The full article from a local newspaper in 1933.
Chapels Sturdy Story
Hereditary Stalwarts
On Sunday the Dogsthorpe Methodist Chapel – until recently denominated Wesleyan – keeps it’s hundredth birthday. There will be services of special joyousness to mark the occasion, and among the worshippers will be some who have seen half a century’s work there, and at least one who has attended for 70 years.
The oldest pair of worshippers are Mr and Mrs Twelvetree who have lived in the hamlet and been true to the cause of the chapel for many years. Mr Twelvetree has been an office bearer for 50 years, since he first came to Dogsthorpe after his marriage. Mrs Twelvetree attended her first service there 70 years ago, but as she was only two at that time has no vivid memory of the occasion! She was taken by her father, the late Mr Samuel Tyler, afterwards of Werrington, who had been one of the stalwarts when the little community was formed.
With hardly a single omission services have been held at the chapel throughout the century, and there is every promise of them going on for another hundred if the old Methodist fervour continues. Next Sunday, the Salvation Army Band is to lend its musical aid, the Garton End Chapel community will join in, the Rev J. Tregear Chenhalls, Superintendent Minister of the Circuit will preach, and a happy feature will be singing of the old Methodist hymns with all the old enthusiasm.
A Little History
The most prominent figure in the founding of the Church – Mr and Mrs Twelvetree kindly collaborated to give us information – was one Thomas Parker, who at that time lived at the farm now occupied by the house of Mr W T Wilson. A man of fervent religious zeal, Mr Parker attended church services at Paston, but also worked hard in the cause of founding a Methodist community near his home. He took a prime part in the founding of the tiny church, and was obviously the most important man in it.
Mrs Twelvetree recalls how “the Parker pew” was lined with baize, held with brass-headed studs, while the “singing pew” and other seating were naked and unadorned. And profound respect was shown for this dignified elder of the church, in meeting as well as out.
Thomas Parker’s eldest son (Thomas) took over the farm, and lived there until his death in 1879. His wife lived there up to about 30 years ago, when the property was sold and the house demolished. It was a grand old building, and Mr Twelvetree recalls that a splendid old staircase from it was sold to an American buyer, and was taken to the States. Mr Parker was a wonderful and expert rose grower.
Another son of the elder Thomas Parker had a notable scholastic and professional career after starting with a chemist in Stamford. He became a great scientist and doctor, a Professor of the Royal College of Surgeons, and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Withal he was a deeply religious man, and had a great interest in the little chapel at his old home. He died in 1890. No members of the family are now associated with the chapel.
Some Other Figures
Some 35 years ago the enlargement of the chapel became necessary, and was carried out with good courage. At the same time, the fittings for and customs of worship were carried out more in an accord with modern ideas, and perhaps in a more democratic fashion. Several figures stand out prominently during the period of growth in numbers and vigour. Mr Wm Turner – whose daughter lives in Long Causeway – Mr Samuel Tyler, already referred to, Mr Nathaniel Palmer, and Mr J D Crunkhorn were mentioned to us.
Mr Turner was the first superintendent of the Sunday School, and for half a century performed his duties there, walking to and from his home in Peterborough. He died in 1913.
Mr Samuel Tyler was Chapel Steward, and the close ally of Mr Turner in those days. He was a butcher in Dogsthorpe for many years, but in 1878 went to Werrington, where he again did a good service for Methodism. He died 26 years ago, but his memory is still revered. He left at Dogsthorpe, to “carry on” there, his daughter and son in law.
His daughter, Mrs Twelvetree, was the first organist of the chapel, and he also provided the organ – for a harmonium was carried to and from his house to the chapel. Later, Mrs Twelvetree was largely concerned in the raising of funds for a better instrument from Mr Claypole of Peterborough.
Mr Twelvetree was first “in harness” about 56 years ago, when he became a teacher in the Sunday School, and also Secretary. He also held the offices at different times of Superintendent of the School and Steward. He had to give up with advancing years, but is still secretary of the Dogsthorpe Children’s Outing Fund, an important item in the yearly life of the hamlet. Mr R Palmer is its chairman.
Mr N Palmer’s son, Mr Richard Palmer, is still a stalwart office bearer of the chapel, while Mr Clifford Crunkhorn, son of Mr J D Crunkhorn, followed the family tradition, and is a valued worker as Society Steward. Miss Crunkhorn is the present day organist. The present= day Superintendent of the School is Mr E Woodin, both he and Mrs Woodin being devoted workers in the cause.
More Recent Events
As stated, the services have been maintained unbrokenly, the pulpit being filled by the usual “supplies”, and by occasional visits from Circuit ministers. Under Mrs Woodin, the school staff comprises Mrs Norman, Mrs C Crunkhorn, Miss Bone and Miss Whitehead.
Since the enlargement of the chapel referred to, much has been done to improve the dignity and comfort of worship. It may be observed in passing that the main foundation stones were laid by the late Mr Henry Bell and the late Mr Samuel Tyler, while many children, whose initials appear thereon, laid bricks. Other improvements included new fencing, the replacing of the old oil lamps with electricity, electric heating, and other refinements, largely due to the energy of Mr Palmer. In all this, it is gratifying, and somewhat unique to record that the chapel has never been encumbered with a debt of any serious magnitude, though in latter days, like other places of worship, the collections have suffered from the universal shortness of money.
No doubt there will be much thankfulness shown on Sunday, and much rejoicing at next Thursday’s celebrations on the tennis courts – if fine!