Services for April 2012
01/04 10.30am - Reg Darby
08/04 10.30pm - Easter B/fast Rev. J Cartwright
15/04 10.30pm - John & Joy Langford
22/04 10.30am - Rev. J Cartwright (Communion)
29/04 10.30am - Joint Service with Uppingham

Toddlers
Every Wednesday 9-11am (during term time only) Congregational Church Hall, Weldon

Calling All Toddlers
Please bring along your grown ups, they can enjoy a cup of Tea, Coffee and Toast, we can enjoy Juice, Toast, Biscuits and on a special occasion home-made cakes, and it only costs £2 per family! We meet up to play with our friends in a warm safe and friendly environment but we are always on the look out for some new friends, so come along and bring your mummies, daddies, grandparents or child minders. Come and meet up, enjoy a chat and refreshments whilst we play. Our helpers are CRB checked and all funds go back towards the toddler group.

Beetle Drive
Every 4th Tuesday of the month at the Congregational Church Hall, Weldon. Come and join us at the Beetle Drive. It's an easy game that involves a dice and the drawing of a beetle. It's great FUN, we have had people from ages 9 to 90 taking part.
We have a break at half time for the raffle and some much needed tea, Coffee, Juice, lovely sandwiches and often some delicious cakes. It only costs a £1 for adults and 50p for children. Refreshments are 25p per item. Raffle costs 50p per ticket.
The winner and second place receive a prize, there is also a prize for the person with the lowest score! All proceeds go towards The Air Ambulance, so come along for a fun night out, make some new friends and help a good cause!

If you need to get in touch contact us:
Secretary: Mrs. M. Freeman Tel: 01536 260378
Treasurer: Mrs. J. Spencer, 2 Halls Close,Weldon NN17 3HH
Correspondence: Mrs. C. Griggs, 6 Dibbin Close, Weldon NN17 3HZ

History of the Congregational Church

Over 200 Years of Independent Worship in Weldon
In 1992 it was the 200th Anniversary of the Chapel building, so it seemed a good idea
by Chapel member Patricia Damen to tell the story.

In the beginning!
1992 was the bicentenary of the laying of the foundation stone for this Chapel.
The actual ceremony took place on 23rd May 1792, although prior to that a 'place of worship' had existed here for some 86 years.

The private dwelling of Mr Edward Nutt was the first meeting house for the Weldon Independents and it was licensed in 1706. At this time it was illegal to hold a meeting
of non-conformist worship without a license. The home of Edward Nutt is what we now know as the Manse.

In 1736, a small barn was standing on the site of the present Chapel, it was set up in a plain manner with a square pulpit, forms for seats and a window. This was used until 1792 when the foundation stone for the present building was laid. The building cost 182 Pounds, 9 Shillings and 3 Pence. The building was high enough for a gallery which was erected in 1808 at a cost of 44 Pounds, 14 Shillings and 6 Pence.

In 1810, a difficulty arose concerning the old license and a new one was signed by the Bishop of Peterborough, at this time the name of the meeting house was changed to that of 'Chapel'.

On Easter Monday/Tuesday 1889, a bazaar was held for the purpose of raising money to re-seat and renovate the Chapel, the amount raised with this and subscriptions was 168 Pounds, 6 Shillings and 11 Pence. This was all spent on the Chapel, Manse and other property connected with them.

The accommodation in total was for 150 in the Chapel and classrooms for 50, the total village population then was 700.

Chronology of the Buildings
The beginning of the Congregational Church in Weldon can easily be traced to the enthusiastic activity of one man – Mr Edward Nutt a free stonemason, who built and lived in the house which is now known as 'The Manse'.

Mr Edward Nutt for many years attended 'The Great Meeting House' at Kettering, now known as The Toller.

In 1706 Mr Edward Nutt registered his dwelling house as a 'Place of meeting for Protestant dissenters' to meet for the exercise of their Religious Worship and Service
of God.

In either 1736 or 1738, Mr Nutt fitted out a small barn in a plain way, on the site of the present building, and had preaching in it. It was plastered and had a small window, a square pulpit, three steps to the pulpit and people sat on the long forms. The size of the building was 14ft by 20ft and thatched.

After Mr Nutt's death in 1747, meetings were held "more stately"; and after Mrs Nutt's death in 1760 they met annually in July at Weldon Feat, to fix the course of 'Lectures' for the next year and to audit accounts.

List of Ministers
1790-90 Mr Griffin - Shared with Brigstock
1790-96 Mr Maurice Phillips - Shared with Brigstock
1796-97 Mr William Morgan - Shared with Brigstock
1797-97 Mr William Bull - Shared with Brigstock
1798-98 Mr Spencer - Shared with Brigstock
1804-24 Mr Robert Pickering - Shared with Brigstock
1824-39 John Morfitt
1840-45 Samuel Alexander Bradshaw
1848-53 Thomas Thomas
1853-55 James Sabina Knight
1855-66 George Bullock
1866-69 Peter John Rutter
1870-73 James Rae
1873-75 Thomas James Hookey
1876-89 John Lee
1889-07 James Hammil
1908-11 Rev. J. C. Davies
1915-24 Rev. Thomas Gattrell
1928-46 Rev. Humphrey Williams
1947-49 Rev. G. E. Rodhouse
1954-57 Rev. William Brown Part-time from Oundle
1959-63 Rev. Stanley Russell
1964-67 Rev Samuel Madin
1969-74 Rev Margaret E. Laurie Joined U.R.C in 1972
1991- Rev John Cartwright

Rev. John Philips 1824-1837
Rev. John Philips was the first ever sole Minister of this church; he began his ministry here in 1824. Mr Philips laboured amongst the people for approx. twelve years until he was called to the close of his life suddenly in their service. One Sabbath morning while engaged in the preaching he ruptured a blood vessel and was carried to his house and after a short time he died in his chair.

Buried alongside Rev. J. Philips, are his wife Frances and baby daughters. He was the first burial in the churchyard and the first Minister to occupy 'The Manse'. A plaque to his memory was placed in the Chapel at a price of 2 Pounds, 18 Shillings and 6 Pence.
(295.5 Pence) in 1837.

A centenary service was held in 1937 to celebrate the life and death of Rev. John Philips.

Mrs Frances Philips, was the daughter of Mr Thomas Viccars who was a Deacon and Treasurer at Brigstock Congregational Church. He was said to have meticulously kept the accounts which made interesting reading.

The Son of Rev. John Philips and his wife Frances, later became the well-known mapmaker and publisher George Philips, his relatives still keep in contact with
this church.

The Jubilee Hall
Around about 1897, a rift began in the Congregational Church in Weldon which resulted in a group of people breaking away from the main church and setting up a place of worship in what was known as the Jubilee Hall (Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897).

Services were held in the Jubilee hall until 1907, when the then present minister at Weldon Congregational Church reunited the two congregations. The hall was used thence forward for an adult school with several villagers teaching there, among them were Chapel members Mr Spendlove and Mr Perkins. Mr Spendlove was the village Postmaster for 55 years. Mr Perkins (father of Gladys Perkins) was a Methodist lay-preacher who played the cello and double bass in the Weldon Brass band.

Many organisations used the hall, for instance, the Boy's Brigade, Toc H, Band of Hope, Rechabites and Good Templars. It was also used for parties and wedding receptions.

The Jubilee Hall was sold in November 1941 to a Mr Bryan of Weldon for the sum of
67 Pounds, 10 Shillings.

It was used as offices for the bakehouse which stood next door. Sadly, the bakehouse and Jubilee Hall no longer stand, both being demolished during 1991.

The Church Hall
Our Church Hall is a very important asset, as far as can be seen in the available records, it was erected some time in 1960. it is used on a weekly basis by the Mums and Toddlers and three Sunday School classes hold their lessons there on Sunday mornings.

On a less frequent basis, Church meetings take place twice yearly, Harvest Supper annually and Family Lunches occasionally (friends and members meet and share a meal, usually a roast dinner and dessert all for £1 a head!). over the years Beetle Drives, Youth Clubs, Slimming and Keep Fit Clubs, to name just a few that have also used the hall.

As a church, it would be very difficult for us to function without a hall as it symbolises our reaching out to the villagers (and wider) to spread the Gospel that Jesus gave.

I am sure that in years to come, the hall will be put to many more useful purposes.

FOOTNOTE: It has also been used as a collection and storage place for Christian relief groups like 'Aid to Romania' etc.

Sunday School/Junior Church and Bible Class
For many, many years Bible Classes and Sunday School Classes have been held in the Chapel: originally these were held in the afternoon, but now are part of the morning Family Service which meets at 10.30am and share a short time of worship (during which a monthly communion takes place). Later the young people would leave the church
to receive about 30 minutes teaching. While this takes place the 'older' people receive
a teaching in church, with all meeting together for coffee etc, in the vestry after
the service.

For a number of years many children took part in an annual Scripture Exam run by the National Christian Education Council, and a prize giving took place at a different church each year. Photographs would be taken, (can be seen on this website and in the Vestry).

At the present time the ages ranged between 2 and 12 years for our Junior Church and we have approximately 20 children. We integrate our youngsters very much into our main church family; they take up collections, read the notices, do bible readings, prayers and drama.

Women's Guild
The Women's Guild, or Women's Own as it was originally known, began in 1931. Some ladies at a church meeting expressed a wish to hold a ladies meeting and so the Guild was 'born'.

The Women's Guild met on a Thursday afternoons where a speaker or guest gave a talk and invite questions: this was followed by a cup of tea and fellowship. The Guild have had very many faithful members over the years. They have done sterling work fund raising at the Bazaar, the Flower Festival and most importantly for missionary work.

Over the years the Women's Guild held Jumble Sales to raise money and these were well supported in the village. The first Jumble Sale was held in 1935 and raised the princely sum of 5 Pounds! Unfortunately these were disbanded in 2001.

Tennis Club
For many years there were tennis courts at the back of the Chapel graveyard. Permission was sought for the provision of tennis courts on 1st December 1926. the purpose of the courts was for the recreation of the young people in the village. The club flourished for many years, for example in 1940 it boasted 29 subscriptions paid up. At one time it had a pavilion and tournaments were held there. Unfortunately, the Tennis Club was disbanded around February 1967. The area that the Tennis Courts occupied is used nowadays as a garden on lease to a house with an adjoining garden.

Memories
Many members and their families have wished a memorial of one type or another to be placed in the Chapel. Listed below is a few that can be seen around the buildings.

In 1837, a plaque to the memory of Rev. John Philips was erected in the Chapel.

The Thomas Dash Charity plaque can be seen on the right side wall of the Chapel. A similar plaque can be seen in St Mary's Parish Church, these tell of distribution of food to the poor in the parish.

The blue paving bricks leading from the road to the graveyard were laid on behalf of the Dash Family for Mr Thomas Dash found the Chapel cobbles 'trying on his feet'. The gates at each end of the path were also given by the Dash Family. Mr Thomas Dash lived in the Manse at one time.

Commemorative Bibles etc. to be found in the pulpit: Authorised Version given by Mr George Beeby in 1931 for 67 years of Christian fellowship; Parker's Pulpit Bible (A.V.) given by Mr and Mrs Alsop in 1981; New English Bible given by the family of Mr Thomas Ghaut in 1986; Pulpit Congregational Praise given by Mrs O. Salter in memory of her husband Kershaw who died in 1962 given in 1968.

The Chapel wall clock was given by Mr Archie Tee in 1937 in memory of Mary.

The communion table was given in 1963 by Mrs B. F. Kirby to celebrate 60 years of church membership. The communion president's chair was given in by Mrs Florence Martin in memory of her daughter Ethel Gertrude Carter who died in that year aged 51. the silver communion cup was given by Mrs Violet Breslin in memory of her husband William (Bill) Andrews, killed in action in 1944. The silver paten was given by Mrs Mary Watters and family in memory of her parents Mr & Mrs Cogan, late of Corby Road. A communion cup stand was made by Mr Salter in 1955 and presented by Mrs Salter. In 1922 Mr J. H. Spendlove donated a set of individual communion cups.

In 1922, Mr March presented a Hymn-board to the Chapel. Two flower stands and vases were given by Mr G. Sanderson in 1966 in memory of his wife Elizabeth. At the same time Mr Jack Harding had a wooden cross made, which stands on the communion table. The text above the pulpit was erected in 1956 on behalf of Mrs Willock.

The wooden seat outside the Vestry was given by the family of Mr Edward (Ted) Willock who died in 1988.

In the hall, the table lectern has a brass plate, but the inscription is hard to read due to loving cleaning! The wall clock is in memory of Mrs May Bradley.

The notice board was given by Mrs W. Spendlove in 1928. the Wayside Pulpit on the Manse erected sometime after September 1937.

In 1967, permission was obtained from the Oddfelloews Hall to put up a box for church notices to be displayed.

Snippets
Mr J. H. Spendlove retired to Hythe after serving 60 years as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent. Miss Gladys Perkins took over his role. Mr Spendlove also served 55 years as the village Postmaster.

Mr Stanley Freeman served 41 years in the 'temporary' post of Church Secretary, in his younger days Mr Freeman and a Mr King jnr. Carried the harmonium to the village green for open-air services.

Carol Ferguson took over the role of Church Secretary in 1990.

In May 1924, a bath-chair was purchased by a Mr J Kerfoot at the price of 2 Pounds and 10 Shillings for the convenience of worshippers, the hire charge was 3 (old) Pence per hour, or 3 (old) Pence for one journey to church. In 1946 the chair was given on permanent loan to St. John's Ambulance. The Chapel now owns a wheelchair for the use of members to get to and from services, no charge is made for this!

The pews now in the church were acquired from Nassington Congregational Church on its closure and installed in 1965/66. In 1922, the Chapel was licensed for the Solemnisation of Marriages, a few take place here each year.

May 1946 aw the supply of mains water to the Chapel buildings. Originally the church was lit by candles, followed by lamps (presumably oil), the full illimination took place in 1933 when electric light was installed.

The Manse was built prior to 1706 and what we consider to be the back of the Manse, is actually the front; please note the sundial over the 'front' door. A Chapel constitution was drawn up in 1961 by Rev. Dr. S. Russell, this was re-introduced in the late 1980's with some modifications.

The 'Upper Room' as we now call it, was earlier referred to as the 'Welcome Room', in this room Miss Violet Mears (Breslin) held a bible class for boys and girls. This room is still used for meetings today.

At the time of Rev. Thomas Hookey, the church decided to change from being 'Independents' and join the Northamptonshire Congregational Association. In March 1966, the church became affiliated to the Congregational Federation of England and Wales.

After nearly 20 years of being without a minister and a great deal of prayer and consideration, the church decided to call a minister and after a great deal of searching the Revd. John Cartwright was ordained and instituted as our Part-time/Working Minister on 29th September 1991. John, his wife Karen and children Nick, Joanne and Abigail were very much part of the Weldon Congregational Church family.

Written by Patricia Damen