History of Cosby Methodist Church
Margaret Perkins has written a Miscellany of the Church. With thanks to her, we reproduce her research.
The history of the present Methodist Church in Cosby can be traced back to 1886, when a chapel was built in Chapel Lane, near to what is now the Golf Course. There is, however, some evidence of Methodists in the village before this time: as well as the plaque on another house in Chapel Lane which says United Methodist Free Church 1863, there exists a letter from Mr. E. Forknall to Rev. N. Jefferson in which he states that he became a member in 1859, and The Primitive Methodist Preachers' Plan of 1853 mentions services at Cosby.
In July 1886, the Primitive Methodist Leadder records that
..till recently the spiritual interests of the people (of Cosby) had been much neglected ... Our call to the village was unmistakeable ...
Finding that evangelistic work was much needed, Cosby was placed on the plan as a mission, but had to be left during the winter, as no room could be obtained.
It was again missioned last summer, and in September our present superintendent, the Rev. H. Carden, secured a cottage room and formed a society, and a few weeks later purchased a site for a chapel.
During the six months since the society was formed it has increased threefold. ...
We now have a good society of 24 members. Whit-Tuesday was a red-letter day. It was a great circuit gathering. The stones were laid on behalf of two of our St. Nicholas-street classes ...
The religious service at the site was conducted by the circuit ministers, and the Rev. J. Odell gave the address.
The tea and meeting were held in Mr. Bruce's barn (kindly lent).
To be continued
Contact us at info @ cosby-methodist.org.uk (no spaces)
