View of Chapel
Another View of Chapel
SATURDAY, 24th MARCH 1962 PUBLIC TEA at 4.45 p.m. CENTENARY RALLY Friends of Black Bourton Chapel will bring greetings and give short addresses
Thomas Russell brought Primitive Methodism to Faringdon when he visited
the town in 1832, and the Faringdon Circuit was formed in 1836, with
the Rev. H. Heys and the Rev. W. Peaceful as the first ministers. In
addition to Russell, G Price and T. Cummin had also been traveling
preachers. Those men had no chapels to preach in but travelled the
villages, preaching in the open air and eventually finding cottages
where meetings could be held In 1838, J. Coxhead and mercy Burden
joined the staff of the Circuit and it was in this year that the
Society was first formed in Blackbourton. Other early ministers were
Thomas \Williams, William Harvey, Thomas Burgess and George Wallis
The man who first gave hospitality to the Preachers was John Maisey,
who’s life story appears below - This was in 1838 and the names on the
first Class Book are John Maisey, Eleanor Maisev, Ann Harris and John
Hedington. The last soon left and Ann Hams soon removed, Black Burton
was first put on the Faringdon Circuit Plan in 1839 when there was one
service at 2pm . The membership increased to seven in 1843 and to 17 in
1844. Names were added to the list after special missions and after one
or two attendances at class meetings. Here is a list of names on the
Class Book of 1849 John Maisev, Eleanor Maisey, James Musty, William
Adams. Sarah Hedges, John Harris, Ann Harris, Charlotte Cockhead, Mary
Wearing Martha Maisev, William Holtharn, Maria Holtham, Elizabeth
Clarke, Eliz. Rouse, Rachel Gunn, Rhoda Mills, Mary Hedges, Richard
Silman, Ann Wearing, Charles Silman, Henry Elbrow, Sarah Acres, William
Gelev, John Monk, John Wearing, James Lovesey, Elizabeth Cockhead. Some
of these were on trial and never came to full membership. This was the
largest number of names ever recorded in the Class Books. The following account appeared in the Primitive Methodist Magazine Per 1832 concerning John Maisey
He was born in thee parish of Alvescote in the County of Oxford on
January 6th, 1781, His parents being ungodly, he was in his youth so
suffered to pursue the way of sin and death unrestrained, and he
unhappily became a drunkard and a profane swearer. When young he went
to live at Burford with a family who were members of the Society of
Friends, and his master reproved him for his conduct. he left his
situation because of this and enlisted as a soldier but he remembered
his reproof While in Ireland he was brought to God under the Wesleyan
Methodists but never joined that Society. On his discharge in 1814 he
returned to his native village and then settled at Black Bourton, where
he- began business as a gardener. He married in 1822. Later, the
Primitive Methodists came to Black Bourton ad Brother Maisey attended
their ministry, and when a Society was formed he became one of its
first members and exerted himself in the support of its interest.
He subsequently built a room which was licensed for the worship of God
and has ever since been occupied by our Society without remuneration He
also became a Local Preacher and walked long journeys to his
appointments and was well received wherever he went_ For the last eight
or nine years he could only take appointments near his home. His
contacts with the world brought the opinion that he was a good man and
a Christian, At the end he became more and more spiritual and Christ
was all in all to him. He died on June loth, 1850, in the 70th year of
his age. So, for 12 years John Maisey was the mainstay of the
Black Bourton cause, but at his death leadership passed into the hands
of J. Monk and J. Harris. We do not know how long the Society was able
to use Maisey’s room for services, but there is no reference to another
place until December, 1860, ten years after Maisey’s death A document
in the Circuit safe is a certificate recording that - a certain
building occupied by Richard Silman and near the Parish Church will
accordingly be forthwith used as a place of meeting for religious
worship by the Primitive Methodists”. This place was used for two years
until the new chapel was built.
On October 1st, 1861, an agreement was signed between-George Yeatman on
the one hand and John Harris, Joseph Clarke, Richard Silman, George
Clack, Charles Cooper, Obadiah Cooper, John Monk, James Clack and
Charles Silman on the other. These men were the first trustees of the
chapel and George Yeatman sold them the land for -5. The land on
which the chapel was built was originally waste land but was enclosed
by George Yeatman in 1820 with the sanction of the Trustees of the
Farmgdon and Bur-ford Turnpike Roads. As he had had undisputed
possession of the land for 40 years. no one questioned his right to
sell. Haines, the Faringdon solicitor, made up the Indenture and
Conveyance which George Yeatman signed with a cross, as also did
Richard Silman, Charles Silman, George Clack and James Clack, which
suggests that they could not write. Reference is made in the
deed to the first Primitive Methodist Deed Poll of 1830, also, it
states that if there is any money surplus to the needs of the chapel
the money shall be applied to aid the funds of other chapels belonging
to the said P.M. connexion in such a manner as the Quarter Day Board
shall appoint. The same method of disposing of money is referred to if
the chapel should be sold. The Rev. John Wright, the
superintendent minister at Faringdon, presided over a meeting of the
above Trustees at Black Bourton on 9th October, 1861, It was decided to
build the Chapel 36 feet by l8 feet 6 inches, the Chapel to be 24 feet
long and the Schoolroom 12 feet. A minute asked Mr. Wright to write to
the Building Committee of the Church and provide for the Trustees to ‘.
. . draw out and send specifications, receive tenders and let work, and
borrow money - . - that we will raise one¬third of the expenses
according to rule and will let the sittings at 6d. per Quarter The
minister acted as Treasurer and John Monk as Secretary. The
total cost of the building Was £183- 10-9 ½ of which £73-14-1 ¼ was
raised by the first audit of accounts at the Trust Meeting of 1862, The
Auxiliary Fund had made a grant of £15 but £ l 10 of the debt remained.
John Hams, a trustee, loaned £80 at 5%, John Strafford also loaned £25
at 5%, The builders and carpenters were paid by installments as the
work proceeded and as the money was collected. To W. Hemming (a Circuit Official), 2/6d for measuring out the land;
Opening services, conducted by Elizabeth Bid titude, were held on 30th
March 1862 The collections taken at three Services the Sunday and at
the opening and meeting and tea were £7-17- 5 ¼ The proceeds from the
tea were f3 0 2 ½ . There was a re-opening in October 1862, when £2 6
7’/x was raised The people who supported the chapel were poor
and badly paid, therefore, the burden of debt remained on the chapel a
long time. Each Anniversary, in March, subscriptions were solicited and
the Golden System introduce. In 1886, Mrs. Clack collected 972
farthings while the profits from the Anniversary Tea were 2/5d. in 1867
and £l 1 0 in 1868. The real problem of the Society was its
inability to raise money to liquidate the capital debt on the premises.
In the first 14 Years this debt involved the Society m paving £73 14 3
in interest and in the next 24 years it paid another £49. The capital
debt on the chapel lasted 55 years and in all, £138 18 3 was paid in
interest- about three-quarters of the total original cost. In addition
to those already mentioned, money was borrowed from W. Rawlings, J.
Monk, Mr. Hutt and the Chapel Aid Association. The Rev. A. R. Whiteman
saw the debt cleared. The Chapel Schedule gives some interesting
facts. The population of Black Bourton is given as 300, the members of
the chapel as 22. Accommodation of the chapel is given as 90-50 in the
pews and 40 free sittings. Atterdances are given as 90 for Sundays and
70 for Weekdays. we wonder where they all sat!
A new Board of Trustees was formed in 1893 with Charles Cooper, John
Monk, Charles Silman James Clack, Frederick Neville, David Clack,
Philip Packer, John H. Strafford, Joseph Turner and the Rev. John
Sheppard as superintendent minister. A new Board of Trustees was
formed in 1924 when the Rev. H. Pope was superintendent minister. The
Trustees Were: Frederick Neville, David Clack, Joseph Turner, Albert
Yeatman, Thomas Richens, James Clark, George Clack, Harold J. Langham
and Frederick Carter. The present Board of Trustees was formed
in 1950, when the Rev. J. A. Stratton was minister at Faringdon. The
Trustees are-: Albert Yeatman, Frederick Carter, George Clack, William
Reeve, Dora Norton, W. George Reason, Walter J Aven, Hettie Chard,
Walter J. Langham, Jack Fisher,’ Bernard Norton, Nellie Cooper, ivy-
Beckinsale, Lizzie Clack, Audrey Temple, Laura Farmer and Jack
Farmer-all but A. Yeatman and D. Norton alive for the Centenary.
of Longworth The village of Black Bourton in Oxfordshire may strike the
passer-by as quiet and of little interest, Yet, like many places when
past history is revealed, it provides interest for many. Some
two centuries ago, this village, like many more, possessed an old Manor
House, standing near the Church and occupied by a family named
Hungerford. A tragic story is told of this household. One of the young
Indies formed a friendship with a gentleman named Colston, of Filkin’s
Hall, two or three miles away; but for some reason the marriage was
opposed. it is said that she retired to her room, refused to eat or
drink or to associate with anyone and subsequently starved to death.
Some years ago a friend took me to the spot where once stood this
beautiful house with its well-kept gardens. Now, unsightly mounds, wild
fruit trees, thorns and briars alone remained. Few people living
there today are aware that the village once played an important part in
agriculture and was noted for its output of drill; and other
implements. The maker lived in the old house opposite the “Horse and
Groom” and the works were in the field at the back, At the time, there
was a “Hire System” for engaging agricultural workers which was a boon
to the small farmers of 150 years ago but very often far from a boon to
the labourers engaged, In those days the village must have been a hive
of industry. I remember seeing, as a lad, one of those Black Bourton
drills, with the maker’s name-‘ ‘David Yearn, Black Bourton”. A
story is told that the year 1866(?) was noted for showers of stars and
as a result many people became very serious and believed the end was
near. One night in particular the heavens seemed a mass of falling
stars and the Methodists, instead of going to bed, met in the street
and held a service. We wonder if they sang “Lo! He comes with clouds
descending”, which would have been appropriate to that midnight hour
and the solemn occasion. The building of the Chapel, at about
the same time, was a triumph of faith as most of the land belonged to
the Lord of the Manor, the Duke of Marlborough. Money was scarce and
people very poor, but at last a site was obtained and the work begun;
though, through the opposition of supposed authority, the back wall of
the Chapel was ordered to be pulled down two or three times, thereby
delaying the work besides greatly adding to the expense of building.
Eventually the Chapel was opened. by Miss Boititude, a
successful evangelist: her theme was the rebuilding of the city wail of
Jerusalem. The text was Nehemiah, ch 4, v. 6-For the people had a mind
to work”. The late Mr. C. Cooper of Langford was at that service and
told me he never forgot the wonderful time. ‘These ancient Jews had”,
she said, “through the Spirit of Unity, accomplished what was thought
to be impossible, and you, a small section of His church here, with all
your difficulties and limitations, can attempt great things for God if
you have this unity, and this tittle church can become a power for
good”. One present said, “She let us on the mountain top”. Mr.
Cooper once told me that he was brought up at Black Bourton by his
grandmother, who was an ardent Methodist. He would never forget what a
service they had one night during a Revival Service. Though long past
closing time, no one seemed ready to leave but, at last, when the
congregation dispersed, instead of going home, he walked down the
Cianfield Road, and there at that midnight hour he had a vision of his
life work and what God would have him do, and there he made up his
mind, by God’s help, to do it. The revival produced-some fasting
results and the cause was built up. I have heard my father speak of one
member in particular, Charles Wakefield, known by some as “the Singing
Shepherd”. He found real joy in the services and singing, but met with
an accident, which resulted in his death. The Society was the poorer
for his passing. I may mention Frederick Webb of Broadwell, who,
with other young men, went to the “Love Feast” to make fun, but God
spoke to him and he became changed in every sense of the word. He
became a local preacher and often walked to Highworth, a distance of
nine miles each way, to take services. About 60 years ago the
Salvation Army came into the locality and made a considerable
impression. There were many conversions: while some “went back”, others
endured and remained faithful to the Army; but when the Salvation Army
services were discontinued many of them joined the Methodists and
proved their worth in allied service. In this way Black Bourton
received the following members: Albert Yeatman, Charles Silman, Thomas
Cooper, good, faithful members for many years. This is a list of
the local preachers as I remember them: David Clack, Frederick Neville,
John Monk, Albert Newport, James Cox, Thomas Cooper, Charles Silman;
Albert Newport once had a narrow escape from death when returning home
from his appointment at Eastleach. A violent thunderstorm came on and
he took shelter in a lonely outhouse, which was struck by lightning.
Though he escaped the actual flash, he received a severe shock from the
effects of which he suffered more or less until his death. Black
Bourton had a vigorous Sunday School and Band of Hope. The Sunday
School Treat at Christmas was an important affair, largely due to Women
Workers who were united in the Temperance Cause. I recall the
Camp meetings and one in particular. The late Mr. Cooper preached in
the field near the Chapel from Jeremiah, ch. 9, v. 1, holding a large
congregation in silent and impressive awe with his marvellous eloquence
on that occasion. I would pay a small tribute to Mr. Henry Akers
of the Manor Farm. For some years there were four local preachers in
his employ. I have never heard that he opposed any of them in their
religious convictions, which often was not the case in those days.
Though a Churchman, he was always willing to lend a field and a wagon
for the Ammal Camp Meeting. I should like to tell two stories
concerning him. When in the company of other farmers who were
complaining of dishonest servants, he quietly said, °‘I have nothing to
complain of in that way”. John Monk worked for him for many years and
on one occasion when giving him his wages, Mr. Akers questioned whether
the wages were earned, but said, “I must never forget, John, you have
been a faithful servant’. If all masters had been so considerate, fewer
servants would have been forced to seek shelter in the workhouse.
And so the curtain falls on the past and I come to the end of the
things of which I have tried to speak; but to my mind come the words of
our founder, John Wesley, when he said of the people of Blewbury that
he did not think the time would ever come when the Society would not be
found there. May we say the same of Black Bourton-both here and m most
of the surrounding villages you will shill find the people called
Methodists. From the Baptismal Records of the Faringdon Circuit.
The first baptism recorded was that of Harriet, daughter of John and
Rachel Mills, formerly of Banbury. This was in October, 1846, by the
Rev. William Wiltshire, Others were of George son of Amos and Ann
Grubb, in 18.52, by the Rev. &. Wallis and of Henry Silman, in
1856, by the Rev. H Keys. The first baptism in the Chapel was that of
John Henry, son of William and Elizabeth Baston, in 1863, and the’
second that of Joseph, son of Charles and Caroline Cooper, in 1863,
both by the Rev. John Wright. From the Sunday School Returns. A
Sunday school was first reported in 1839, with three teachers and 35
children; nine years later there were eight teachers and 30 children.
For some years this was the only Sunday school in the Faringdon
Circuit, The school was closed in 1854, but was reopened when the
chapel was opened in 1862, this time with eight teachers and 39
scholars. By 1867 the numbers were reduced to 16, the reason given
being “the influence of the Church being strong against us”. The school
was dosed again in 1872 and 4 reopened once more in 1881 with two
teachers and 16 scholars, in 1903 there were two teachers and 28
scholars. ‘The school was closed again in 1915. From the Band of
Hope Returns. A Band of hope flourished in the wars 1903- 1917, with J.
Neville, A. Yeatman and Mrs. Luckett as organisers. It came to an end
when the Church started a Band of Hope. From the Trust Minutes.
1879. Item. That Mr. Cooper employ Mr. J. Farmer, Jun, to whitewash and
colour the chapel A re-opening service to be arranged by Mr. Cooper,
the charge for tea to be lid. Broken seats to be mended and the pulpit
to be made complete. From old Plans. Services at Black Bourton
before the chapel was built were held in the afternoon only, at 2 p.m.
when the chapel was built services were at 2 and 6 p.m. The Society
Stewards through the years were J. Monk, D. Clack, A. Yeatman, G.
Clack. Chapel Stewards were j. Harris, F. Neville, D. Clack, G Clack.
Midweek services were at one time held every Thursday, later changed to
fortnightly. 1887 written on the back of an old Plan: June 12th, Love
Feast, 2164.; Night, 1/8’/1 d.; July 10th, - Afternoon, 1/64.; Evening,
1/-; July 31st, Camp Meeting, 9/2d Evening, 2/8 ½ d. The plans show the
return of members and the amounts paid quarterly to the Faringdon
Circuit: 1893 four members paid 3/4d1844 17 members paid 18174: 1830 18
members paid 19/8 ½ d: 18.56 nine members paid I1/4d: 1893 13 members
paid 29/34: 190212 members paid 18/94: 1915 9 members paid 21/¬ 1925 a new organ was bought for £14 and the old one sold for €l
The Services During the War 1944, the afternoon services were given up,
mainly because of the shortage of local preachers, but evening services
at 6.00pm continues. The Sunday school, though small continues to met
on Sunday afternoons under Miss Dunsby and Mr. G Clack, with Mrs. Clack
as treasurer. Mrs. Jenkins, who died in 1961 ran the Sunday
school for some years and also organized a women’s meeting, during the
war in her own home and later at the chapel. The women’s meeting
continued to meet fortnightly with Miss Dunsby as Secretary and Mrs. C
Clack as treasurer. The Rev J Alderson is President and takes the
meeting monthly. Generous giving p has been a characteristic of
our people in recent years. Though few in numb r, they have given great
support to Overseas Missions, now averaging about £35 a year, £67 was
paid to the Circuit Fund and the Trust Fund spent £40 last year. The
chapel is cleaned voluntarily and is well cared for. The Clack
Family. From the building of the chapel the Clack names has appeared
consistently through the records as trustees, preachers, stewards and
organists -The family has given freely a century of service and
continues to serve. A generation ago Mr. D. Clack was a household word
as a preacher, Jim Clack served the chapel as organist for many years
and George- continues to serve as Society and Chapel Steward, Israel
Clack and Ray Clack are preachers in other Circuits. At the Centenary
The members are George Clack, George Townsend (Society Stewards),
Lizzie Clack (Poor Steward), Mrs. A. Smith, Peter Law-, Joan Law, Mrs.
Townsend, Muriel Townsend and Joan Barton. Miss Donsbv, Mr. F. Johnson,
the Misses Edgington and Mrs. Ayris have been regular in attendance;
others attend some of other. meetings. We praise Him for all that is pastThis is the history of the chapel as written at the centenary in 1962 today 2002 the chapel is being converted into a house
CENTENARY SERVICES
a Special Singing by Chilson Friends
SUNDAY, 25th MARCH, 1962
CENTENARY SERVICES, 2.30 and 6.0 p.m.
0 Preacher: Rev. J. Alderson
Special SingingMETHODISM IN BLACK BOURTON
The Early Days
The Building of the Chapel
Some individual items of expense noted are:
3/6d for journey to Oxford to come to terms with the carpenter,
7/10d. For turnpikes and given to men who drew stones.
To Ned Farmer, £2 5 6 for whitewashing and painting Chapel and School.New Trusts
Contributed by the late Charles Farmer
Gleanmgs from the Records
More Recent Days
1935 Renovation of Chapel costing €18
New Methodist hymn books bought
1946 Another organ bought for £8,
Electric light installed for £11/1711
1956 Renovation of chapel, costing £142/1416
Albert Yeatman Legacy of £100. this is invested with the Methodist board of Trustees at 4 ½ %
1958 New Carpet and staining floor costing £32
1960 Roof Repairs costing £29.
and trust Him for all that’s to come.”
These sites cover the ox18 area of Oxfordshire England, including the following villages, OX18, Alvescot, Bampton, Black Bourton, Burford, Broadwell, Carterton, Clanfield, Kelmscott, Kencot, Langford, Lechlade, RAF Broadwell, Shilton, Parish Pump, Oxfordshire Events,
