Rushden Research Group: Podington Wesleyan Chapel

Podington Wesleyan Chapel

The Church in 2016 - now a residential property

The Porch

Methodist Circuit

Methodist Histories

Abraham Tysoe

Barge Board Detail on the Porch

17 Oct. 1902 Northampton Mercury

At the opening of a new Independent Wesleyan Chapel at Podington, near Rushden, there was a pleasant interchange of courtesy between the local squire, Mr. R. R. B. Orlebar, a strong Churchman, and the .......


THIS STONE WAS LAID BY MR JOHN CLARK RUSHDEN	THIS STONE WAS LAID BY MR GEORGE HAWKINS WELLINGBORO	LAID IN MEMORY OF JOHN TYSOE FISRT MEMBER OF THIS CHURCH BY HIS SONS W & A TYSOE

THIS STONE WAS LAID BY MR JAMES JAQUES RUSHDEN	THIS STONE WAS LAID BY R R ORBLEBAR ESQ	THIS STONE WAS LAID BY MR JOHN NORMAN WOCIETY STEWARD 1902
The Stones laid when the church was being built in 1902

Bricks:	A & M GOODING
	A SMITH
	A E BETTLES
	A L NORMAN
	A G A NORMAN
	F E CLAYSON
	P W KNIGHT

Rushden Echo and Argus, 25^th August 1933, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Scholars of the Independent Wesleyan Sunday School made their annual visit to the Wicksteed Park, Kettering yesterday week, a party of twenty, with their parents, making the trip. Mr M Wildman, junr., was in charge. The journey was via Irthlingborough and the homeward run through Wellingborough was commenced after an enjoyable five hours had been spent in the park.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 10th August 1934, transcribed by Kay Collins

Wedding After Twelve Years
Spell Broken at Podington Independent Wesleyan Chapel

For twelve years there had been no wedding ceremony at Podington small Independent Wesleyan chapel which consists of two converted thatched cottages. On Saturday afternoon the spell was broken. There was a wedding at last, and the village turned out in force to see the bride arrive.

But even after twelve years Podington supplied neither bride nor bridegroom. They were a couple from Wellingborough—Miss Victoria Ann Eden Baxter and Mr. Cyril James Worth— who had apparently chosen the village chapel in order to have a "quiet" wedding.

The minister (Rev. J. Sinfield) and the registrar (Mr. Read) also came from Wellingborough, leaving Podington, to furnish only the organist (Mrs. Clement Brown), and the giver of the bride (Mr. Butler, of the Red House). The hymn was "Lead us, Heavenly Father."

The only other wedding at the chapel during its 60 years history was 12 years ago.

HAROLD
W J NORMAN
SOCIETY STEWARD
1928 - 1968

Evening Telegraph, 22nd Feb 2003

Chapel's Norman conquerers - Four generations of stewards

IT has been a true Norman conquest for one family as the fourth generation member celebrates a long line of stewarding at the same chapel.

Tony Norman

The Wesleyan Chapel at Podington was built in 1902 and John Norman was one of its stewards. He was succeeded by his son Len, then his grandson Harold and in July 1968 by his great grandson Tony.

Tony Norman, 64, of Gold Street, Podington, said: "I never thought I would become a steward. I went to the chapel the Sunday after my father died and it was assumed I would take it over.

"It's just one of those things, you feel you don't want to let the side down."

On Easter Day, and Christmas and Harvest Festivals the little chapel can see a congregation numbering 50 but at the usual morning services there are just four church members with only six or seven other worshippers.

Mr Norman said: "I would love to be handing out more hymn books to a bigger congregation, just another six would be nice. It is very difficult keeping a little chapel like this one going."

One of his fondest memories is being at the chapel when it celebrated its centenary last year with the planting of a time capsule in the foyer.

For the past seven years Peter Adams has been a joint steward at the chapel and the time will come when there will be no Norman standing at the door to greet the Sunday morning congregation.

Mr Norman said: "Sadly I am the end of the line."

There is also a need for an organist as Gerry Darnell has recently retired. If there is anyone willing to play the organ at the chapel please contact Mr Norman.

Bedfordshire Villages Index