Skegness Magazine

INTERESTING REVIEW BY THE REV. W. G. FIELDER
STORY WHICH COVERS 102 YEARS
An interesting review of the history of Primitive Methodism in Skegness and District, from the pen of the Rev. W. G. Fielder, appears in the attractive handbook which was issued by the Roman Bank Methodists in connection with the successful three days’ Persian Market. Mr. Fielder writes:
Primitive Methodism was first introduced into Skegness by the Rev. John Stamp and his wife, who were commissioned by the Hull District Synod of 1834 to mission the coast of Lincolnshire.
In “Kendall’s History of Primitive Methodism.” (Vol. 1, page 452), the following extract from the Connexional Magazine for 1839 appears:

“Since we have laboured in this (the Louth) Circuit, we have built sixteen Chapels—and have an increase of twenty-five Local Preachers and four hundred and sixteen members.” (Signed) J. Stamp.
Many of the ex-Primitive Methodist Chapels in this area were the direct outcome of Stamp’s ministry, and are included in the “sixteen” to which he refers. Mablethorpe, Trusthorpe, Hogsthorpe, Irby, Chapel St. Leonards, Wainfleet Bank, and the old Seathorne, or as it was then called, Skegness Bank Chapel, all were the fruit of Stamp’s labours, and all were built in the year 1836.

THE OLD BANK CHAPEL
In the early days the Primitive Methodists who lived in Skegness attended the old “Bank Chapel” **(the old building still stands by the roadside and is now used as a cafe). Slowly their numbers grew, and this led them to seek local accommodation.
The first Primitive Methodist Service to be held in Skegness proper was conducted in what was then known as “Ward’s Tea Rooms,” in High Street, the premises being known at the present time (1934) as Smith’s Arcade.
The opening services were held on the first Sunday in October, 1879. The afternoon Service, timed for 2 p.m., was conducted by Mr. Billy Allison, who had walked from Mablethorpe for the occasion, and the Evening Service at 6 p.m. by the Rev. J. A. Wales, the second Minister of the newly formed Alford Circuit.
Two years dater, on October 16th, 1881, the first Skegness Primitive Methodist Chapel was built on the Roman Bank (almost opposite the present Church) at a cost of £327. For eighteen years this was the home of our people. Those who were privileged to worship there still declare it to have been “the prettiest Chapel for miles around.”

PRESENT CHURCH BUILT IN 1899
We now come to the year 1899, when the Society had outgrown its accommodation. The old Chapel was sold, and converted into three dwelling houses, and on the opposite side of the road the present Chapel and School buildings were erected at a cost of £2,070. The “Skegness Herald” of April 14th, 1899 reports: “The new and commodious Chapel and School which has been erected on the Roman Bank, were opened on Thursday afternoon, April 13th, by Mrs. E. Handsley, of London. The proceedings commenced at 2 p.m. when a procession formed, at the east end of Lumley Road, proceeded to the buildings. The Rev. F. J. Morgan presented to Mrs. Handsley the gold key with which she unlocked the door and then declared the building “Opened for Worship.” A large congregation assembled for the opening service. The opening hymn was: ‘Behold Thy Temple, God of Grace – The House that we have reared for Thee.’ and after prayer was offered by the resident Baptist Minister (Rev. G. Goodchild), a sermon was preached by the Rev. John Smith, President of the Conference.”
Seven years later the present organ was installed, the opening being fixed for May 13th, 1906.
Shortly after this the Skegness Circuit was formed, with the Roman Bank Church as its head.

CHURCH PARLOUR STONE LAYING
November 22nd, 1923, will be remembered as the day on which the Foundation Stones were laid for the Church Parlour. This additional building was opened on Thursday, February 27th, 1924. The “Skegness News” dated March 5th, 1924, reports: “Thursday last was a red letter day in the annals of Skegness Primitive Methodism. In the afternoon, Mrs. Pattinson, the wife of the Member of Parliament for the Horncastle Division opened the new Church Parlour, and after a sermon by the Rev. J. P. Hill, of Sutton- on – Sea, in the Chapel, Capt. Jessap, M.B.E., in a sympathetic and moving address, unveiled the Memorial to the nine members of the congregation who gave their lives in the Great War. A well attended tea followed, and in the evening a Public Meeting was held in the Chapel, presided over by Sir Thos. Robinson, J.P., and addressed by the Rev. J. P. Hill, Mr. C. K. Watkinson and others.”

COMING OF THE UNION
With the coming of Methodist Union in September,, 1932, the local Primitive Methodists proudly took their stand with other sections of Methodism, that there might be formed the great Methodist Church. Circuit Amalgamations followed in 1933, when the ex-Wesleyan Skegness and Wainfleet Circuit, the ex-Primitive Methodist Skegness Circuit, and the ex-Primitive Methodist Leake Circut joined hands to form the present Skegness and Wainflfleet Methodist Circuit, the Roman Bank Church occupying second place on the Circuit Plan.
Our history as a Church in Skegness has been chequered, but through all the years of its continuance, loyal souls have striven and prayed for its prosperity, and for the establishment of the Kingdom of God, and to-day.
“And trust Him for all that’s to come.”
“We thank Him for all that’s past.
In concluding, Mr. Fielder adds a footnote of thanks to Mr. C.  Major, proprietor of the “Skegness News,” for placing at his disposal the files of the “Skegness News” and its local predecessor, the “Skegness Herald,” in connection with the compilation of the foregoing survey of local Primitive Methodism.

Source: Skegness News, 18th March, 1936.

** Don’t forget this article appeared in a 1936 newspaper and the building no longer exists.