Regent Circus (later Albion Terrace), Primitive Methodist Church, Saltburn

Not to be confused with Saltburn Wesleyan Chapel

First known as the Regent Circus Methodist Church, the foundation stone Albion Terrace Primitive Methodist church was laid on 12 April 1909, and the church was dedicated on Monday 28 March 1910. The last service was held on 28 September 1969.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH SALTBURN - An event to which the Primitive Methodists of Saltburn have long looked forward took place on Easter Monday. when the foundation-stones of a handsome new church were laid. For many years the need of a new place of worship has been felt for the Primitive Methodists and an aggressive community with large numbers of young people attached to their society, and the outlook is, most hopeful. 

The history of Primitive Methodism in the town dates back to the middle of last century. A church and school were then erected in Milton-street at a cost of £1,350. The growth of the congregation and Sunday school been such that new premises are absolutely required. One of the best sites in Saltburn was purchased, and on it a handsome and commodious church is now in process of erection. The new building will be an ornament to the popular seaside town, and a credit to the denomination. The cost of the church and school is £5.200. it is a bold and aggressive step, but the minister and his loyal band of workers are confident of success. The architects are Messrs Baines and Son of London, a firm of great reputation. The style of architecture is a free treatment of late, Gothic, presenting a bold front with a lofty square tower at the side.  A central gable, with handsome seven-light traceried window and a turret on one side and a projecting Narthex under the main gable are the chief features of the front. The church will provide for over 500 sittings, all having an unobstructed view of the preacher. It is faced with best Huncoat Accrington brick, with grey terra-cotta dressings. The windows are to be of Cathedral-tinted glass of quaint design. doors are of finest oak, also the pulpit and communion arrangements. The seating is of pitch pine, and the pews are circular in arrangement. Ventilation and heating are on modern principles. The school comprises a central hall of large size, with eight class-rooms capable of being thrown open by swivel partitions. Associated with the school and church are minister's vestry. church parlour, library, superintendent's room, cloakrooms, etc. The contractor is Mr J. G. Porteous. of Guisborough. The minister in charge of the proceedings is the Rev. George J. Lane, who is well known as an enthusiast in matters scientific as well as religious. When at Stockton and Jarrow he was associated with the building of many new chapels.

SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA - The foundation stones of the P.M. church and schools, which occupy a prominent site in the centre of the town, were laid on the 12th ult. The block is designed in late Gothic, freely treated, a bold square tower forming a prominent feature at the corner. The facings are in Huncoat pressed red bricks, and the dressings in grey terra-cotta with dragged face. ‘The joinery is to be executed in pitch-pine; pulpit, choir fronts, etc., in oak. The accommodation provided in the church is for 500 persons all on ground floor. The contract has been let to Mr. J. G. Porteous, of Guisborough, Yorks, and amounts to £4,300, the architects are Messrs. George Baines and Son, 5; Clements Inn, Strand, London, W.C. [Builder’s Journal 5 May 1909 page 444]

Reference    Stockton Herald, South Durham and Cleveland Advertiser - Saturday 17 April 1909 page 3
Reference    Builder’s Journal 5 May 1909 page 444
Reference    South Bank Express - Saturday 2 April 1910 page 3 – opening

Draft 1 11-02-26