Article No.1

We publish this week the first of a series of articles on Wesleyan Methodism in the Higham Ferrers and Raunds Circuits, written by Mr. Stephen Michell, formerly of Rushden, now of Hayle, Cornwall. The first few articles will deal with the formation and growth of the Methodist Society at Higham Ferrers.

Higham Ferrers

The earliest reference to Methodism at Higham Ferrers, appears to be in "Myles's History of the Methodists," published in 1803. In the ''List of Preaching Houses" there is the entry (p. 330) "Higham Ferrers 1783." The author states that he has "put down no houses but those which are wholly appropriated to the worship of God; many of them are but small, but others are large and very commodious," (p. 323). This licensed preaching house, might have been specially built or it might have been a rented building. The record is an interesting one as showing that some seven or eight years before the Rev. William Jenkins' visits to Higham Ferrers regular preaching was carried on. From an old book—the Bedfordshire Circuit Book 1781 to 1806—in the Circuit Deed Room of St Paul’s Wesleyan Church at Bedford the writer has extracted particulars relating to the Higham Ferrers Society, July 1792, then in the Bedfordshire Circuit, and entered with 32 members and five new members, in three Classes of which Daniel Pressland, Daniel Adcock, and Robert Eady were the respective leaders. But as there are no returns for the years 1786 to 1791, which presumably were mislaid or lost, it may reasonably be assumed that Higham Ferrers was a recognised Society some years prior to 1792; in fact, from the year 1783 there was regular preaching there.

According to "Hall's Circuits and Ministers" (p. 128), the Higham Ferrers Circuit was formed in 1793. In the year 1798 the Kettering Circuit was formed and the Higham Ferrers Circuit was united to it, but four years later, in 1802, the union was dissolved and Higham again became a separate circuit. In the "Memoir of Daniel Pressland," by his son, it is stated that in the year 1802 Higham was made the head of a circuit. This is misleading, as will be seen from the quotation from "Hall's Circuits and Ministers." It should read "Higham was again made the head of a circuit."

A preaching-house at Higham in 1783 connotes at least some little Methodist activity for a few years previously, and with three well-established Classes of nearly two score members in 1792 there can be no grounds for associating the Rev. William Jenkins, who was stationed at Bedford 1789-90, and who preached at Higham Ferrers on some occasions, with the founding of Methodism in the circuit town. That his ministrations were greatly blessed and that he did much to confirm the brethren in the faith and to strengthen their hands in the Lord is attested by the record of his labours.

The "preaching-house" referred to in Myles's History was probably only a small house or room which after a few years proved too small for the worshippers. Hence we find that Mr. Pressland suggested the erection of a chapel. He was supported by Mr. Adcock, a respected inhabitant of the town. Funds were soon raised, and in a short time a neat chapel was erected. It was opened for divine service by Mr. Jenkins, the esteemed minister who had first preached at the Market Cross; and the second time that the congregation assembled for worship a funeral sermon was preached for "improving" the occurrence which had recently taken place and which was felt throughout Methodism — the death of its venerable founder (March 2nd, 1791).

In a letter to the author, dated Dec. 11th, 1907, Mr Owen Parker, J.P., then Mayor of Higham, says: "The first sermon was preached in that building (now a shoe factory and institute) on March 13th, 1791, by a Mr. Jenkins, and doubtless the chapel was completed (not rebuilt) in that year. I state this on the authority of some MS. notes of my late father's." Mr. Parker further says that the preacher took for his text Haggai ii. 9., "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former." The text seems to indicate that this chapel was the successor of a smaller and a humbler one, or that it was a considerable enlargement thereof.

It may be remarked that Mr. Pressland was the first Class Leader appointed, and after a comparatively short time his Class became so large that it was necessary to divide it and appoint other leaders. Thus we find in the Bedfordshire Circuit Book three Classes chronicled. The congregation so continued to increase that galleries had to be provided in the chapel. After a few years it became necessary to enlarge the chapel. Thus it is conceivable that the reference in the Deed of Oct. 24th, 1800, to the lately erected chapel may have been to the enlarged building. Presumably the enlargement and the improvements were so considerable as to be practically tantamount to a new building. There was, therefore, the greater expediency and urgency that the chapel, now an important structure, and in which much money was invested, should, together with the land, be legally conveyed to the Methodist Society. The advisability may have been emphasised by the precarious state of Mr. Adcock's health, for he passed away within six weeks of the execution of the conveyance. He was born in the year 1760 and died Dec. 1st, 1800.

Indenture of Bargain and Sale made between Daniel Adcock and Daniel Pressland, James Cole, William Fisher, Robert Lamb, Joseph Chettle, Samuel Parker, and John Tebbs, 24th Oct., 1800. All that piece of land or ground being 40 feet in length and 26 feet in breadth situate and being in Higham Ferrers aforesaid at the top end and part of a garden belonging to and in the occupation of the said Daniel Adcock whereupon a Chapel for the people called Methodists has lately been erected and built together with the said Chapel itself (with certain rights of way etc. through a certain passage—Consideration £5 (merely nominal).

This little piece of land could hardly have been called an eligible site, as it was away from the main street, and could only be approached through a passage, but it was the only land obtainable, all the rest being the property of the Earl Fitzwilliam.

At various periods the chapel has undergone structural improvements and enlargements whereby its seating capacity and the comfort of worshippers have been increased and its attractiveness and general convenience enhanced.

Deed of Release of Dower by Sarah Adcock, widow of Daniel Adcock, 24 Sept., 1801.

The Release related to "All the Dower and Thirds and right and title of dower and thirds and all other right, title, interest, etc. The consideration was 10s. (nominal).

The Adcock family had a free pew as long as there was an Adcock left.

From an old book in the Circuit Deed Room of St. Paul's Wesleyan Church at Bedford are extracted the following particulars relating to the Higham Ferrers Society, July, 1792, then in the Bedfordshire Circuit, and entered with 32 members and five new members, in three Classes, the first name of each being the leader:

No.1	Daniel	Pressland	Mercer
	Robt	Lamb	Shoemaker
	Wm	Fisher	Shoemaker
	Thos	Fisher	Farmer
	Jno	Parker	Mattmaker
	Jno	Collins	Labourer
	Eliz	Collins
	Sarah	Baker	Lacemaker
	Mary	White	Lacemaker
	Jno	Tibbs	Labourer
	Hannah	Hooper	Charwoman
No.2	Daniel	Adcock	Butcher
	Sarah	Law	Lacemaker
	Mary	Church
	Martha	Lamb
	Eliz	Partridge	Lacemaker
	Letitia	Tibbs
	Hannah	Parker
	Hanah	Fisher
	Pheby	Marchant
	Hanah	Parker
	Sarah	Pettit
No.3	Robt	Eady	Blacksmith
	Jno	Smith	Shoemaker
	Thos	Parker	Mattmaker
	Saml	Parker	Shoemaker
	Jno	Tompkins	Shoemaker
	Sam	Jonson	Labourer
	Mary	Jonson
	Eliz	Parker
	Hannah	Draper
	Thos	Ward

I give here, as elsewhere, the form in which the names are entered, the spelling thereof and of the occupations as the same appear in the above-mentioned book.

---

Article No.2

Having given the history of the origin and the foundation of Methodism at Higham Ferrers as disclosed by such documentary evidence as is available, the story of the great work done by Daniel Pressland and his coadjutors in the planting of Methodism, and its sustentation, in the circuit town is of more than passing interest.

Daniel Pressland was born at Swineshead in the year 1755. He was one of five children and was brought up by a widowed mother. It appears he was of a studious turn of mind. At school he was distinguished for his indefatigable perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge and his exemplary moral deportment. In early youth he went to Higham Ferrers to reside with his aunt, Mrs. Haigh, who had at that time a large linen-drapery establishment in the town, on the site of the shop now occupied by Mrs. Beaver, opposite the Cross. Brought by the earnest reading of God's Word to a knowledge of his sinfulness and his need of a Saviour, he was, after assurance of forgiveness, deeply anxious to be instrumental in the salvation of others. He was greatly concerned at the abounding wickedness of the people. Open profanity and Sabbath desecration prevailed here as elsewhere. The services at the Parish Church were formal and lifeless; vital godliness was unknown; the Churchpeople were as ignorant of the way of salvation as untutored savages. Here, as in many other parishes, the clergyman himself was destitute of real saving faith in Christ, as fox-hunting, card-playing, gambling, drinking—such were the pastimes of pastor and squire, and it cannot be wondered at that the lower classes were lying in the arms of the Wicked One.

Daniel Pressland was so moved taking a volume of Bishop Beveridge’s sermons, he went on Sabbath evenings cottage to cottage, reading a sermon, sometimes a chapter of the Bible, giving such explanation as he was able, and praying with the people. Good impressions were made, and the grace of hearing increased in the people thus brought together. The neighbours began to assemble at each other's houses to hear the Word, and many became concerned for their souls. The spirit of persecution was aroused.

Many of the Churchpeople were alarmed at these innovations, and so menacing were the threats against what were termed unlawful meetings that Mr. Pressland, to protect himself and his friends, procured preaching licences for several houses; other precautions were taken on account of the increasing anger of opponents. There is little doubt that the leading spirit of the persecution was the Vicar. They who boasted of being exclusively ministers of Christ were angry that a youthful layman should hold forth in conventicles. Neglecting their own proper duty, they angrily opposed and persecuted Daniel Pressland for endeavouring to supply their lack of service.

About the year 1787 the Methodist preachers visited some places in the neighbourhood of Higham Ferrers. On its being known that the Rev. William Jenkins, who was then (1789-90) stationed at Bedford, was coming to preach at Irchester, several persons, including Mr. Pressland, went to hear him. Before long they who were said in so many places to have turned the world upside down came to Higham also.

On one occasion Mr. Jenkins was riding through the town to preach at Raunds, when he was accidentally met by Mr. Pressland, who said: "I wish you would come and preach to us. We have as much need of preaching as any place you visit."

"I have no objection," was the reply.

"But, when?" asked Mr. Pressland.

"Now," said Mr. Jenkins, "if you will get me a congregation."

"But, where will you preach?"

"There," said Mr. Jenkins, pointing to the Cross.

The matter was settled at once. The preacher went to put up his horse, and Mr. Pressland to gather a congregation. Taking his stand at the Cross, Mr. Jenkins went through the usual service. Great astonishment was excited. Many of Mr. Pressland's poorer friends were greatly blessed and prepared to receive the message. There was bitter opposition. Those who were led by curiosity to stand listening at a distance, and others who opened their windows for the same purpose, were exasperated more than ever. For a young man to go house to house spreading his fanatical notions was bad enough, but for a Methodist preacher to come to the town and preach thus publicly was not to be borne. Some of the leading men of the place met to consult what was to be done to prevent the spreading of what they considered so great an evil. Threats of violence to Mr. Pressland and his friends were uttered. It may serve to illustrate the condition of society at the time if one of the threats at the meeting be recorded: "As for that Daniel Pressland, I’ll do for him ----." The sentence was concluded with an oath, and the speaker was a clergyman.

"There was a great commotion on the part of the Vicar, and he told Mr. Pressland that if ever he asked anyone to preach again he would shoot him." (Mr. T. Patenall to the writer, March 28th 1907).

"I have heard of the remark Vicar threatened to shoot Mr. Pressland if he ever got any more preachers to preach at Higham." (Mrs. Abraham Groome to the writer, April 19th, 1907.)

Nothing in Mr. Pressland's career was so cruel and so hard to bear as the bitter and implacable conduct of his aunt, Mrs. Haigh, because of his preaching and his association with the Methodists. She was a woman of commanding manners and strong prejudices, and cruel and vindictive. He entered her service to be trained to the business of a linen-draper, and soon became proficient and a valuable assistant. He found time continue his studies. The growing antagonism of his aunt was fomented by her Church friends; her bitter taunts and sarcasm were a severe trial. Mrs. Haigh's resentment ultimately became so bitter and deep-seated, and her outbursts of anger so violent and so unnatural, as to result in a rupture. Mr. Pressland was very anxious for a reconciliation, but she was deaf to all his entreaties, and the last made to her on her dying bed, was unavailing.