Raunds Primitive Methodist Church

Fifty Years of Primitive Methodists

The Primitive Methodist Church

The jubilee of the establishment of the Primitive Methodists Cause in Raunds has just been celebrated. Interest was added to the celebrations by reason of the presence of the pioneer minister, the Rev. W. Durance, who is now over 90 years old.

During the past fifty years all the old members have died or removed, although in many cases their children are taking their places and carrying on the work. Fifty years ago Mr. Durance came to mission the district from Northampton. He stated that his allowance was then £3 per quarter. Some remarkable camp meetings were held, as it was a new thing and as many as 500 to 1,000 people would attend the gatherings.

Our photograph of the Jubilee included the Rev. W. Durance, the Rev. Greener-Garden (Kettering), the Rev. W. Bridge (Wellingborough), Mr. William Saddington, J.P. C.C. (whose father was one of the early supporters from Ringstead), Mr. Tanner (Society Steward), Mr. John Harrison, Mrs. Parker, Mr. Fleet (Irthlingborough) and others.

The first chapel was built in 1870, enlarged about twenty years ago and, curiously, stands between the Temperance Hall and the “World Upside Down.”

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