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Catalogue

Bishop Auckland Methodist Circuit

Reference: M/BA Catalogue Title: Bishop Auckland Methodist Circuit Area: Catalogue Category: Non-Conformist Church Records Description: 

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Catalogue Description

Records of the Bishop Auckland Circuit
deposited on long-term loan

(1) 8 August 1969 Acc: 426(D)
(2) 18 December 1978 Acc: 1131(D)
(3) 22 September 1980 Acc: 1253(D)
(4) 18 July 1980 Acc: 1243(D)
(5) 18 April 1985 Acc: 1604(D)
(6 and 7) 29 January 1988 Acc: 1779(D)
(8) 7 December 1989 Acc: 1901(D)
(9) 28 October 1988 Acc: 1831(D)
(10) 30 December 1991 Acc: 2026(D)
(11) 10 December 1991 Acc: 2023(D)
(12) 16 December 1992 Acc: 2102(D)
(13) 6 February 1992 Acc: 2036(D)

County Record Office,
County Hall,
DURHAM.
DHl 5UL

Telephone (091) 383 3253
Thirteenth Deposit

(Acc: 2036(D))

Catalogue Contents

Bishop Auckland Circuit (Ref: M/BA/663-679)

Assessment account book of Bishop Auckland Circuit, 2 December 1953 - 25 May 1955
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of the Bishop Auckland Branch of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, 23 September 1847 - 2 February 1886 For enclosures see: M/BA/665-6
(1 volume, card bound)


Circular letter from Mr. I. Cleminson, Bishop Auckland Circuit Treasurer, asking for increased support for the Worn-out Ministers' and Ministers' Widows' Fund, November 1884 Annotated with the accounts of contributions to the fund, n.d. [May 1885]
(1 paper)


Letters to I. Cleminson, from George Horsley, District Treasurer, concerning the Bishop Auckland Circuit contribution to the Worn-out Ministers' and Ministers' Widows' Fund, 6 and 11 May 1885
(2 papers)


Minute book of local preachers' meetings of the Bishop Auckland Wesleyan Circuit, 25 March 1839 - March 1863
(1 volume, leather quarter-bound)


Minute book of local preachers' meetings of Bishop Auckland Central Circuit (formerly "A" Circuit), 2 June 1939 - 1 June 1955
(1 volume, card bound)


Copies of the annual returns of information relating to local preachers in the Bishop Auckland "A" Circuit (known as Bishop Auckland Central Circuit from 1952), returned to the Connexional Local Preachers Committee of the Methodist Church, 31 March 1944 - 31 December 1954
(12 papers)


Letter to Rev. W. Holroyde, Bishop Auckland, from the Rev. William Humphrey, General Secretary of the Methodist General Chapel Committee, Manchester, listing deeds returned to the Rev. W. Holroyde, 4 August 1934
(1 paper)


Letter from the Rev. Thomas Robson, 55 Hutton Avenue, West Hartlepool, Chairman of the Middlesbrough and Darlington District, to the December quarterly meetings of the Bishop Auckland and West Auckland Circuits, concerning closer fellowship and co-operation between them, 18 November 1941
(1 paper)


Circular letters from the circuit stewards concerning a gift day and circuit rally with the Rev. Ernest Richardson as speaker on 25 April 1951, n.d.
(2 papers)


Application to the Methodist Chapel Committee for permission to sell the Princes Street manse, 10 February 1936
(1 paper)


Audited accounts of the Methodist Manses Trust Fund, 31 December 1954
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. Hector Stafford, Bishop Auckland, from R.W. Blythe, Clerk and Chief Financial Officer of the Urban District Council of Bishop Auckland, informing him that his claim for reduced rates on the Methodist manses is not valid, 3 May 1956
(1 paper)


Bishop Auckland and the Shildons Wesleyan Methodist Church Messenger, August [1916]
(1 booklet)


Bishop Auckland and the Shildons Wesleyan Methodist Church Messenger, January 1917
(1 booklet)


Bishop Auckland and the Shildons Wesleyan Methodist Church Messenger, August 1920
(1 booklet)


Bishop Auckland and the Shildons Wesleyan Methodist Church Messenger, August 1940
(1 booklet)

St. Helen's Auckland Primitive Methodist Circuit (Ref: M/BA/680-683)

Letter from J.P. Haswell, Leeds, to the Rev. John Willis, Bishop Auckland, concerning deeds and procedure for witnesses, 2 December 1848
(1 paper)


A synoptical account of the financial histories of the chapels in the St. Helen's Auckland Primitive Methodist Connexion, 2 March 1877
(1 paper)


Brief synoptical account of the chapels in the St. Helen's Auckland Circuit, March 1877
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. J. Pinchen, Toft Hill, from the Rev. Arthur Baldwin, secretary of the Methodist Chapel Aid Association Ltd., concerning deposit receipts for St. Helen's Auckland Circuit, 24 March 1925
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/684-689)

Individual Churches

Bildershaw Methodist Church
(Formerly Primitive Methodist)


Collection account book of Bildershaw Primitive Methodist Church, 1 June 1930 - 25 October 1964
(1 volume, card bound)


Letters from C.G. Tetley, Darlington and Stockton Building Committee, to Rev. F. Watson and the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Circuit, concerning the plans to build a new Methodist church at Bildershaw, West Auckland, 28 May and 30 May 1887
(2 papers)


Form certifying the use of Bildershaw Primitive Methodist Church as a place of meeting for religious worship by a congregation calling themselves Primitive Methodists, 3 May 1888
(1 paper)


Provisional valuation form of Bildershaw Primitive Methodist Church for duties on land values by A.E. South, valuer appointed by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, 30 April 1915
(1 paper)


Completed application form to sanction the appointment of new trustees for Bildershaw Primitive Methodist Church, 29 May 1920
(1 booklet)


List of people consenting to act as trustees of Bildershaw Methodist Church, 13 June - 9 December 1956
(1 paper)

Binchester Primitive Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/690-692)

Memorandum of the appointment of new trustees for the Binchester Primitive Methodist Church in the Old Park township of Whitworth Parish and also listing the trustees at the last appointment of 6 December 1895, 2 March 1929
(1 paper)


List of trustees of the Central Methodist Church (formerly Primitive Methodist), Binchester Blocks, as appointed on 27 December 1925, n.d. [post April 1936]
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. G.H. Fawell (and his successors), "Curriengre", Willington, Co. Durham; Proud, Robinson and Roddam, Solicitors, Bankside, Bishop Auckland; Dorman, Long and Company Limited, Estate Office, Zetland Road, Middlesbrough, and others, concerning the lease of land at Binchester Blocks including the sites of the former Primitive Methodist Church and Sunday School, 5 January 1934 - 7 November 1941
(24 papers)

 (Ref: M/BA/693-720)

Binchester Methodist Church
(formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Account book of the Binchester Wesleyan Methodist Sunday School, 31 December 1875 - 5 September 1921
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of Binchester Wesleyan Methodist Church Bazaar Club, February 1914 - 8 October 1929
(1 volume, card bound)


Copy application to the Wesleyan Chapel Committee for permission to erect a chapel at Binchester, 5 February 1902
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. Frederick Nicholson, Bishop Auckland, from the Rev. John Hornabrook, Secretary of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Oldham Street, Manchester, giving consent for the erection of the church at Binchester subject to various conditions, 5 March 1902
(1 paper)


Copy of application for financial aid from the Twentieth Century Fund of the Methodist Church, n.d. [1902-3]
(1 paper)


Notes on income and expenses for the building of Binchester Methodist Church, 21 February 1902 and 1903
(3 papers)


Letter to the Rev. J. Gibson, Bishop Auckland, from the Rev. John Hornabrook, Secretary of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester, giving sanction for the building of Binchester Chapel under specified conditions, 1 April 1903
(1 paper)


Letter to Rev. J. Gibson from John Jackson of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester, giving consent to the opening of Binchester New Church for religious services and pointing out the need to certify the building to the registrar, 4 April 1903
(1 paper)


Certificate by the Rev. John Gibson to the Registrar General that the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Binchester Cottages is to be used as a place of public worship, 24 April 1903
(1 paper)


Detailed summary of contractors' accounts for the new Binchester Methodist Church, 11 October 1904
(1 file)


Letter to the Rev. John Gibson, Bishop Auckland, from the Rev. John Hornabrook, Secretary of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester, sanctioning the modified terms for Binchester Methodist Church, 17 May 1905
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. R.H. Killip, Bishop Auckland, from the Rev. John Hornabrook of Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester, returning the memorandum of choice and appointment of 15 July 1913 and the resignation forms of trustees, to be retained for reference, 2-15 and 25 July 1913
(3 papers)


Letter to the Rev. J.J. Smith, from the Rev. John Hornabrook, Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester, returning a cancelled security for £200, 11 September 1918
(2 papers)


Report by the Rev. John B. Wanless of a meeting of trustees, officials and members of Binchester Methodist Church, concerning their preference for joining the Willington Circuit when negotiations for the reorganisation of the Auckland Circuits begin, 13 March 1935
(1 paper)


Minutes of a meeting held in the Central Methodist Church, Binchester, under the chairmanship of Rev. J.B. Wanless, to discuss the position of the trust and other matters following the amalgamation of the two Binchester Societies, 12 April 1938
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. R.E. Parker, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, reporting that proposals for Binchester amalgamation was approved by the District Home Missions Committee, 13 April 1938
(1 paper)


Combined insurance policy for Binchester Methodist Church issued by the Methodist Insurance Company Limited, 51 Spring Gardens, Manchester, 22 February 1946
(1 file)


Declaration by the trustees of the Binchester Methodist Church (formerly Primitive Methodist) and schoolroom, adopting the new model deed, 5 October 1955
(1 paper)


Details of people consenting to act as trustees of Binchester Methodist Church, February 1956
(1 paper)


Letters to the Rev. T. Ewbank, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, from Colonel W.B. Greenwell, County Air Raid Precautions Controller and from George Morley, County Controller, concerning a claim for gas consumed at the Warden's Post, Binchester Methodist Church, 16 April and 16 May 1940
(2 papers)


Receipted statements of rent paid from the Durham County Accountants Department, Shire Hall, Durham, to the Rev. T. Ewbank for the use of the old Wesleyan Chapel, Binchester for civil defence purposes, 16 July 1940 - 13 July 1942
(9 papers)


Letters to the Rev. T. Ewbank, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, from J.B. Bainbridge, Sanitary Inspector and Colonel W.B. Greenwell, County Durham Air Raid Precautions Organiser, 58 Hallgarth Street, Durham, concerning the provision of a dustbin at the warden's post, Binchester Wesleyan Methodist Church, 3 and 10 December 1940
(2 papers)


Receipted statements of ground rent in connection with Binchester ex-Wesleyan Church, collected by G.H. Edkins and Son, auctioneers, valuers and estate agents, from J.H. Thickett, 1 April 1941 - 6 August 1942
(3 papers)


Statement of, and receipts for, rent paid by Jos. Lingford and Son, Ltd., for the wartime use of the Methodist Chapel (formerly Wesleyan) at Binchester, 27 June 1941 - 13 July 1942
(3 papers)


Letter to the Rev. T. Ewbank, The Manse, Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland from Ferens Brothers, Ltd., corn millers, Gaunless Roller Flour Mills, Bishop Auckland, confirming the agreement permitting Ferens Brothers, Ltd., to use the Sunday School at Binchester as a flour and grain warehouse, 30 July 1941
(1 paper)


Signed agreement between the trustees of the Binchester Methodist Church and Ferens Brothers Ltd., flour millers, of Bishop Auckland, concerning the use of the Sunday School, Binchester as a flour and grain warehouse, 1 August 1941
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. T. Ewbank, Bishop Auckland, from Ferens Brothers Ltd., Bishop Auckland, enclosing a cheque for rent to September 1941, and subsequent receipts for rent, October 1941 - June 1942
(5 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. Hector Stafford, 30 Cleveland Avenue; the Rev. Albert Hearn, Department of Chapel Affairs, Manchester; Mr. William Wilson of the Todhills Pentecostal Mission, Newfield, Bishop Auckland and others, concerning the sale of Binchester Methodist Church, 17 May 1957 - 8 November 1971
(40 papers)

 (Ref: M/BA/721-723)

Bondgate Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland
(Formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Attendance book of the Sunday School of an unidentified Church [Bondgate, Bishop Auckland], 2 September 1888 - 27 May 1894
(1 volume, card bound)


Attendance book of Bondgate Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, Sunday School, 7 July 1896 - 29 May 1903
(1 volume, card bound)


Letter to the Rev. R.H. Killip, Bishop Auckland, from Albert H. Walker, returning a memorandum of choice and appointment of trustees connected with Bondgate and Brougham Place Trusts, February 1911
(1 paper)

Mount Pleasant Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland (Ref: M/BA/724)

Draft letter from the Rev. R.E. Parker, Wesley Manse, Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, outlining the position concerning the manses at Mount Pleasant and Princes Street and the possibility of selling them together, n.d. [1936?]
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/725-735)

Newgate Street Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland
(Formerly United Methodist Free Church)


Account book of the United Methodist Church [Newgate Street], Bishop Auckland, 22 February 1925 - 25 December 1949
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of Newgate Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, 1 January 1950 - 1 March 1960
(1 volume, card bound)


Collection journal of Newgate Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, 4 January 1948 - 27 September 1959
(1 volume, card bound)


Attendance register of the Sunday School of Newgate Methodist Church, 5 January 1936 - 4 November 1948
(1 volume, card bound)


Copy note of a mortgage deed of an unidentified church [South Road United Methodist Free Church?], including lists of trustees' names, 22 May 1889
(1 paper)


Forms giving details of those consenting to act as trustees of South Road United Methodist Free Church, 2 July 1919 and undated [pre 1932]
(2 papers)


Form giving details of those consenting to act as trustees of Newgate United Methodist Church, undated [post 1932]
(1 paper)


Form noting the retirement of trustees from South Road United Methodist Free Church, 7 February 1906
(1 paper)


Form noting the retirement of trustees from Newgate Street United Methodist Church, 24 November 1933
(1 paper)


Letter to Rev. E.S. Worthington, Lynwoode, Bishop Auckland, from J. and W.H. Corner, 'Dimbar', Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, trustees and executors of the late Mrs. Hepzibah Henderson, enclosing a copy of a letter from them to Mr. F. Stacey, Treasurer of the United Methodist Free Church, Bishop Auckland, concerning a legacy left by Mrs. H. Henderson to the church, 14 January 1928
(2 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. J. Arthur Cove of 23 Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland and Fine Fare Limited, 32 Wigmores North, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and others, concerning the revocation of the restrictive covenant on the former Methodist church property at 124 Newgate Street, 5 November 1974 - 17 November 1975
(14 papers)

 (Ref: M/BA/736-748)

Wesley Church, Bishop Auckland
(Formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Minute book of the trustees of Wesley Church, Bishop Auckland, 9 July 1956 - 8 November 1976
(1 volume, leather, half-bound)


Account book of Wesley Church, Bishop Auckland, 1 January 1939 - 5 August 1956
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of Wesley Church, Bishop Auckland, 1 July 1956 - 31 August 1969
(1 volume, card bound)


Collection Journal of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, 1 January 1905 - 5 March 1916
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Collection Journal of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, 12 March 1916 - 9 January 1927
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Collection Journal of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, 2 January 1927 - 2 October 1938
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Collection Journal of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, 9 October 1938 - 12 January 1947
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Record book of goods received and work done at Wesley Church, Bishop Auckland, 7 September 1938 - 3 February 1944
(1 volume, card bound)


Financial statements of society stewards of Wesley Church, Bishop Auckland, 31 December 1949-51 and 1953-54 (7 papers) /745 Circular letter to members from the society stewards of Wesley Church, Bishop Auckland, concerning contributions to a leaving gift to the Rev. M.R. Redfern, Superintendent Minister, June 1951
(1 paper)


Pulpit notice book of Wesley Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, 20 March 1966 - 29 March 1970
(1 volume, card bound)


Pulpit notice book of Wesley Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, 5 April 1970 - 31 March 1974
(1 volume, card bound)


Attendance register of the Wesley Methodist Church Sunday School, Bishop Auckland, 2 January 1916 - 27 December 1925
(1 volume, card bound)

Wesleyan Day Schools, Russell Street (Ref: M/BA/749)

Correspondence to Rev. R.E. Parker, Wesley Manse, Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, concerning the proposed sale of the Russell Street Schools, 29 October 1935 - 24 January 1938
(1 file)

 (Ref: M/BA/750-752)

Butterknowle Methodist Church
(Formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Minute book of the trustees' meetings of Butterknowle Wesleyan Methodist Church, 11 April 1911 - 12 January 1937
(1 volume, card bound)


Letters to the Rev. T. Ewbank, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland from A.G. South, District Valuer, concerning compensation for the use of Butterknowle Methodist Church vestry as a wardens' post, 20 and 22 June 1940
(2 papers)


Letters to the Rev. T. Ewbank, 30 Cleveland Avenue, from Arthur Abel, County Accountant, Shire Hall, Durham, enclosing the rent due under Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, for the use of Butterknowle Methodist Church vestry, 29 July 1940 - 23 June 1942
(9 papers)

 (Ref: M/BA/753-761)

South Side Methodist Church, Butterknowle
[Later united with Butterknowle Methodist Church in 1966]


Letter to the Rev. William Thompson, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, from Rev. Herbert Simpson, concerning the proposal to demolish the church at South Side (in order to concentrate work in the school rooms) and possible alternatives, 26 September 1961
(1 paper)


Letter from the Rev. W. Oliver Phillipson, Secretary of the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, Manchester, to the Rev. W. Thompson, enclosing a copy of a letter sent to Miss Mary Thompson, Breckon Hill Farm, Butterknowle, concerning money to be invested on behalf of South Side Methodist Church, Butterknowle, 21 September 1962 For enclosure, see M/BA 755
(1 paper)


Letter from Rev. W. Oliver Phillipson, Secretary for the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, Manchester, to Miss Mary Thompson, Breckon Hill Farm, Butterknowle, acknowledging the receipt of £400 for investment on behalf of the South Side Methodist Church, Butterknowle, and making reference to the payment of interest, 21 September 1962
(1 paper)


Annotated agenda for joint meeting of the trustees of Butterknowle and South Side Methodist Churches to discuss the proposal to unite the two societies at Butterknowle and to close and sell the South Side Church; also a list of the trustees nominated for the trust of the unified societies, 17 February 1966
(1 paper)


Application to the Home Missions Department of the Methodist Church for the closure of South Side Methodist Church, Butterknowle, 2 March 1966
(1 paper)


Letter from the Rev. Dr. L. Davison, Home Mission Department of the Methodist Church, London, to the Rev. William Thompson, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, giving consent to the closure and possible sale of South Side Methodist Church, Butterknowle, 31 March 1966
(1 paper)


Letter from the Rev. William Thompson, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, to the Rev. Rodgers, The Manse, Burrill Road, Bedale, N. Yorks., concerning permission to sell the South Side Church property, Butterknowle, 15 June 1966
(1 paper)


Letter from Rev. William Thompson, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, to Mr. J. Valks, land and estate agents, 47 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, requesting him to undertake the sale of South Side Methodist Church, Butterknowle, 15 June 1966 Attached: note that the church is closed and Mr. J. Valks is dealing with the sale, n.d.
(2 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. William Thompson, Superintendent Minister and his successor, the Rev. A.H. Bryant, of 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland; Joseph Valks, land and estate agents, 39 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, and others concerning the sale of South Side Methodist Church, Butterknowle, 16 June 1966 - 19 June 1967
(10 papers)

 (Ref: M/BA/762-765)

Cockfield Methodist Church
(formerly Primitive Methodist)


Letter from W.Y. Scarth, Raby Castle, to Messrs. Copeland and Summerson, concerning the lease for Cockfield Methodist Church, 19 September 1887
(1 paper)


Provisional valuation of Cockfield Primitive Methodist Church and Sunday School for duties on land values, 30 April 1915
(1 paper)


Number not used


Letter to the Rev. Hector Stafford, Bishop Auckland, from the Rev. W. Oliver Phillipson, Secretary, Methodist Department for Chapel Affairs, Manchester, concerning Cockfield Manse, 28 November 1956
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/766-774)

Cockton Hill Methodist Church
(Formerly Primitive Methodist)


Provisional valuation of Cockton Hill Primitive Church and house adjoining for duties on land values, 30 April 1915
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. R. Laidler, The Manse, Cockton Hill; G.B. Richardson, Glenholm, Darlington Road, West Auckland and others, concerning a disciplinary matter, 10-25 February 1922
(1 file)


Correspondence between the Rev. W.R. Gunstone, (followed by the Rev. Hector Stafford) Bishop Auckland; the Rev. Albert Hearn, Secretary of the Methodist Department for Chapel Affairs, Manchester; Proud Robinson and Roddam, Solicitors, Bankside, Bishop Auckland; and others, concerning the purchase of 20 Cockton Hill Road to replace the Gaunless Bank Manse as the second manse of the Bishop Auckland (Wesley) Circuit, 5 August 1954 - 19 January 1956
(19 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. Hector Stafford, Bishop Auckland; the Rev. Herbert Simpson, Methodist Department of Chapel Affairs, Manchester; G.H. Edkins and Son, valuers and estate agents, 140 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland; and others, concerning the sale of Cockton Hill Methodist Church and Sunday School, 4 December 1959 - 1 October 1962
(1 file)


Valuation of 39 Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland, 20 June 1964
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. William Thompson, Bishop Auckland; the Rev. W. Oliver Phillipson, General Secretary of the Methodist Department of Chapel Affairs, Manchester; Proud, Robinson and Roddam, solicitors, Bankside, Bishop Auckland, concerning the sale of 39 Cockton Hill Road, 31 August 1964 - 20 September 1965
(1 file)


Annotated agenda for a meeting of the Cockton Hill Trustees, 17 September 1965
(1 paper)


Valuation of 20 Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland, 9 July 1966
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. William Thompson (and later the Rev. A.H. Bryant). Bishop Auckland; Proud, Robinson and Roddam, Bankside, Bishop Auckland; and others, concerning the sale of the manse at 20 Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland, 16 June 1966 - 16 June 1967
(1 file)

 (Ref: M/BA/775-778)

Coundon Gate Methodist Church
(formerly Primitive Methodist)


Account book of Coundon Gate Methodist Church, 4 January 1942 - 14 December 1959
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of Coundon Gate Methodist Church, 3 January 1960 - 11 June 1964
(1 volume, card bound)


Letter from J. Walton Taylor, architect, to H.J. Mein, The Hall, Toft Hill, concerning the minister's house at Coundon, 29 May 1908
(1 paper)


Correspondence concerning the closure of Coundon Gate Methodist Church, 12 February 1964 - 21 October 1965
(1 file)

 (Ref: M/BA/779-782)

Eldon Methodist Church
(Formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Correspondence with the Rev. M. Allen, 39 St. John's Road, New Shildon, concerning the site of a proposed new Wesleyan Methodist Church at Eldon, 26 February - 19 September 1903
(1 file)


Letter to Rev. R. Watson Jones, St. John's Road, New Shildon, from Booth and Wood, solicitors, Bank Chambers, Bishop Auckland, giving a list of the trustees of the Eldon Trust, 29 September 1903
(1 paper)


Receipt for the conveyance of Eldon Methodist Church, 16 November 1904
(1 paper)


Letter to Mr. Cairns, Howlish Hall, Coundon, from the Rev. R. Markin concerning an appeal for a proposed Methodist Church at Eldon, 20 March 1905
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/783-784)

Etherley (Phoenix Row) Methodist Church
(Formerly Primitive Methodist)


Letter to the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Station from John Hallam, Secretary of the Primitive Methodist Sunderland District Building Committee noting the balance sheet of the costs of erecting Phoenix Row Chapel and complaining of hasty action, 16 January 1882
(1 paper)


Certificate by Rev. George Whitehead to the Registrar General that the Primitive Methodist Church at Phoenix Row, Etherley is to be used as a place of public worship, 24 June 1882
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/785-799)

Etherley Methodist Church
(Formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Minute book of the trustees' meetings of Etherley Methodist Church, 28 March 1939 - 23 February 1975
(1 volume, leather quarter-bound)


Attendance register of Etherley Methodist Sunday School, 3 July 1910 - 27 December 1925
(1 volume, leather quarter-bound)


Attendance register of Etherley Methodist Sunday School, 3 January 1926 - 12 July 1936
(1 volume, cloth quarter-bound)


Attendance register of Etherley Methodist Sunday School, 5 January 1936 - 4 July 1943
(1 volume, cloth quarter-bound)


Attendance register for Etherley Methodist Sunday School, 1955 - 1970 Includes marks for 'Golden Text', 1955-1963
(1 volume, card bound)


Minute book of the teachers' meetings of Etherley Methodist Sunday School, 19 September 1906 - 18 November 1941
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Minute book of the teachers' meetings of Etherley Methodist Sunday School, including an alphabetical index of village residents who left to serve in His Majesty's Forces, 6 October 1942 - 19 February 1967
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Programme of a sale of work at Etherley Wesleyan Methodist Church, 8 November 1922
(1 booklet)


Letter to Mr. Metcalfe, 48A Toft Hill, West Auckland, from R.C. Pearce and Son, auctioneers, valuers, house and estate agents, enclosing a copy of the schedule of condition of the Wesleyan Church School Room, Etherley, West Auckland in possession of the military authorities, prepared by Reginald C. Pearce, F.A.I., 7 September 1940
(3 papers)


Letter to Rev. T. Ewbank, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, from the Land Agent and Valuer for the War Department, Darlington District, acknowledging receipt of Claim Form No. 1 concerning the military use of Etherley Wesleyan Methodist School Room, 17 September 1940
(1 paper)


Letter to Rev. T. Ewbank, 30 Cleveland Avenue, from G.H. Edkins and Son, auctioneers, valuers and estate agents, confirming a negotiated settlement of rental compensation for the military use of the Etherley Wesleyan Methodist Schoolroom at £40 per annum, 28 January 1941 Attached: receipted statements of rent collected by G.H. Edkins and Son, from the military authorities, 1 April 1941 - 10 July 1942
(7 papers)


Correspondence between A.F. Ward, organ builder, The Organ Factory, Athol Street, Middlesbrough, and H. Rawe, Garage, Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland, concerning repairs to the organ at Etherley Wesleyan Church and a tuning contract for the organ, 26 June - 30 December 1956
(1 file)


Circular letter concerning Etherley Methodist Church Anniversary Services and an appeal for contributions towards the cost of repairs to the organ, August 1956
(1 paper)


Circular letter giving details of an organ recital and dedication service of Etherley Methodist Church Organ to be held on 24 October 1956, August 1956 Attached: a further appeal towards the costs of repairing the organ, n.d.
(1 paper)


Superintendent Registrar's certificate of the registration of Etherley Phoenix Row Methodist Church for the solemnization of marriages, 7 February 1966
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/800-803)

Etherley Dene Methodist Church
(Formerly Primitive Methodist)


Certificate by the Rev. John Snaith, Minister, to the Registrar General that the Primitive Methodist Church at Etherley Dene near Bishop Auckland is to be used as a place of public worship, 9 March 1870
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. G. Lewins, West Auckland, from E. Adamson, Etherley Dene, concerning the transfer of Etherley Dene to the Bishop Auckland Station [Circuit], 25 September 1894
(1 paper)


Letter to the St. Helen's Auckland Station [Circuit], from D. McKinley, Secretary of Darlington and Stockton District Committee, reporting their resolutions that Etherley Dene Primitive Methodist Society should remain within the St. Helen's Auckland Station, 4 December 1894
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. E.J. Turner, 23 Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland, from Smith, Roddam and Co., solicitors, 56 Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, enclosing a contract for signature by the managing trustees of Etherley Dene Chapel and requesting the names and addresses of the trustees, 13 October 1977
(1 paper)

Escomb Primitive Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/804-805)

1 December 1862 (1) Thomas Jackson of Etherley, gent., in trust Ferdinand Spoor of Escomb Woodside, farmer (2) Messrs. Bolckow and Vaughan Surrender from (2) to (1) of Railway Field at Escomb Carr Wood, in the township of Escomb
(Parchment, 1 membrane)


1 December 1871 (1) Benjamin Spoor of Witton Park, merchant, and others (2) Thomas Jackson of Etherley, gent. and Ferdinand Spoor Surrender from (2) to (1) of a parcel of Railway Field at Escomb Carr Wood for use as a Primitive Methodist Church
(Parchment, 1 membrane)

 (Ref: M/BA/806-821)

Escomb Methodist Church
(Formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Collection journal of Escomb Wesleyan Methodist Church, 15 September 1907 - 11 February 1917
(1 volume, card bound)


Collection journal of Escomb Wesleyan Methodist Church, 16 December 1928 - 23 January 1938
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of Escomb Methodist Church, 1 September 1972 - 27 January 1977
(1 volume, card bound)


Attendance book of Escomb Wesleyan Methodist Church Sunday School, 6 January 1856 - 28 June 1863
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Attendance book of Escomb Wesleyan Methodist Church Sunday School, 2 January 1870 - 30 December 1888
(1 volume, leather half-bound)


Attendance book of Escomb Wesleyan Methodist Church Sunday School, 7 July 1889 - 7 January 1894
(1 volume, card bound)


Attendance book of Escomb Wesleyan Methodist Church Sunday School, 5 January 1896 - 30 December 1900
(1 volume, card bound)


Attendance book of Escomb Methodist Church Sunday School, January 1936 - March 1941
(1 volume, card bound)


Attendance book of Escomb Methodist Sunday School, 1 October 1961 - 29 September 1963
(1 volume, cloth bound)


Newspaper report of a bequest left to Escomb Methodist Church by Mr. Joseph E. Johnson of 29 St. Hilda Street, Hartlepool, attached to a copy of Clause 17 of his will dealing with the payment of legacies, n.d. [1935-6]
(1 paper and 1 newspaper cutting, 5.5 cm. x 18 cm.)


Letter to the Rev. R.E. Parker, Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, from R. Bell and Son, solicitors, 58 Church Street, West Hartlepool, concerning difficulties in realising the estate of the late J.E. Johnson before legacies can be paid, 29 February 1936
(1 paper)


Correspondence to Mr. T. Biggs, 3 High Escomb, Bishop Auckland, from Nelson and Co., City Organ Works, 1-4 Holly Street, Durham; Pearson and Phelan, 16 Mount Joy, Durham; William Sewell, Norfolk Street, Sunderland and the Vincent Electric Organ Co., 30 Villiers Street, Sunderland, concerning the building of an organ for Escomb Methodist Church, 12 July 1951 - 7 May 1952
(1 file)


Correspondence to Mr. T. Biggs, secretary of the trustees of Escomb Methodist Church from Nelson and Co., acknowledging the acceptance of their tender for the installation and maintenance of the new organ, 16 May 1952 - 8 February 1956
(4 papers)


Correspondence to the Rev. H. Stafford, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland and to W. Scales, 5 High Escomb, Escomb, from William Sewell, 18 Sheepfold Road, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, giving reports on the state of the organ, 22 August 1961 and 1 March 1962
(3 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. William Thompson, superintendent minister (and his successors), Mr. J.R. Passey, solicitor and Clerk to the Urban District Council of Bishop Auckland; the Rev. Herbert Simpson, Secretary of the Methodist Church Department of Chapel Affairs, Manchester; and others, concerning the effects on the Escomb Methodist Church of the council's development plans, the possibility of a new building, and the subsequent decision to close and sell the church, 8 March 1963 - 23 August 1977
(1 file)


Plan of new Methodist Church Escomb by D.W. Insall, 1965 Scale: 1 inch to 16 feet [1 : 192],
(1 plan, 96 cm. x 63 cm.)


Plan and elevations of new Methodist Church, Escomb by D.W. Insall, showing details of Proposal 3, 1966 Scale: 1 inch to 8 feet [1 : 96]
(1 plan, 97 cm. x 63.5 cm.)

Evenwood Primitive Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/822-824)

15 November 1860 (1) Matthew Bowman of Evenwood, miner, and others, trustees (2) George Palpharamand of Rugby, Co. Warwick, engine driver Mortgage (by demise for a term of 1000 years) of a piece of land in Evenwood for the purpose of building a Primitive Methodist Chapel Consideration: £100
(Parchment, 2 membranes)


Provisional valuation of Evenwood Primitive Methodist Church for duties on land values, 30 April 1915
(1 paper)


Certified sealed confirmation by the Board of Charity Commissioners for England and Wales, of the new trustees as administrators of "The charity consisting of the old Primitive Methodist Chapel in the parish of Evenwood, comprised in an indenture of 1859", 18 August 1914
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/825-826)

Evenwood Methodist Church
(formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Receipted statements of rent collected by G.H. Edkins and Son, auctioneers, valuers and estate agents, from the military authorities for the use of Evenwood (Wesleyan) Methodist School Room, 15 November 1940 - 28 March 1942
(1 file)


Correspondence between Rev. W. Oliver Phillipson, Department for Chapel Affairs, Central Buildings, Manchester, and Rev. Hector Stafford, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, concerning the closure of Evenwood Brookside Methodist Church, 14 and 31 May 1960
(2 papers)

Hamsterley Primitive Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/827-833)

Letter from General Committee of the Primitive Methodist Connection, Burnham House, London, to the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Station, authorising the sale of Hamsterley chapel, 25 September 1886
(1 paper)


Letter from the Rev. John Atkinson, President of the Primitive Methodist Connection, London, to the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Station [Circuit] informing them of the agreement of the General Committee, and of the Darlington and Stockton District Building Committee and giving authority for the sale of Hamsterley Primitive Methodist Chapel, 25 September 1886
(1 paper)


Letter from C.G. Tetley, Darlington and Stockton District Building Committee, to the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Station, and W. Watson concerning trustees at Tindale Crescent and the new chapel vestry at Hamsterley, 17 January 1887
(1 paper)


Letter to the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Circuit, from the Rev. Thomas Whitehead, president of the Primitive Methodist Conference, giving authority for the sale of Hamsterley Primitive Methodist Church, June 1887
(1 paper)


Receipt from W.B. Dean, Superintendent Registrar, to the Rev. G.W. Moorse, for the certificate of worship fee for Hamsterley Chapel, 2 June 1904
(1 paper)


Certificate by the Rev. George W. Moorse to the Registrar General that the Primitive Methodist Church, The Batts, West Auckland, is to be used as a place of public worship, 3 August 1904
(1 paper)


Provisional valuation of Hamsterley Primitive Methodist Church and School for duties on land values, 30 April 1915
(1 paper)

Hamsterley Wesleyan Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/834)

Letter from W. Asherton, President of Wesleyan Methodist Conference, to Rev. J. Bumstead, concerning the sale of Hamsterley Chapel, 12 August 1846
(1 paper)

Ingleton Primitive Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/835)

Provisional valuation of Ingleton Primitive Methodist Church for duties on land values, 30 April 1915
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/836-851)

Leeholme (Leasingthorne) Methodist Church
(Formerly United Methodist Church)


Copy of the church rules passed at a church meeting of Leasingthorne United Methodist Free Church, 16 September 1896
(1 paper, printed)


Letters to Mr. Fothergill from the Rev. Bruce W. Rose, United Methodist Free Church, Whitley Bay, suggesting the temporary use of an iron church at Leasingthorne and discussing the formation of a fund at the United Methodist Conference to assist with extensions, 15 and 27 September 1902
(2 papers)


Correspondence to the Rev. Henry Fothergill, Lynwode Cottage, Cockton Hill, from Bolckow Vaughan and Company Ltd., concerning the possible purchase of land in the new village of Leeholme, which was being constructed near Leasingthorne, 1905 Attached: plan of site of proposed church, 5 May 1905 Scale: 66 feet to 1 inch [1 : 792]
(1 file and 1 blueprint, 75 cm. x 47 cm.)


Letter to the Rev. George Kaines, Cockton Hill, Bishop Auckland, from Trotter, Bruce and Soft, Bishop Auckland, concerning the preparation of the deed of conveyance of Leasingthorne Chapel site, 28 December 1904
(1 paper)


Letter to Rev. George Kaines, Cockton Hill, from Trotter, Bruce and Loft, solicitors, Bishop Auckland, enclosing an account of the costs of the Leasingthorne United Methodist Church site, 22 May 1905
(2 papers)


Deposit book of the Yorkshire Penny Bank Ltd., Bishop Auckland Branch, in the name of [Leasingthorne Church], 16 September 1905 - 1929
(1 booklet)


Letter to the Rev. George Kaines, Bishop Auckland, from W. Hugill Dinsley, architect and surveyor, concerning plans for the proposed United Methodist Free Church at Leasingthorne, 27 September 1905
(1 paper)


Application by Leasingthorne Chapel and Bishop Auckland Circuit to United Methodist Free Churches Chapel Funds for New Chapels, for a loan of £100 and grant of £25 for the erection of chapel, school and vestry under one roof, 3 March 1906
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. George Kaines, Bishop Auckland, from Rev. E.D. Cornish, Chapel Secretary to United Methodist Free Churches, concerning an agreement to make a loan of £50 to Leasingthorne, 21 June 1906
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. George Kaines from the Rev. William Field, District Extension Secretary, 25 Belmont Gardens, West Hartlepool, requesting an explanation why the loan granted to Leasingthorne Church in 1905 has not been taken up, 6 May 1907
(1 paper)


Copy of a letter to an unidentified recipient [probably the Rev. John Hornabrook, General Secretary of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester] from the Rev. R. Hasell Killip, Bishop Auckland, summarising the past history of the Leeholme (Leasingthorne) Church and enclosing a deed of 23 May 1907 giving details of conditions under which the trustees hold the land, n.d. [April 1912?]
(1 paper)


Letters written to the Rev. R. Hasell Killip, Mount Pleasant, Bishop Auckland, from Bolckow Vaughan and Company Ltd., Middlesbrough, and the Rev. John Hornabrook, General Secretary, Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester, concerning the release of the Wesleyan Trustees from their obligations to purchase land at Leeholme, 17 April - 2 May 1912
(4 papers)


Copy of extracts from relevant letters, dated 24 and 28 January 1929, held by Mr. H.G. Kaines, concerning use of funds in the late United Methodist Church, Leasingthorne church account with the Yorkshire Pennybank to pay off the liabilities of the Leasingthorne Church to the Bishop Auckland Circuit, n.d. [?1929]
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. C. Close, Wesley Manse, Bishop Auckland, from Dorman, Long and Company (incorporating Bolckow, Vaughan and Company), Zetland Road, Middlesbrough, concerning a conveyance in connection with Leeholme from the present trustees of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection in the circuit to Dorman, Long and Company, 21 September 1932
(2 papers)


Letter to "Alf" [Rev. A.G. Farmer] from the Rev. J.J. Alderson, 40 Beach Terrace, Newbiggin by the Sea, concerning details of the sale of the site at Leasingthorne, 10 February 1947
(1 paper)


Notes by the Rev. A.G. Farmer concerning the sale of the site at Leasingthorne on 27 December 1941 to Mr. Thomas Lees of 12 Eden Terrace, Leasingthorne, n.d. [February 1947?]
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/852-855)

St. Helens Auckland Methodist Church
(formerly Primitive Methodist)


Minute from the trustees' meeting at West Auckland, concerning the proposed sale of St. Helen's Auckland Chapel, 26 August 1904
(1 paper)


Minute from the quarterly meeting at Ramshaw sanctioning the sale of St. Helen's Auckland Chapel, 3 September 1904
(1 paper)


Letter to the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland, from the Rev. John Welford, General Committee Secretary of the Primitive Methodist Church, London, sanctioning the sale of the chapel at St. Helen's Auckland, 23 September 1904
(1 paper)


Letter to the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Station from Emerson Phillipson, Secretary of Darlington and Stockton Primitive Methodist District Building Committee, sanctioning the sale of the old chapel at St. Helen's Auckland, 16 September 1904
(1 paper)

Shildon Independent Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/856)

Order of services of the Independent Methodist Church, Robson Street, Shildon, including statements of doctrines, voluntary ministry and policy and details of officials and societies, 5 October - 28 December 1952
(1 booklet)

 (Ref: M/BA/857-865)

Main Street Methodist Church, South Church
(Formerly Primitive Methodist)


Letter to the Rev. W. Johnson, Minister, Shildon, from Alfred Jobson, Secretary for Pease and Partners Ltd., concerning compensation for 'alleged damages to your Primitive Methodist Church at South Church, Shildon', 18 January 1897
(1 paper)


List of deeds deposited for a loan, by the trustees of the Primitive Methodist Church, South Church, with the Primitive Methodist Church Chapel Aid Society, 25 April 1898
(1 paper)


Signed receipt for deeds, held by Primitive Methodist Chapel Aid Association Limited, 26 April 1898
(1 paper)


Receipted summary of accounts for alterations and additions to Main Street Primitive Methodist Chapel, South Church, 8 September 1898
(1 file)


Letter from the Rev. Albert Hearn, Secretary of the Methodist Church Department for Chapel Affairs, Manchester, to the Rev. J.J. Mee, Shildon concerning missing deeds for the Methodist Church, South Church, and the need to register the property under the New Methodist Model Deed, 10 September 1948 and 3 May 1950
(1 file)


Memorandum of choice and appointment of new trustees in a renewal of trust of Main Street Methodist Church and Premises, South Church, including details of trustees on the last appointment of trustees on 1 June 1929 and details of those to be added to the trust, 25 April 1950 Attached: written consents of the new trustees, n.d.
(2 papers)


Letter to the Rev. Hector Stafford, Superintendent Minister, Bishop Auckland, from Rev. Albert Hearn, General Secretary of the Methodist Church Department for Chapel Affairs, Manchester, concerning the fact that the last memorandum of choice and appointment of the trustees of Main Street Methodist Church, South Church, dated 5 June 1950 was not stamped in accordance with the law and explaining actions necessary to remedy the situation, 15 December 1955
(2 papers)


Copy of a letter from the Rev. Hector Stafford to the Controller of Stamps, Adjudication Section, Inland Revenue, Bush House, The Strand, London W.C.2, enclosing a cheque for stamp duty on the memorandum of choice and appointment of trustees for Main Street Methodist Church, South Church, dated 5 June 1950 and appealing for the matter of penalty to be dealt with leniently, 10 January 1956
(1 paper)


Signed document giving details of proposed trustees and indicating willingness to serve as trustees of Main Street Methodist Church, South Church, n.d. [1950s?]
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/866-867)

Staindrop Methodist Church
(formerly Primitive Methodist)


Correspondence and a receipt from Mr. John Hodgson of Darlington Poor Law Union, Offices, Horse Market, Darlington, to Mr. Joseph Graham, Middridge, Darlington, representing the trustees of Staindrop Methodist Church, concerning trustees' signatures on a contract and the payment of interest on a mortgage, 16 July 1863 - 5 January 1864
(5 papers)


Provisional valuation of Staindrop Primitive Methodist Church, Sunday school and caretaker's cottage for duties on land values, 30 April 1915
(1 paper)

 (Ref: M/BA/868-870)

Tindale Crescent Methodist Church
(formerly Primitive Methodist)


Agenda for the Tindale Crescent Methodist Church Trustees' meeting, 1 October 1964
(1 paper)


Letter to Mrs. N. Chamberlain, 45 Crawford Close, Bishop Auckland, from the (unidentified) Superintendent Minister, giving a report on Tindale Crescent Methodist Church from the Circuit Chapel Committee to Inspect Church Property, 25 July 1966
(1 paper)


Correspondence concerning the closure of Tindale Crescent Methodist Church, 8 September 1972 - 18 July 1973
(7 papers)

 (Ref: M/BA/871-885)

Toft Hill Methodist Church
(formerly Primitive Methodist)


Collection journal of Toft Hill Methodist Church, 1 January 1960 - 1 March 1972
(1 volume, card bound)


Minute book of the trustees of Toft Hill Methodist Church, 27 February 1928 - 9 January 1958
(1 volume, card bound)


Minute book of the trustees of Toft Hill Methodist Church, 23 January 1959 - 24 November 1976
(1 volume, card bound)


Pulpit notice book of Toft Hill Methodist Church, 10 January 1960 - 9 February 1964
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of the Christian Endeavour Society of [Toft Hill] Church, 1918 - 21 October 1964
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of the Christian Endeavour Society of [Toft Hill] Church, 8 March 1965 - 30 October 1976
(1 volume, card bound)


Letter to the Rev. T.K. Upright, Toft Hill, Bishop Auckland, from William Glass, Wingate, concerning a meeting arranged with two church members, 4 October 1893
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. Hector Stafford, Bishop Auckland; the Rev. W. Oliver Phillipson, Secretary to the Methodist Department for Chapel Affairs, Manchester; and Proud, Robinson and Roddam, solicitors, Bankside, Bishop Auckland, concerning the sale of the Toft Hill Manse, 25 October 1955 - 24 January 1956
(5 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. Hector Stafford, Bishop Auckland and the Rev. Albert Hearn, Secretary of the Methodist Department of Chapel Affairs, concerning the proposed building of a new manse at Toft Hill, n.d. [post February 1956] - 20 November 1956
(4 papers)


Specification for proposed manse for Toft Hill Methodist Chapel, Toft Hill, August 1957
(11 papers)


Plan of proposed manse at Toft Hill, showing north, south and west elevations and plans of foundation, ground and first floor, n.d. Scale 1 inch to 8 feet [1 : 96]
(1 plan, 49 cm. x 59 cm., coloured)


Application to the Methodist Chapel Committee for permission to erect a manse at Toft Hill, 16 October 1957
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. Hector Stafford, Bishop Auckland; the Rev. Albert Hearn, Methodist Department of Chapel Affairs, Manchester; and others, concerning the building and financing of a new manse at Toft Hill, 6 November 1957 - 26 June 1958
(14 papers and 1 file)


Notification by Smith, Roddam and Company, 56 North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, to the Rev. Alan Morrison, Hallgarth Street, Durham, that he may begin tenancy of Toft Hill Manse on 15 September 1973, 8 September 1973
(1 paper)


15 September 1973 1) Rev. James Arthur Cowe of Bishop Auckland, Superintendent Minister and others 2) Rev. Alan Morrison, of Durham Tenancy agreement for two years of Toft Hill Methodist Manse Rent: £5 per week For enclosure: see M/BA 884
(1 file)

 (Ref: M/BA/886-900)

Town Head Methodist Church
(formerly Wesleyan Methodist)


Report by G.L. Palpheramand, giving a history of the mission movement in Bishop Auckland following the visit of Moody and Sankey in 1874 and describing the establishment of the Town Head Mission, Bishop Auckland, with details of donations towards the cost, 13 February 1877
(1 file)


Certificate by the Rev. George Abbott that "Town Head" Wesleyan Methodist Church, Newton Cap Bank, Bishop Auckland, is to be used as a place of public worship, 17 June 1878
(1 paper)


Attendance book of Town Head Methodist Church Sunday School, 5 January 1904 - 28 December 1913
(1 volume, card bound)


Letter from A.H. Walker, Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester, to Rev. R. Hassell Killip, authorising alterations to, and enlargement of, Town Head Mission Hall, 4 October 1911
(1 paper)


Letter from the Rev. John Hornabrook, Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Oldham Street, Manchester, to Rev. R. Hassell Killip, Bishop Auckland, authorising the re-opening of the mission hall after completion of alteration and enlargement, 17 January 1912
(1 paper)


Signed list of those consenting to act as trustees of Town Head Methodist Church, March 1952
(1 paper)


Details of the trustees of [Town Head] Methodist Church, 18 April 1962
(1 paper)


Agenda of the annual trustees' meeting of Town Head Methodist Church, 29 September 1965
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. William Thompson, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, and Booth and Dixon, solicitors, Midland Bank Chambers, Bishop Auckland, concerning a legacy left by Miss A.M. High to Town Head Methodist Mission, 20 and 21 October 1965
(2 papers)


Correspondence between the Rev. William Thompson, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, and Booth and Dixon, solicitors, Midland Bank Chambers, Bishop Auckland, concerning a legacy left by Miss C. Armstrong to Town Head Methodist Church, 7 and 14 March 1966
(2 papers)


Minutes of the special trustees' meeting of Town Head Methodist Church, including a resolution to institute procedure for closure of the church, 3 December 1970
(2 papers)


Letter from L. Davison, Home Mission Department, to Rev. A.H. Bryant, Superintendent of the Bishop Auckland Circuit, giving permission for the closure of Town Head Methodist Church, 16 December 1969
(1 paper)


Letter from R.S. Atkinson, joiner and builder, Joinery Works, Chapel Buildings, Coundon Gate, notifying the Rev. A.H. Bryant, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, that he is making an application for planning permission for a change of use for Town Head Methodist Church building, 26 October 1970
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. A.H. Bryant, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, from J.R. Passey, solicitor, Clerk to Bishop Auckland Urban District Council, advising him that the council have accepted the proposal to "buy" the Town Head Methodist Church for the cost of demolition of the building, 1 December 1970
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. A.H. Bryant, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland (and later the Rev. J.A. Cowe, 23 Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland), and the Rev. Herbert Simpson, General Secretary of the Methodist Church Department for Chapel Affairs, Oldham Street, Manchester, and others, concerning the closure and sale of Town Head Methodist Church, 18 June 1971 - 6 December 1972
(9 papers)

Town Head Wesleyan Methodist School (Ref: M/BA/901-908)

Letter from the Rev. George Osborn Bate, Secretary of the Wesleyan Education Committee, Wesleyan Training College, Westminster S.W., to the Rev. George Abbott concerning the opening of a new school (Town Head) and suggested salary for a teacher, 15 October 1877
(1 paper)


Letter from the Rev. George Osborn Bate, Secretary of the Wesleyan Training College, Westminster, S.W., to the Rev. George Abbott nominating a Miss Isabella Smith as the teacher for the Town Head School, Bishop Auckland, 12 December 1877
(1 paper)


Letter to J. Thompson, Craddock House, Bishop Auckland, from F.R. Sandford, The Secretary, Education Department, Whitehall, requesting a completed form of inquiry for a grant for Town Head School and emphasising the need for the school to be officially recognised before periodical inspections of the school or its teacher can be provided, 19 February 1878
(1 paper)


Copy of completed preliminary statement to the Education Department by Town Head Girls' and Infants' School giving details of the school and its teacher, Miss Isabella Smith, 31 January 1878
(1 paper)


Correspondence between P. Cummin, Education Department, Whitehall, and John Thompson, Craddock House, Bishop Auckland, concerning the need to allow girls aged above eight years to attend, 7 and 14 March 1878
(2 papers)


Letter from Rev. George Osborn Bate, Secretary of the Wesleyan Training College, Westminster S.W., to the Rev. George Abbott, concerning the possibility of the agreement of the Department of Education to the school at Town Head, Bishop Auckland and the parliamentary debate about various articles of the 1870 Education Act, 18 March 1878
(2 papers)


Letter from J. Thompson, Craddock House, Bishop Auckland, to D.P.A. Swettenham, concerning class attendance level needed before a child can be presented for an examination, 7 May 1878 Letter is annotated with the required information by Mr. Swettenham, n.d.
(1 paper)


List of donations towards the clearing of the current debt on the Town Head Day School and Chapel, June 1879
(1 paper)

West Auckland Wesleyan Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/909)

Society Stewards' account book of West Auckland Wesleyan Methodist Church, including a definition of "the duties of society stewards", 8 September 1926 - 13 December 1933
(1 volume, card bound)

 (Ref: M/BA/910-935)

West Auckland Methodist Church
(formerly Primitive Methodist)


Account book of the envelope system of the Methodist Church, West Auckland, 4 October 1925 - 10 March 1935
(1 volume, card bound)


Account book of the envelope system of the Methodist Church, West Auckland, 17 March 1935 - 26 May 1940
(1 volume, card bound)


Collection account book of Methodist Church, West Auckland, 19 March 1939 - 8 September 1951 (1 volume, card bound) /913 Account book of Methodist Church, West Auckland, 8 January 1956 - 19 February 1984
(1 volume, card bound)


Agreement between the Rev. William Baitey, minister, West Auckland, and Robert Robinson, on behalf of Messrs. Bolckow Vaughan and Co. Ltd., that the company shall make good any damage to the Rev. W. Baitey's manse at West Auckland, 16 December 1879
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Hallam, Secretary of the Primitive Methodist Sunderland District Building Committee, to St. Helen's Auckland Station, authorising the lease of land for a chapel at West Auckland, 10 March 1883
(1 paper)


Letter from W. Johnson, Sunderland Primitive Methodist District Building Committee, to the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Station, concerning the erection of a chapel and vestry at West Auckland, 10 August 1883
(1 paper)


List of trustees of West Auckland New Chapel, n.d. [1885]
(1 paper)


Letter from C.G. Tetley on behalf of the Primitive Methodist Darlington and Stockton Building Committee to Rev. F. Watson and the authorities of St. Helen's Auckland Station, concerning list of trustees for the new chapel at West Auckland, 15 December 1885
(2 papers)


Receipt from A. Gowland to Rev. F. Watson for interest paid on the circuit house, 7 June 1889
(1 paper)


Letter from R.G. Gowland, Horsemarket, Middleton in Teesdale, concerning receipt of interest on the loan for the minister's house, West Auckland, 5 September 1890
(1 paper)


Letter from W.T. Scarth, Raby Estates Office, Staindrop, to the Rev. George Lewins, Victoria House, West Auckland, concerning the leasing of land from Lord Barnard, 12 March 1895
(1 paper)


Partially completed form for duties and land values to be made by an owner of land or by any person receiving rent in respect of land relating to the Primitive Methodist Chapel, West Auckland, n.d. [pre April 1909]
(1 paper)


Provisional valuation of house at Oakley Grange (West Auckland Manse) for duties on land values, 18 March 1913
(1 paper)


Correspondence between H.J. Mein, The Hall, Toft Hill; W.W. Storr, Commercial Manager and Secretary of Bolckow, Vaughan and Co. Ltd., Middlesbrough, and others, concerning the possible purchase of the manse at West Auckland by Bolckow Vaughan and Co. Ltd., 17 February - 9 September 1908
(25 papers)


Correspondence between H.J. Mein, The Hall, Toft Hill and W.W. Storr, Commercial Manager and Secretary of Bolckow Vaughan and Co., Ltd., Middlesbrough, concerning the repair of the West Auckland manse, 7 and 11 February 1910
(2 papers)


Correspondence between H.J. Mein, The Hall, Toft Hill; the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, Millbank, London S.W. and others, concerning a suitable site for building a new manse at West Auckland, 23 July 1910 - 31 May 1911
(12 papers)


Correspondence between H.J. Mein, The Hall, Toft Hill and Erasmus Darwin, Secretary to Bolckow Vaughan and Co., Ltd., referring to difficulties in finding a site for the building of a new manse at West Auckland and the decision to retain the existing manse, 12 and 13 October 1911
(2 papers)


Schedule of title deeds relating to The Manse, West Auckland, prepared for the trustees of West Auckland Primitive Methodist Church by Robert Marquis, solicitor, Crook, n.d. [post 1914]
(1 paper)


Correspondence between H.J. Mein, The Hall, Toft Hill, and A.E. South, Inland Revenue District Valuer, Darlington, concerning the valuations made in 1913 and 1919, 29 and 30 January 1919
(2 papers)


Letter to the Rev. G.B. Richardson, Glenholm, Darlington Road, West Auckland, from Proud, Robinson and Roddam, solicitors, Bankside, Bishop Auckland, notifying him that they are acting for Messrs. Bolckow Vaughan and Co. Ltd., in the purchase of the West Auckland Manse, 24 June 1919
(1 paper)


Notification of the official permission to sell the manse at West Auckland, given to the Rev. James Watkin, President of the Primitive Methodist Connexion, 1 October 1919
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. R.E. Parker, Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, from John W. Colwell, Methodist General Chapel Committee, Manchester, concerning the proceeds of the sale of the West Auckland Manse, 18 October 1935
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. Roland E. Parker, West Auckland, from the Methodist Chapel Committee, Manchester, agreeing a grant towards the cost of repairs to the roof and spire of West Auckland Methodist Church, 23 June 1937
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. Thomas Ewbank, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland and Lt. Col. E. Leybourn, Sub-Area Quartering Commandant, No.2 Northern Command, concerning the army's taking possession of the Wesleyan Hall, Station Road, West Auckland, and subsequent negotiations over rent, 2 July 1940 - 28 January 1942
(13 papers)


Receipts for the use of the West Auckland Sunday School while in military occupation, 7 October 1940, 6 February and 7 April 1941
(3 papers)

West Terrace Wesleyan Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/936-939)

Statement of accounts of West Terrace Wesleyan Mission, Bishop Auckland, 1900
(1 paper)


Letters to the Rev. T.F. Nicholson, Bishop Auckland, from the Rev. John Hornabrook, General Secretary of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, and John Jackson, Secretary, both of Central Buildings, Oldham Street, Manchester, concerning the procedure for permission to erect a church at West Terrace, Bishop Auckland, 2, 5 and 21 November 1901
(3 papers)


Application from the Rev. T.F. Nicholson, Bishop Auckland, to the Wesleyan Chapel Committee for permission to erect a church and vestry at West Terrace, Bishop Auckland, 4 November 1901
(1 paper)


Receipted account to the trustees of the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Bishop Auckland, from J.T. Proud, solicitors, 12 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, for legal work in connection with registering the West Terrace Church deed under the terms of the Mortmain Act, 16 January 1902
(1 paper)

Westerton Wesleyan Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/940-946)

Letter to M.J. Ferens, from Smith and Gore, land agents and surveyors, 81 Bondgate, Darlington, concerning the marking of the site of the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Westerton, 12 November 1888
(1 paper)


Letter to the Rev. J. Bacon, Bishop Auckland, from H. Pope, Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Manchester, concerning the draft conveyance of the site for Westerton Methodist Church, 5 March 1889
(1 paper)


Application to the Wesleyan Chapel Committee for permission to erect a Methodist Church at Westerton, 4 May 1889
(1 paper)


Consent by the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, Oldham Street, Manchester, for the erection of a chapel and vestry at Westerton, 29 May 1889
(1 paper)


Application to the Methodist Extension Fund Committee for aid in building a chapel at Westerton, 22 June 1889
(1 paper)


Account to the trustees of Westerton Wesleyan Chapel from J. and R.D. Proud for services in investigating title and preparing and completing conveyance of ground at Westerton, 19 December 1888 - 13 June 1889
(1 paper)


Certificate by the Rev. Theodore Bishop, Wesleyan Minister, that Westerton Wesleyan Methodist Church is to be used as a place of public interest, 31 October 1890
(1 paper)

Windmill Primitive Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/947)

Provisional valuation of Windmill Primitive Methodist Church, Evenwood, for duties on land values, 30 April 1915
(1 paper)

Witton-le-Wear Primitive Methodist Church (Ref: M/BA/948)

Letter to J.J. Spoor, Secretary to Witton-le-Wear Primitive Methodist Church, Briardale, Witton-le-Wear, from the Inland Revenue, Somerset House, London, requiring him to make returns in connection with the duties on land values, 15 April 1914
(1 file)

 (Ref: M/BA/949-958)

Witton Park Methodist Church
(formerly Primitive Methodist)


Forms concerning income tax, house duty and land tax payable by the trustees of the Witton Park Primitive Methodist Church on behalf of the Witton Park Picture House, 28 November 1914, 8 January and 16 February 1915
(3 papers)


Provisional valuation of the Primitive Methodist, and the old Primitive Methodist Churches at Witton Park, 30 April and 8 October 1915
(3 papers)


Application to the General Chapel Committee for permission to instal an organ in Carwood Methodist Church, Witton Park, 28 May 1937
(1 paper)


Receipted statements of rent from the military authorities for the use of Witton Park Methodist Church Sunday School, 22 August 1941 - 14 July 1942
(5 papers)


10 September 1935 (1) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (2) John William Robson and others Extinguishment of manorial incidents in the manor of Bondgate in Auckland with reference to all that piece of land situate in Main Street and Albion Street, Witton Park, together with the cinema and buildings thereon, (formerly a chapel known as the Old Primitive Methodist Chapel) Fines certain extinguished: 1d. and 2d.
(1 file)


Letter to the Rev. H.R. Stafford, Bishop Auckland from the Rev. W. Oliver Phillipson, M.A., Secretary to the Department for Chapel Affairs, Oldham Street, Manchester, concerning the sale of Witton Park Chapel and possible use of the proceeds, 25 July 1958
(1 paper)


11 September 1958 (1) The trustees of the Old Methodist Chapel, Witton Park (2) Witton Park Kinema Company, Ltd. Counterpart lease for 10 years of Witton Park Cinema (formerly the Old Primitive Methodist Chapel), Witton Park Rent: £110 p.a.
(1 file)


Declaration by the trustees of the Witton Park (old) Methodist Church, adopting the New Model Deed, pursuant to Section 17 of the Methodist Church Union Act, 1929, 31 August 1961
(1 paper)


Letter from the Rev. William Thompson, 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland, to Joseph Valks, 47 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, asking him to act on behalf of the trustees, in the sale of Witton Park Kinema which is property belonging to the Methodist Church, 15 June 1964
(1 paper)


Correspondence between the Rev. Arthur Bryant of 30 Cleveland Avenue, Bishop Auckland; J.R. Passey, solicitor and Clerk to Bishop Auckland Urban District Council; and others, concerning the sale of Witton Park cinema, 1 February - 16 October 1968
(22 papers)