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BBC
Stoke & Staffordshire - Faith |
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2004
Faith is set in more than stone... |
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Etruria
Chapel: Sadly soon to close
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Etruria
Chapel has been part of the local community for just short of a century,
but it has been revealed that this once beautiful building is shortly
due to close.
Terry Walsh takes a look at the history of this place of worship. |
The Methodists
of Etruria were active at the end of the 18th Century, but soon felt the
need for a building to support their work. Building began in 1806, and worship
in the chapel was first recorded in 1808. It cost £447 to build. Quite soon,
the building became too small.
The Sunday School teachers reported that they were having to send children
home because there was no room. So, in the 1850's, the building was extended.
Jesse Shirley was one of the people involved in the chapel at this time.
We can be thankful for the generous support of wealthy benefactors, but
it is important to remember the work of the teachers, visitors, and leaders.
The first day school in the area was provided by the chapel. The history
of Britain is full of social innovations and ideas that came through the
churches and chapels - schools, hospitals, trades unions, model villages.
The day schools were much needed. Conditions in Stoke-on-Trent at this time
were harsh. Life expectancy was considerably lower here than in the rest
of the country.
Etruria village has never been an unchanging place. It grew, but even at
the end of the 19th century it was recorded as being a beautiful place,
with bluebells and blackberries, as well as willow trees. Looking out from
the chapel now, all that has gone, along with many of the houses that made
up the village.
 There
is no community to serve any more, at least not of the size it once was.
Instead, cars rush past on the A53, anxious to get to Birmingham or Manchester.
It is sad to see a chapel close. Our task is to remember and give thanks
for the countless people who taught and worked at Etruria Chapel. Who knows
where it has born fruit in this city, in the country, or round the world?
When this chapel is closed, the work of Christ continues. We must find out
where we can continue to live faithfully, to give ourselves to the Christ
who gave himself for us.
Our faith is in the living Christ, not in buildings. |
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