History Society Talk on Primitive Methodism

Audlem History Society talk on Primitive Methodism by Jill Barber,
Education and Museum Officer, Englesea Brook Chapel & Museum.

The History Society was treated to a wonderfully lively evening last Thursday when Jill Barber took us on a non-stop tour of the early development of the Primitive Methodist movement (or "Prims" as she referred to them!) up to the present day. Jill illustrated her talk with some well-chosen slides, and a more vivacious and entertaining speaker would be hard to find.

This area is important historically partly due to 2 prominent "Prim" characters, Hugh Bourne and William Clowes, who arranged "camp"-style meetings, the first of which was held at Mow Cop in 1807.

Primitive Methodism challenged the status quo of the established Anglican & Methodist churches, and had a huge impact especially on the lower echelons of society and also on women and children. (Hugh Bourne was paying women as ministers well over 200 years ago!).

The Primitive Methodist movement started Friendly Societies in order to help their neighbours, and Trade Unionism was born out of this. On the whole the "Prims" were a pacifist church, and some members became Conscientious Objectors in World War 1 and were imprisoned, although many others supported Lloyd George's call to arms during that war. In 1932 all branches of Methodism were at last united into the church we know today.

Ironically, the Scout and Guide hall where the History Society meetings are held, was of course Audlem's own Primitive Methodist chapel originally.
There is a Community Archive online source for further information. www.engleseabrook-museum.org.uk

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