St. Peter's Methodist Church, Canterbury

~ ST. PETER'S METHODIST CHAPEL ~

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL

12 ST. PETER'S STREET

CANTERBURY

Erected 1811 - refurbished & restored 1998

"Little remains of these religious houses worth turning aside to look at; but nearly opposite is the Wesleyan Methodist chapel, standing some distance back from the street, with a paved walk leading to it through some handsome iron gates and palisades. This building, which is large and commodious, was erected in 1811, the old one being much too small for the congregation." WG

"May 22. The chapel, lately occupied at Canterbury by the Wesleyan Methodists, was opened as a Baptist place of worship. Preachers, Rev. Messrs. Griffin of London, Giles of Chatham, and Uppardine of Hammersmith."

The Investigator (Quarterly Magazine) 1823

There were originally poplar trees in front of the church lining the entrance way

"The Wesleyan Chapel, situated on the south side of St. Peter's street, is the most spacious and elegant place of worship of the Nonconformist kind in the city of Canterbury. It stands back from the street on a gentle elevation, and has a commanding appearance. The interior is surrounded with galleries, and contains a good organ." Directory 1847

"The Wesleyan chapel is a brick building, erected in 1811."

Kelly's Directory of Kent, 1882

A view of St. Peter's Methodist Church off of St. Peter's Street (the large building in the center), behind the church (to the right) is The Wesleyan School

"The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (situated in St. Peter's Street) is a handsome building, with portico, erected in 1811, and provides accomodation for 960 persons. Ministers are elected at the Annual Wesleyan Conference." Directory 1889

There were about 150 burials of the Wesleyan's between the chapel and the store located at 51 St. Peter's Street. The burials took place from about 1828 to 1855.

Possibly says ANNE KIDGER

Sacred

To the Memory Of

SARAH POWELL

Who died April 19th 1840

Aged 62 Years

RL OUIESC IT E?PACE?

*Sarah Powell, 1840, Apr-May-Jun, Canterbury, Kent, vol 5 page 42

SACRED

TO THE MEMORY OF

HARRIETT

DAUGHTER OF CHARLES FREDERICK

AND HARRIETT WILLE

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE .. DECEMBER

1840 AGED 24 YEARS

ALSO OF GEORGE WILLIAM SON OF THE ABOVE

WHO DIED 21ST MARCH 1848

AGED 18 YEARS

*George William WILLE, Mar 1848, Canterbury, Kent, vol 5, page 56

*Harriet WILLE, Dec 1840, Canterbury, Kent, vol 5, page 46

*1841 Palace Street, Charles WILLE (c. 55) Pastry cook, Foreigner, Charles c. 15, Harriett c. 50, Eliza c. 15, George c. 12 & John Wille c. 10

*Harriett (w) is with Samuel PARRY (w) noted as mother in law in 1861 in Middlesex

TO THE MEMORY OF

JANE

WIFE OF DANIEL PILCHER

WHO DIED JANUARY VI

AGED LXXI YEARS

ALSO OF THE ABOVE

DANIEL PILCHER

DIED ..TEMBER XV..

... AGED LX YEARS

Feb 14th, 1849 - Death, At Canterbury, aged eighty-six, Mr. Thomas PILCHER, having been a consistent member of the Wesleyan society for forty-two years. He sustained various important offices in the church to which he belonged, and discharged the duties connected with them with diligence and fidelity. He was very unassuming in his character; and was stongly attached to "Methodism," for many years contributing liberally to its several funds. By the grace of God he was enabled to hold fast his confidence steadfastly from the beginning unto the end. His death was somewhat sudden, but safe and peaceful. S.Y.

*was a death of a Thomas PILCHER registered in Blean

We have Thomas PILCHER of St. Dunstan's Street, age c. 75, Wheelwright with wife Susannah age c. 75 and daughter Elizabeth age c. 45 (reg. dist. Blean)

In the Midst of Life we are

in Death

HERE LIETH THE BODY OF

EMMA

THE BELOVED WIFE OF ? REID

... DAUGHTER OF .... ...EE

OF THIS CITY

DIED OCT 7TH 1852 AGED 21 YEARS

LEAVING AN INFANT DAUGHTER

EMMA ELIZA

*Emma Reid, Dec 1852, Canterbury, Kent, vol 2a page 304

IN MEMORY

HARRY COLLINS

OF BRIDGE IN THIS COUNTY

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE

24TH? DAY OF DECEMBER 1845

AGED 37(?) YEARS

THE MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED

------

--- 7 OCTOBER ..

...83? ....

...... .......

---------------

--------

HENRY STICKARD ?

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE

NOVEMBER 15 1835 (1855)

AGED 66? YEARS

MART.. ...........

May 1896 - At the Wesleyan Church, on the 7th inst., Dr. W. H. Longhurst opened a new organ, which had cost about £250.

The decorative iron gates which had been exempt from the metal collection in the war as being "of special interest" were removed in November of 1959.

A table which John Wesley used at the old King Street Chapel is now in St. Peter's Methodist Church. Canterbury Beaney Museum has a letter written by Wesley.

"In returning to Canterbury, I called upon Mr. Kingsford,* a man of substance as well as piety. He informed me, "Seven years ago I so entirely lost the use of my ankles and knees, that I could no more stand than a new-born child. Indeed I could not lie in bed without a pillow laid between my legs, one of them being unable to bear the weight of the other. I could not move from place to place, but on two crutches. All the advice I had, profited me nothing. In this state I continued above six years. Last year I went on business to London, then to Bristol and Bath. At Bath I sent for a physician; but, before he came, as I sat reading the Bible, I thought, "Asa sought to the physicians and not to God," but God can do more for me than any physicians. Soon after, I heard a noise in the street, and rising up, found I could stand. Being much surprised, I walked several times about the room; then I walked into the square, and afterwards, on the Bristol road, and from that time I have been perfectly well: having as full a use of all my limbs as I had seven years ago."

We had a comfortable opportunity in the evening, and early in the morning. And I left Canterbury, Friday 26, with a strong hope, that the work of God will flourish here, as it has not done for many years. In the evening I preached to a lovely congregation at Chatham, and on Saturday returned to London.

Nov. 1787, Rev. John Wesley's Journal

Monday 14, I went to Canterbury, and preached in the evening, on There is one God. The house would in no wise contain the congregation, in which were several clergymen. It pleased God to give me uncommon liberty of spirit, as also at Dover the next evening, where the new house, large as it is, was far too small, so that many could not get in. Thursday 17, I returned to Canterbury, and spent half an hour with my old friend Mr. Perronet**, the last of the six sons, and nearly worne out, and just tottering over the grave. In the evening we had another numerous congregation, and all deeply serious. Friday 18, we returned to London. Dec 1789 Rev. John Wesley's Journal

October 3rd, 1848 - death, aged twenty-two, Mr. John HEARNDEN. His early connexion with our Maidstone Sunday school,....afterwards engaged as a Teacher in the Sunday school at Canterbury, he was accustomed to retire for prayer and devotional ready, in company with one of his fellow labourers in that valuable instituion....

* there was a Sampson and William Kingsford residing in Canterbury about this time, William resided at Barton Mill

**....It was to the younger son of this distinguished clergyman, the Rev. Edward Perronet, of Canterbury, that the Church of Christ is indebted for the hymn, "All hail," &c. On his conversion, he renounced the establishment, commenced itinerating with John Wesley, and soon united himself to the Countess of Huntingdon's connexion. "In almost every place where he proclaimed the love of christ (especially in Canterbury and Norwich), the Lord graciously gave him seals to his ministry." After a few years he settled over a congregation in the former city, and with them closed his days, January 2, 1792.....Mr. Perronet was gifted with a rich fund of wit, and rare powers of satire. Decidedly hostile to the hierarchy of the Church of England, he was the author of an anonymous poem, "The Mitre," supposed to have been one of the keenest satrires ever directed against the national establishment. Though printed, its publication was suppressed at the earnest entreaty of Mr. Wesley. The Baptist Magazine 1862 (his brother Charles Perronet died at Canterbury in 1776) - The Mitre is printed in "The Anti-Jacobin Review and Magazine June to September 1807 (pg. 492 onwards)

1858 - Revs. R. Rymer and J. Killick

1882 - Rev. G. P. Summerhays. Hours of Service: 10:30 am. 6:30 pm. mon. & wed. 7 pm.

1891 - Rev. James Bransom & Rev. Joseph Griffin Hodson

May 1897 - Death of a Venerable Wesleyan Minister - The Rev. George Turner, a pastor for 40 years in the Wesleyan Connexion, and for the past seventeen years a supernumerary of the Canterbury Wesleyan Church, passed away on the 16th inst. at his residence at Victoria Terrace, Hawke's Lane, at the age of eighty years. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, a short service being held in the Wesleyan Chapel, wehre a large number of the members of the Wesleyan community assembled to pay their final tribute of respect. Amongst those present were the stewards; Messrs. Grant Cozens, M. Inge, J. Field, W. J. Payne, Rayfield, Kennedy, A. J. Baker, etc. The Rev. A. I. Wharton (pastor) officiated and was assisted by the Rev. J. Cooke (assistant pastor), Rev. Brimmell (Wesleyan), Rev. J. Patterson (Presbyterian), Rev. W. Edmundson (Watling Street Chapel), Rev. H. K. Kempton (Baptist), and the Rev. W. E. Stephenson (Congregational). As the body incased in an oak coffin, with brass furniture, bearing the inscription "George Turner, died 16th May, 1897, aged 80 years" was carried into the church the organist, Mr. B. Rowles, played Mendelesohn's "O Rest in the Lord"...

WTHBH - April 15, 1899 - Mr. B.A. Rowles, late organist of St. Peter's Wesleyan Chapel, Canterbury, has been appointed organist of Hawley Square Wesleyan Chapel, Margate.

1901 - Benjamin Howland, Furniture dealer and Wesleyan local preacher

1903 - Rev. William J. Britton & Rev. Richard Hall. Hours of Service: 10:30 am & 6:30 pm; mon. & wed. 7:15 pm.

1917 - Services Sun. 10:30 and 6:30; Bible Class for Young People 3. Wed., Service, 7:30; Thurs. Wesley guild. 7. Ministers: Rev. F.J. Murrell (Wesley Manse), and Rev. F. Norman Charley (C.F.) (Westcroft) Hanover Place; Deconess, Sister Isabel Perks; Circuit Stewards, Messrs. A. Lander (J.P.) and A. Brownscombe (M.A.); Sec. Stewards, Messrs. R. M. Wilkinson, H. Stanley, W.L. Clark and W. Clark. Circuit Chapel Sec., Mr. W. Keightley.

*the centre for Kentish Studies holds records of minutes and accounts 1808 - 1970 for St. Peter's Methodist Church, Canterbury


~ ST. PETER'S METHODIST CHAPEL ~ WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL 12 ST. PETER'S STREET CANTERBURY Erected 1811 - refurbished & restored 1998 "Little remains of these religious houses worth turning aside to look at; but nearly opposite is the Wesleyan Methodist chapel, standing some distance back from the street, with a paved walk leading to it through some handsome iron gates and palisades. This building, which is large and commodious, was erected in 1811, the old one being much too small for the congregation." WG "May 22. The chapel, lately occupied at Canterbury by the Wesleyan Methodists, was opened as a Baptist place of worship. Preachers, Rev. Messrs. Griffin of London, Giles of Chatham, and Uppardine of Hammersmith." The Investigator (Quarterly Magazine) 1823 There were originally poplar trees in front of the church lining the entrance way "The Wesleyan Chapel, situated on the south side of St. Peter's street, is the most spacious and elegant place of worship of the Nonconformist kind in the city of Canterbury. It stands back from the street on a gentle elevation, and has a commanding appearance. The interior is surrounded with galleries, and contains a good organ." Directory 1847 "The Wesleyan chapel is a brick building, erected in 1811." Kelly's Directory of Kent, 1882 A view of St. Peter's Methodist Church off of St. Peter's Street (the large building in the center), behind the church (to the right) is The Wesleyan School "The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (situated in St. Peter's Street) is a handsome building, with portico, erected in 1811, and provides accomodation for 960 persons. Ministers are elected at the Annual Wesleyan Conference." Directory 1889 There were about 150 burials of the Wesleyan's between the chapel and the store located at 51 St. Peter's Street. The burials took place from about 1828 to 1855. Possibly says ANNE KIDGER Sacred To the Memory Of SARAH POWELL Who died April 19th 1840 Aged 62 Years RL OUIESC IT E?PACE? Sarah Powell, 1840, Apr-May-Jun, Canterbury, Kent, vol 5 page 42 SACRED* TO THE MEMORY OF HARRIETT DAUGHTER OF CHARLES FREDERICK AND HARRIETT WILLE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE .. DECEMBER 1840 AGED 24 YEARS ALSO OF GEORGE WILLIAM SON OF THE ABOVE WHO DIED 21ST MARCH 1848 AGED 18 YEARS George William WILLE, Mar 1848, Canterbury, Kent, vol 5, page 56 Harriet WILLE, Dec 1840, Canterbury, Kent, vol 5, page 46 1841 Palace Street, Charles WILLE (c. 55) Pastry cook, Foreigner, Charles c. 15, Harriett c. 50, Eliza c. 15, George c. 12 & John Wille c. 10 Harriett (w) is with Samuel PARRY (w) noted as mother in law in 1861 in Middlesex TO THE MEMORY OF JANE WIFE OF DANIEL PILCHER WHO DIED JANUARY VI AGED LXXI YEARS ALSO OF THE ABOVE DANIEL PILCHER DIED ..TEMBER XV.. ... AGED LX YEARS Feb 14th, 1849 - Death, At Canterbury, aged eighty-six, Mr. Thomas PILCHER, having been a consistent member of the Wesleyan society for forty-two years. He sustained various important offices in the church to which he belonged, and discharged the duties connected with them with diligence and fidelity. He was very unassuming in his character; and was stongly attached to "Methodism," for many years contributing liberally to its several funds. By the grace of God he was enabled to hold fast his confidence steadfastly from the beginning unto the end. His death was somewhat sudden, but safe and peaceful. S.Y. was a death of a Thomas PILCHER registered in Blean We have Thomas PILCHER of St. Dunstan's Street, age c. 75, Wheelwright with wife Susannah age c. 75 and daughter Elizabeth age c. 45 (reg. dist. Blean)* In the Midst of Life we are in Death HERE LIETH THE BODY OF EMMA THE BELOVED WIFE OF ? REID ... DAUGHTER OF .... ...EE OF THIS CITY DIED OCT 7TH 1852 AGED 21 YEARS LEAVING AN INFANT DAUGHTER EMMA ELIZA Emma Reid, Dec 1852, Canterbury, Kent, vol 2a page 304 IN MEMORY* OF HARRY COLLINS OF BRIDGE IN THIS COUNTY WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 24TH? DAY OF DECEMBER 1845 AGED 37(?) YEARS THE MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED ------ --- 7 OCTOBER .. ...83? .... ...... ....... --------------- -------- HENRY STICKARD ? WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE NOVEMBER 15 1835 (1855) AGED 66? YEARS MART.. ........... May 1896 - At the Wesleyan Church, on the 7th inst., Dr. W. H. Longhurst opened a new organ, which had cost about £250. The decorative iron gates which had been exempt from the metal collection in the war as being "of special interest" were removed in November of 1959. A table which John Wesley used at the old King Street Chapel is now in St. Peter's Methodist Church. Canterbury Beaney Museum has a letter written by Wesley. "In returning to Canterbury, I called upon Mr. Kingsford,* a man of substance as well as piety. He informed me, "Seven years ago I so entirely lost the use of my ankles and knees, that I could no more stand than a new-born child. Indeed I could not lie in bed without a pillow laid between my legs, one of them being unable to bear the weight of the other. I could not move from place to place, but on two crutches. All the advice I had, profited me nothing. In this state I continued above six years. Last year I went on business to London, then to Bristol and Bath. At Bath I sent for a physician; but, before he came, as I sat reading the Bible, I thought, "Asa sought to the physicians and not to God," but God can do more for me than any physicians. Soon after, I heard a noise in the street, and rising up, found I could stand. Being much surprised, I walked several times about the room; then I walked into the square, and afterwards, on the Bristol road, and from that time I have been perfectly well: having as full a use of all my limbs as I had seven years ago." We had a comfortable opportunity in the evening, and early in the morning. And I left Canterbury, Friday 26, with a strong hope, that the work of God will flourish here, as it has not done for many years. In the evening I preached to a lovely congregation at Chatham, and on Saturday returned to London. Nov. 1787, Rev. John Wesley's Journal Monday 14, I went to Canterbury, and preached in the evening, on There is one God. The house would in no wise contain the congregation, in which were several clergymen. It pleased God to give me uncommon liberty of spirit, as also at Dover the next evening, where the new house, large as it is, was far too small, so that many could not get in. Thursday 17, I returned to Canterbury, and spent half an hour with my old friend Mr. Perronet*, the last of the six sons, and nearly worne out, and just tottering over the grave. In the evening we had another numerous congregation, and all deeply serious. Friday 18, we returned to London. Dec 1789 Rev. John Wesley's Journal October 3rd, 1848 - death, aged twenty-two, Mr. John HEARNDEN. His early connexion with our Maidstone Sunday school,....afterwards engaged as a Teacher in the Sunday school at Canterbury, he was accustomed to retire for prayer and devotional ready, in company with one of his fellow labourers in that valuable instituion.... there was a Sampson and William Kingsford residing in Canterbury about this time, William resided at Barton Mill *....It was to the younger son of this distinguished clergyman, the Rev. Edward Perronet, of Canterbury, that the Church of Christ is indebted for the hymn, "All hail," &c. On his conversion, he renounced the establishment, commenced itinerating with John Wesley, and soon united himself to the Countess of Huntingdon's connexion. "In almost every place where he proclaimed the love of christ (especially in Canterbury and Norwich), the Lord graciously gave him seals to his ministry." After a few years he settled over a congregation in the former city, and with them closed his days, January 2, 1792.....Mr. Perronet was gifted with a rich fund of wit, and rare powers of satire. Decidedly hostile to the hierarchy of the Church of England, he was the author of an anonymous poem, "The Mitre," supposed to have been one of the keenest satrires ever directed against the national establishment. Though printed, its publication was suppressed at the earnest entreaty of Mr. Wesley. The Baptist Magazine 1862 (his brother Charles Perronet died at Canterbury in 1776) - The Mitre is printed in "The Anti-Jacobin Review and Magazine June to September 1807 (pg. 492 onwards) 1858 - Revs. R. Rymer and J. Killick 1882 - Rev. G. P. Summerhays. Hours of Service: 10:30 am. 6:30 pm. mon. & wed. 7 pm. 1891 - Rev. James Bransom & Rev. Joseph Griffin Hodson May 1897 - Death of a Venerable Wesleyan Minister - The Rev. George Turner, a pastor for 40 years in the Wesleyan Connexion, and for the past seventeen years a supernumerary of the Canterbury Wesleyan Church, passed away on the 16th inst. at his residence at Victoria Terrace, Hawke's Lane, at the age of eighty years. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, a short service being held in the Wesleyan Chapel, wehre a large number of the members of the Wesleyan community assembled to pay their final tribute of respect. Amongst those present were the stewards; Messrs. Grant Cozens, M. Inge, J. Field, W. J. Payne, Rayfield, Kennedy, A. J. Baker, etc. The Rev. A. I. Wharton (pastor) officiated and was assisted by the Rev. J. Cooke (assistant pastor), Rev. Brimmell (Wesleyan), Rev. J. Patterson (Presbyterian), Rev. W. Edmundson (Watling Street Chapel), Rev. H. K. Kempton (Baptist), and the Rev. W. E. Stephenson (Congregational). As the body incased in an oak coffin, with brass furniture, bearing the inscription "George Turner, died 16th May, 1897, aged 80 years" was carried into the church the organist, Mr. B. Rowles, played Mendelesohn's "O Rest in the Lord"... WTHBH - April 15, 1899 - Mr. B.A. Rowles, late organist of St. Peter's Wesleyan Chapel, Canterbury, has been appointed organist of Hawley Square Wesleyan Chapel, Margate. 1901 - Benjamin Howland, Furniture dealer and Wesleyan local preacher 1903 - Rev. William J. Britton & Rev. Richard Hall. Hours of Service: 10:30 am & 6:30 pm; mon. & wed. 7:15 pm. 1917 - Services Sun. 10:30 and 6:30; Bible Class for Young People 3. Wed., Service, 7:30; Thurs. Wesley guild. 7. Ministers: Rev. F.J. Murrell (Wesley Manse), and Rev. F. Norman Charley (C.F.) (Westcroft) Hanover Place; Deconess, Sister Isabel Perks; Circuit Stewards, Messrs. A. Lander (J.P.) and A. Brownscombe (M.A.); Sec. Stewards, Messrs. R. M. Wilkinson, H. Stanley, W.L. Clark and W. Clark. Circuit Chapel Sec., Mr. W. Keightley. the centre for Kentish Studies holds records of minutes and accounts 1808 - 1970 for St. Peter's Methodist Church, Canterbury
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