 

June 4th 1891. 

At a Church Meeting held this evening Mrs Henry Rowe was proposed as a Member of this Church and was unanimously received into its fellowship.

 

April 3rd 1892. 

Mr Griffin brought his Pastorate to a close this evening.   years he has laboured among the people at winsham.  God grant thee increase!

 

November 1892. 

Rev J Hall commenced his work as pastor.

 

December 1892. 

Mr & Mrs Beavis & Mr & Mrs Marks were received into church fellowship.

 

January 6th 1893. 

At a special church meeting the financial accts of the past year were submitted, and application made to the Church Aid Society for a grant.

 

November 1893. 

Mr & Mrs Ingram were received into Church fellowship.

 

January 4th 1894.

The financial accts for the previous year were submitted at a church meeting, and the usual application for grant made to the Church Aid Society.

At the close of the year 1893 oil stoves were obtained for heating the chapel.

 

Dec 23rd 1893

Rev J Hall closed this day his brief ministry.  May God grant that it has been a soul searching & soul saving ministry!

 

At A Church Meeting held on Thursday July 4th (1895?) the minutes of previous meeting read & confirmed.  Mrs Johnson of Church Street & Mr Fred Wm King were admitted into fellowship.  Repair of Chaple roof considered, decided it must be done at once.  Mr Marks to get the estimate at once, to be done before the winter.  Letter from Rev L Thomas re Church Aid Fund.  To stand over untill next meeting untill the Rev G W Joyce had been communicated with.  Committee selected for Tea at Welcome Services.  Committee Mr Marks Misses Marks, Ingram, Bevis & Hussey were appointed.

                  Signed Fred Wm King

 

Aug 2nd 1895

Meeting of Church re – Repairing of roof of church.  Grinsteads Estimate accepted for the sum of £7.15.0.  Proposed by Mr Rowe Sec Mr Bevis (after Mr Mark had explained our financial position) that Mr Dunscombe be asked to send in estimate for new Gates to Chapel Yard, painting railings painting & graining Chapel Doors & Windows, Proposed Mr Marks Sec Mr Bevis that we have our Harvest Festival on Sep 12th and accept the offer of the Rev E J Dukes of Bridgwater to preach the Sermon.  Proceeds to be put towards the painting etc.

Signed F W King

 

At a Church Meeting held on August 28th 1895 The minutes of the previous meeting was read & adopted.  Mr Marks was appointed to see Mr Dunscombe as to where he would be able to proceed with the work if not to see Clark of Stoney Knapps about estimate.  Propd & Secd that Mr Marks Mr Rowe Mr Hutchings & Mr Cumbleton be put on the Committee for the Evangelist Society.

Mr & Mrs Cumbleton,& Miss E Bowditch were proposed as members of the Church & were noted upon, which was unanimous.

                  Signed F W King

 

At the close of the Communion Service on Nov 3rd 1895 Mr King brought forward a motion to alter the time of Sunday Mornings Service from 10.30 to 11 oclock which was carried unanimous.

Signed F W King

 

At the Communion Service Dec 1st 1895

Mr Marks Proposed that we collect subscriptions towards presenting our Organist Willie Wareham with a testimonial.  Mr Rowe seconded and it was carried unanimously.  Mr Marks kindly offered to get the necessary indispensable.

Signed F W King

 

At our Communion Service on Sunday Dec 6th 1896 it was proposed by Mr Rowe & seconded by Mr Bevis that 2 collections per year be taken up towards the poor & needy of the village.  The 1st collection to be taken the Sunday before Christmas and the other at Midsummer.  This was carried.

Signed F W King

 

At a Church Meeting held on August 12th 1897 it was pro by Mrs Cumbleton Sec Mr Rowe that a regular Church Meeting be held Quarterly (instead of monthly) on the last Thursdays of March, June, Sept & Dec.  This was carried unanimous.

Pros Mr Bevis Sec Mr Hutchings that the Harvest Thanksgiving Service be held the last Sunday in Sept 26th and the sale of fruit & vegetables to be held one day in the following week as can be arranged Mr King to try and get a preacher for the Sunday if possible & arrange week meeting.

Pros Mrs Hussey Sec Mrs Cumbleton that we arrange for Chapel anniversary 1st or 2nd week in November.  Write Mr Maddiford re preaching.

Pros Mrs Johnson sec Mr Bevis that the proceeds of the sale of fruit & vegetables at the Harvest Thanksgiving be given to the poor & needy fund.

      Signed F W King

 

Church Meeting held Oct 7th 1897 proposed the 210th Anniversary Services be held on Nov 14th 1897 & Mission Services be held throughout the week.  Proposed to begin Cottage Services at Shoebuck.

The election of Deacons then took place when Mr Hy Rowe & Mr C Cumbleton were elected.

Amount of proceeds of sale of fruits & vegetables was ordered to be recorded which amounted to £2. 10. 8½.

Signed F W King

 

Renovation of Church

1898 November.  It was decided that an effort should be made to renovate the Chapel which had fallen into as very serious condition, the floors & gallery being in a very unsafe condition.  A Committee was formed consisting of the following.

Messrs John Prentice, Sanders, Gibbs & Rowe, I Crook & the Revs F J Hyde of Chard.  Dukes of Ilminster & Mr F W King the resident pastor.  At the after meeting subscriptions were promised to the amount of £73. 0. 0. including £20 from Hugh Trenchard Esq Enfield, John Prentice Esq Ilminster, also 10 pounds from Herbert Trenchard Esq and 5 pounds from Mr John Crook.

Early in the year 1899 tenders were invited & the tender of Bowerman & Son of Ilminster was accepted for £190.  Symes & Madge of Chard architects.

The ceiling was panelled over the old reed & plaster.  Old pews, pulpit & etc removed & the whole interior renewed.

July 27th 1899 was the date of opening.

In the afternoon at 3.30 a Sermon was preached by the Rev Urijah Thomas of Bristol (Ex Chairman of the Congregational Union of England & Wales).  Tea was provided at 5 o’clock when nearly 200 people from the following places took tea.  Ilminster, Chard, Axminster, Hawkchurch & Nether Hay.  At 6.30 a public meeting was held.  Hugh Trenchard Esq of Enfield London in the chair.  Addresses were delivered by Messrs J Prentice, Gibbs, Crook & Rowe and the Revs U Thomas, FJ Hyde and the resident pastor F W King . The collection for the day amounted to £10. 7. 1.  The contractor was handed a cheque for £100. 0. 0. at the opening & the remainder with the architects charges of 10 pounds were paid at a committee meeting held at Chard, Friday Oct 6th 1899.  At the time of renovation new lamps were also bought for the chapel.  The total cost of renovation being £220.

            Signed F W King

Rev F W King closed his ministry on Nov 27th 1899 after 4½ years of happy ministry.

 

On Friday Dec 1st 1899 I met by appointment the following gentlemen in the vestry at Pauls Meeting Chapel, Taunton, vis

Rev G W Joyce, Secty of Evangelist Socty, Somerset

Rev W Wilkinson, Pastor Pauls Meeting Church

Rev Coleman

A Goodman, Treasurer of Evangelist Society.

Mr Joyce had invited me here for the purpose of formerly appointing me to the work at Winsham near Chard.

My papers and letter being satisfactory I was engaged and requested to commence work on Sunday 7th Jan. 1900.

 

Thursday Jan 4th we arrived at Winsham.  The Manse had been prepared for us.

Mr Crook, Mr Beviss and Mrs Johnson received us.

 

Click HERE to return to Chapel Index