Rushden Research Group: BWTA history

Rushden B.W.T.A. History

An early parade passing the Hall c1910

History of the B.W.T.A. Hall—Mrs Tailby said it was built as a Temperance Hall and was opened in 1868 by a sermon being preached in it. She and her brother George (Mr G Bayes), then tiny toddlers, were very proud of having each a £1 share in the building. It was used as the first undenominational non-sectarian school at the time of the great educational controversy. The Wesleyans and the Salvation Army members in turn rented the building. When the old Public Hall was built the Temperance Hall was sold. It became a furniture shop, a leather store, and a warehouse. The Rushden branch of the B.W.T.A. was formed in 1892. When they had been working for about seven years they tried get a place of their own, though they were grateful to the Free Churches for the hospitality given to them previously. It had not always been possible for the Churches to meet their wishes. The branch bought a little iron church, itself having been part of St Barnabas’s Church, then erected at Hinwick as a mission station and later at Podington because not enough attended at Hinwick. When the Rushden branch bought it Mr George Denton kindly allowed them to erect it on land belonging to him in Coffee Tavern-lane rent-free. Eventually the iron building got too small for them, and after great consideration and with many fears they decided to buy the present hall with the help of friends. The cost, with renovations and furnishing, was nearly £1,000.

Another History – enclosed in the old minute book, transcribed by Sue Manton.

The following was hand written on headed note paper for the National British Women’s Temperance Association. Rushden Branch, 89, Newton Road Rushden. President: Mrs. John Sargent, Park Road Rushden. Corresponding Secretary Mrs. W.P. Orrell.

The Rushden Branch of the N.B.W.T.A. was formed in 1892 and for 8 years held its meeting at the various chapels of the town. In 1900 an Iron Building was purchased and erected on ground belonging to Mr. G. Denton, who only charged a nominal ground rent. The cost of building and furniture was about £200 which amount was soon raised. There followed 7 years of very successful work during which the “Y” Branch, Evangelistic Department, Mother’s Meeting and Tract Department were all commenced, and our building became too small.

In 1906 a building known as the Old Temp Hall erected in 1868 came into the market and here the British Women saw their chance and purchased it at a cost of £450. Renovations and furnishings brought the total up to £800. It was re-opened for temperance work on April 2nd 1907 by Lady Dorothy Howard, (daughter of the Countess of Carlisle). By dint of hard work the debt was cleared off in 1913. Good work continues to be done and the Hall is a centre of blessings to many.

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