Breams Eaves Methodist Church Centenary
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Bream's Eaves Chapel Centenary
Rev. A. J. Simpkins and Mr. P. L. Thomas compiled this historically important handbook for the centenary of the Breams Eaves Methodist Chapel in 1958.
CHURCH OFFICERS
Minister: Rev. A. J. Simpkins.
Society Stewards: Messrs. P. L. Thomas, B.E.M.,K. Worgan.
Trust Secy. : Mr. C. J. Kear.
Treas. : Mr. P. L. Thomas, RE.M.
Organist: Miss D. Humphries.
Choirmaster: Mr. W. Sims.
Sisterhood President: Mrs. H. Morgan.
Secy.: Miss D. Humphries.
Treas.: Mrs. M. Cooke.
Sunday School Superintendents:
Miss D. Humphries.
Mr. C. J. Kear.
Secy. : Miss P. Vaughan.
Treas.: Miss P. Benyon.
Christian Endeavour Leader: Mrs. B. Nelms
Youth Club Leader: Mr. K. Worgan.
Secy.: Miss M. Legge.
Overseas Mission Secy.: Miss P. Vaughan.
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
It was a small group of faithful and loyal Methodists meeting regularly
for worship and fellowship in a house in the Old Row at Whitecroft who
were the real pioneers of the Breams Eaves Primitive Methodist Church.
Their vision and sacrificial efforts resulted in the erection of the
present church building in 1858, being well named Mount Zion. As far
as can be ascertained the names which stood out well in those early days
were Joseph Morgan, John Lucas, William Dorney and William Hampton.
Under the leadership of the Rev. J. Middleton the schoolroom was enlarged in
1903 at a cost of £200. In 1905 the schoolroom was loaned to the Gloucestershire
County Education Committee for 3 years when it was used as a day school until
the new school was built in Bream.
1908 was marked by a Grand Effort which took the form of a Bazaar realising
the sum of over £60.
1914 saw an improvement in the lighting system of the church when the first
acetylene gas plant was installed at a cost of £18. Some of the present
church members can well remember some embarrassing moments when the gas decided
to go out during service time. This sometimes inconvenient apparatus with its
odious smell was endured until 1930 when the change over to electricity was
most welcomed.
1932 brought Methodist Union and the Eaves became part of the Forest of Dean
Circuit together with some 36 other churches.
The church has always had a reputation for its bright services and good congregations.
During the time of the Revival in the early 1900's the church was full each
Sunday with every available seat occupied and the worship enriched by the services
of a first rate choir. One very significant result of this period of revival
was the formation of a Mission Band which travelled the Forest conducting many
services. A number of young people who took part in this work heard the call
to preach and since that time have rendered many years of excellent service
as fine preachers.
Another feature of the church for many years was the Young Worshippers League
and a very flourishing Band of Hope which functioned under the leadership of
Messrs. Macey, Morse, Humphries, Hooper, Gilbert and Adams.
The Eaves has always been noted for its good singing which is not surprising
when it is remembered that the choir has been served by such fine men as John
Hampton, Hubert Hampton, John Jenkins, Alfred Kear.
The great day in the church calendar for many years was the day of the Camp
Meeting held on a Sunday in June. It commenced with a March of Witness in the
morning to the Old Row at Whitecroft concluding with an Open Air Service at
Park Hill. In the afternoon a March of Witness starting from Bream Schools
would sing its way round Woodside and hold an Open Air Service at the church.
In the early evening the crowds would gather again at Bream Schools for a short
Open Air Service and a final March of Witness this time along Whitecroft Road
to the church for the evening service. Much help was received from the Berry
Hill Local Preachers. These were indeed memorable occasions marked by splendid
preaching and singing.
In recent years an outstanding event has been the installation of the Pipe
Organ. For some time much hard work in Efforts of various kinds concluding
with a Gold and Silver Tree resulted in the amount of £170 being raised.
An advert. in the Methodist Recorder offered a Pipe Organ for sale by auction
at Leominster. A deputation headed by the minister, the Rev. W. E. Mann, including
Mr. L. Arnold, Mr. T. Morgan, the Bream C.of E. organist, travelled to Leominster
and were successful in making the purchase. The organ was installed and a Dedication
Service was held in March 1947 when one of the speakers was the oldest member
of the church, Mrs. M. Jenkins, who thrilled the congregation with an account
of the musical activities of the church from as far back as she could remember.
It would be impossible to record the names of all those who down through the
years have rendered faithful and loyal service to this branch of the Church
of Jesus Christ. We thank God for them and pray that all who follow in their
footsteps may be worthy of the great heritage which is theirs.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Sisterhood.
This work commenced in 1940 under the leadership of Mrs. W. S. J ones who came
to Bream from South Wales. Meetings have been held weekly and rich fellowship
has been enjoyed by all who have attended. Since its inception ladies belonging
to other denominations have been welcomed into membership as well as ladies
who have not been connected with any church. A Sisterhood Sunday with Special
Services has been held annually.
The meeting is served by an excellent team of officers.
Much financial help has been given to the church through the Sisterhood and
support has also been given to a number of good causes such as the B. & F.B.S.,
the Cancer Research Fund, and the work of a Leper Colony.
The Choir.
The church choir has been in existence since the time the building was erected
and for many years has played an important part in church worship.
Family tradition has taken its place in maintaining the high standard for which
the choir has been noted. Many happy times have been enjoyed rehearsing for
Cantatas and Concerts which have been given in other churches as well as our
own to assist the church funds.
The choir has been served by some excellent conductors including John Jenkins,
Hubert Hampton and Harry James who have also been church organists.
Since that time Tom Phillips and Alf Kear have given good service as conductors
being followed by Cliff Kear and our present choirmaster, Mr. W. Sims.
Mrs. G. Wildin followed Harry James as the church organist who in turn has
been succeeded by our present organist Miss D. Humphries.
Among the Long Service Members and still active are Mr. and Mrs. J. J ames
who have served for some 64 years.
Our present choir treasurer, Mr. P. L. Thomas, has been serving in this capacity
for 44 years.
Local Preachers
This church can be proud of its Local Preachers. It is difficult to remember
a time when the church was without one. In the days before modern transport
this noble army of men tramped many miles through the Forest in all weathers
conducting services.
It would be true to say that Methodism in this area would have been impoverished
but for these stalwarts of the Faith. They include such fine people as Sam
James, William Dorney, George Rudge, James Hooper, Sam Humphries, Milsom Jones,
Alan Bevorstock, Frank Adams, Harry Merry, Will Jones, Fred Isles, Harry Kear,
Mr. and Mrs. L. Arnold and Dora Humphries.
At this time we have a body of 8 preachers operating from this church.
The Sunday School
This department of the church has always been very virile and active. Two family
names stand out as having had a long and splendid association with the work
of the school. Mr. and Mrs. J. Hampton and Mr. and Mrs. J. Jenkins will long
be remembered for their fine service. They were office bearers and teachers
working together as an excellent team. Mr. J. Jenkins was Superintendent for
50 years and set a standard which has never been forgotten. Other names which
stand out in the history of the school include Mr. Milsom Jones, Mr. Alf Kear
and Mr. Sam Humphries.
A number of the present church members will remember the Men's
Bible Class with a membership of over 50 which was ably led by Mr. J.
A. Hooper. Unfortunately this class was disbanded in the early 1900's.
The Ladies Class under the leadership of Mr. Milsom Jones was held for many
years and made a vital contribution to the life of the school.
For many years now the school has entered scholars for the Scripture Examination
and has always reached a very high standard being successful on two occasions
in winning the District Trophy.
Since the inception of the Lydney and District Sunday School Union the school
has been a member playing its full part in the many activities.
A fine contribution is made each year to the Missionary Society as a result
of collecting undertaken by the Junior scholars.
The school has always kept in touch with its young men undergoing their National
Service and almost without exception has the joy of welcoming them back into
the work of the school again on their return to civilian life.
There are over a 100 scholars on the Roll at the present time.
The Christian Endeavour
In the Autumn of 1944 a Special Young Peoples' Service was conducted by the
Rev. Arthur H. Bryant in the presence of a full congregation. At the close
of the service an appeal was made and many young people came forward to register
their desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Since a number of these had at
that time no connection with the church at all it was felt that in order to
keep in touch with them and to assist in training them in the Christian way
of life a weekly meeting was necessary.
The occasioned the commencement of the C.E. which has been functioning ever
since. Under the guidance of Mrs. B. Nelms much splendid work has been going
on and a very valuable contribution has been made toward the building up of
our young people in the Faith.
The Youth Club
The Youth Club was formed during the ministry of the present minister in the
early part of 1956. It has sustained a membership of 20 with Keith Worgan as
the leader. The club functions throughout the year and has many sided activities.
It is affiliated to the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs and takes part
in several District Activities.
***We are deeply indebted to the minister and Mr. P. L. Thomas who have compiled this handbook and also to Mr. J. Sandford Buck who kindly did the sketch of the church.
CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
SATURDAY, APRIL 19th
6 p.m. Re-dedication Service and dedication of Gifts. Conducted by the Rev.
A. J. Simpkins and Rev. A. H. Bryant.
7 p.m. Supper followed by
'I remember meeting' presided over by the Rev. A. H. Bryant. Past and present
members will speak. Musical items.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20th
2.30 and 6. Centenary Services. Rev. A. H. Bryant.
Special singing by the choir.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22nd at 7 p.m.
The Sisterhood present'Sankey and his sacred songs'. A Song Service of
Praise.
THURSDAY, APRIL 24th at 7 p.m.
'Youth takes a Bow'.
A Concert presented by the members of the Youth Club and Sunday School Scholars.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27th
2.30 and 6. Thanksgiving Services. Rev. A. J. Simpkins.
Special singing by the choir.
The proceeds of these efforts will be for the Renovation Fund. All donations
to be sent to
Mr. P. L. Thomas, B.E.M.,
'Lynwood',
Whitecroft Road,
Bream, Nr. Lydney, Glos.
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