Primitive Methodist Chapel, Princess Street, Lees, near Oldham

PERSONS wishing to TENDER for the erection of a Primitive Methodist Chapel, at Lees, may inspect the plans and specifications. and obtain Bill of Quantities, at the office of Mr. JOHN WILD, No. 15, Clegg-street, on and after Tuesday next, the 21st inst. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. [Ashton Reporter - Saturday 18 August 1866 page 4]

TO BUILDERS - The Committee of the Primitive Methodist Chapel at Lees are now prepared to receive TENDERS for the erection of a New Chapel. The plans, specifications, etc., may be seen at the office Mr. John Wild, architect, Clegg-street, Oldham. The Tenders are required to be sent in not later than six o’clock on Friday, the 21st inst. The committee do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender. Quantities will be supplied. [Ashton Weekly Reporter 8 December 1866 page 4]

PRIMITIVE METHODIST NEW CHAPEL – For some years the Primitive Methodists in Lees have been greatly inconvenienced in their old chapel in New-street, which was both small and uncomfortable, and the only sufficient remedy that offered itself was the building of a new one. About six years ago the Rev. Mr. Antliff and another gentleman made a partial canvass of the village with the view of ascertaining what measure of support they would be likely to meet with: and the result was such as they thought, justified them in going on with the at the first favourable opportunity. The cotton panic being over, they accordingly set to work last summer with a chapel in Princess Street, and the foundation was well laid by the members themselves on Saturday afternoons after they returned from their usual labour. This was hard work, but they were evidently actuated by the feeling that “God those who help themselves” A saving was thus effected of fully £100. Mr. Wild has been the architect. The chapel, which is now nearly complete, is eighteen yards in length by fourteen in breadth. The stonework has been done by Mr Wolfenden, and the painting. joinering etc., by Mr George, of Ashton: and the chapel is considered to be very well built. A gallery runs along three sides of the interior and in the place of the pulpit, the preacher finds himself in a sort of rostrum. At night the chapel is lighted by means of two sun-lights and several brackets, and the warming is effected by hot water apparatus. The front of the sacred edifice is a substantial piece of stonework in the Grecian style, and the entrance is through an open porch. At present the chapel will be without both organ-loft and vestries, owing to want of funds. A minister’s vestry seems almost indispensable. The bottom part of the chapel, which is filled with forms, will be used for the Sunday school Altogether there will be 600 sittings in the place The plan of the interior (as well as exterior) has a pleasing effect. When the vestries are added the cost will be close upon £1,400, and of this amount less than half has been raised On Sunday last the opening services were held, when the morning preacher was the Rev. T. Doody, the afternoon preacher the Rev. T. Hinds, and the evening preacher the Rev. Mr. Kershaw. [Ashton Reporter - Saturday 4 April 1868 page 5]

Reference    Ashton Reporter - Saturday 18 August 1866 page 4
Reference    Ashton Weekly Reporter 8 December 1866 page 4
Reference    Ashton Reporter - Saturday 4 April 1868 page 5