Post by JEM on Feb 12, 2014 21:54:34 GMT
The Story of Debden, Wimbish and Wenden Missions.
There were Christian dissenters from the Church of England living at Wimbish in Cromwellian times who had to have their dead buried in private grounds such as their house garden, or Richard Carter's ground next to the Star Inn which became the Dissenters Burial Ground Some members of the Franklin family were so buried. That indicates that their were Puritans, or Quakers at Wimbish, worshipping in their own homes or outside the parish.
In the 1850s the spirit of Revival of Christianity was in the air in Britain and village Free Church missions were being established in many places.
So in 1859 “some whose hearts had been touched” were led to erect a building at Debden.
The Missionary, Mr Nathan Swallow, laboured faithfully for 30 year. Longer than any of those who followed him.
Sometime previous to 1874 as a result of the combined efforts of Christians at Debden, Thaxted and Saffron Walden; Pastor Rook of Thaxted Farmer Charles Ketley of Wimbish, the members of the Society of Friends and other Christians from Saffron Walden held meetings at Rowney Corner Parish Barn. God saved souls and a meeting house was needed so one was built at Wimbish in 1874
The chapels in both villages are now in 2013 private houses but the original Trustee Minutes covering 1858 – 1901 came to light this year from the last Trustee Mr Paul Wiseman now in his 90's. These are now part of the Archives of Saffron Walden Baptist Church. ARC 413 and ARC 414.in whose deed papers for many year has been a deed for those churches.
A meeting was held on May 24th 1858 at the home of the Rev C Manthorpe of Newport attended by him and by the Rev William Audley Gillson of Upper Meeting Baptist Church Saffron Walden, Rev Bile of Henham, Rev Joseph Cowell Rook of Thaxted Independent Church, together with Mr Ruse from Bardfield, Mr D Thurgood of Saffron Walden, W Franklin from Thaxted. Richard Perry, W Perry, and another R Perry from Widdington
and it was resolved that a missionary be obtained to labour in the villages of Debden and Wimbish with such parts of the neighbouring districts as the committee shall from time to time see fit. That all present, except Mr Richard Perry at his request, form a committee for the purpose of carrying out this resolution.
The salary for this position was to be £70 per year.
Rev C Manthorpe and Rev J C Rook were appointed Secretaries and Mr D Thurgood
In July the salary was raised to £80 per year and Mr Walter Fordham appointed first missionary, upon his suggestion for 3 months. And that subscriptions for the society be held as due on Sept 1st.
Mr Fordham began his mission task on September 13th 1858. Three months later the appreciative committee extended his term indefinitely with a proviso that if the need arose to terminate he should have 3 months notice. They advised him that they regarded this outreach as an experiment for 2 years at which time it will be reviewed.
On April 2nd 1859 the Trust Deed was agreed for land 30 feet x 48 feet at Crouch End bought from a farmer James Smith a widower who lived at Henham for the price of £5 for the erection of a Meeting House Chapel and 21 Trustees were appointed Part of the land at the time was occupied as a by John Holgate, as a field of some 2 acres pasture land.
The chapel was to be for the use of Congregationalists who were defined as being Independents and Baptists.
It was resolved that if the number of trustees dropped below 13 the remaining ones should meet to appoint additional trustees,and trustees must live within 12 miles of Debden.
The first set of Trustees in order of signature were
James Smith
Robert D Thurgood
William Thurgood
Richard Thurgood
William Dane Thurgood
Henry Nichols
William Harling
Joshua Housden
William Perry
George Woodthingy Perry
Richard Perry
Robert Perry
Joseph Holland
John Holgate
John Dennison
G H Barnard
Charles Debnam
William Franklin
Henry Cowell
Peter Cowell
Ebenezer Cowell
The managing Committee met for their first AGM on November 1st 1859 at Mr Thurgood's house at Walden , 6 of them attending, and were very satisfied with progress and the next meeting booked for April 1860 when the Committee decided to continue the mission and support Mr Fordham beyond the 2 year experiment. Abbey Lane Church and Bolford Street Congregationalist Church Thaxted agreed to take up collections in support of the mission.
An account was opened at Gibson's Bank. Similar collections were offered to be made by Upper Meeting Baptist Church Saffron Walden and Newport Independent Congregationalist Church if additional funds were needed which Upper Meeting did in the year 1863-1864 producing £6./5s/6d.. [£6.27½p] similar to the contributions from Thaxted Independent Church, Individual annual subscriptions varied from 5 shillings to £10.00 from 37 subscribers totalling £80 which paid the salary, The collections maintained the balance or funded tracts.
By the will of Edna Sandford who died June 15th 1863 she gave £500 in Government stock to the Trustees towards maintenance of the Debden chapel building
In February1866 after 7 years ministry Mr Fordham resigned and the committee gave him £5 worth of books in appreciation of all he had done. This paid for
5 Volumes of Bible commentary £1.10s.0d;
8 volumes of Daily Bible Readings £1.18s 6d
7 volumes of Howes Works £1.01s 0d
cash to Mr Fordham for further 10s 6d
A Farewell Tea Meeting was held at Debden and friends and neighbours presented Mr Fordham with a set of Cutlery of silver plated forks and sthingys.
The Committee sought to secured the tenancy of the house he had been living at and appointed Mr Victor Auber from Leominster a successor on a salary of £70 per year, £10 less than they had paid Mr Fordham Mr Victor Auber came on Tuesday April 24th 1866 but the Committee could not obtain accommodation suitable to his need nor increase the salary to £80 so he left in the Autumn. And Mr W G Blatal was appointed at £70 a year. He advised them that he wished to start a Sunday School in the afternoons and £ 3 was granted for books. This does not seem to have continued after his departure.
By now the number of subscribers stood at 27 but there were no Congregational collections from the churches. Mr Blatal did not come up to the Committee's expectations and did not feel able to meet them so it was decided that he should leave as of July 14th 1867 although he actually continued until Sept 14th, and they appointed for 1 year Mr Scott of Beauford in Monmouthshire and he came from Feb 17th 1868.
They paid some of his removal expenses but they still had a problem finding him suitable accommodation and they did not appear to think it was their responsibility to provide for it. Subsequently the committee proposed the appointment be ended on Feb 17 1869, but after conversations with him as to how to conduct the work of the mission it was agreed that he continue, on the agreement of 3 months notice to quit on the part of both himself and the Committee, and that he engage in systematic visitation of the homes of Debden
Funds were released to pay for tracts. And in 1869 Abbey Lane made another collection for the mission, Over the next couple of years there was criticism about the amount of visitation done, and that there was a need for more conversations with the people in their homes, and particularly with families and in 1872 it was decided to terminate his appointment. Mr Webb formerly pastor at Great Sampford Baptist Church offered to help them out but his offer was deferred and finally they responded thanking him for his offer but felt that he was too old for the task considering the amount of physical effort needed to visit all the homes regularly.
Mr Scott through 2 of the Trustees offered to continue on a reduced salary if they divided the district. Which suggests that this visitation involved Wimbish as well as Debden but they were not prepared go consider a division of the district nor did they feel they could accept the interference if the Trustees of the building, and they advised him they would need to repossess the dwelling house he was using.
An impasse arose in February 1872 as to a successor. A Mr Brand had offered and Rev Gillson [ Baptist ] proposed he be appointed and Rev Horton Congregationalist seconded that but the Secretary proposed that Mr Nathan Swallow from Felsted be offered the post which was seconded by Mr G Perry
The amendment was carried by a majority and so Mr Nathan Swallow commenced from June 24th 1872 they paying him 50 shillings for removal costs from Felsted, and £65 a year salary.
WIMBISH MISSION
On July 6th 1874 at a meeting at Saffron Walden Town Hall where most of their meetings had been held for some years the committee considered the desirability of erecting a Mission Hall at Wimbish, and considered estimates submitted by Mr Whiffen of Saffron Walden. Friends at Saffron Walden had offered £110 towards the costs subject to the rest being forthcoming. A sub committee was formed to deal with this.
Arrangements were made for setting up a Trust with recommendation of suitable trustees and Mr Whiffen was engaged to build it on a site opposite the Parish Barn at a cost of £163 and Mr J J Robson was appointed Treasurer. Six months later on January 19th 1875 the Committee minuted that the Meeting Room at Wimbish had been erected and opened for worship at a cost of £211.6s.11½d and all bar £5-£6 had been raised.
The following trustees were appointed
George Stacey Gibson of Saffron Walden
Joseph Holland of Debden
B Cornwell of Thaxted
G W Perry of Widdington
John Franklin of Wimbish
Henry Harvey of Sampford
J J Robson of Saffron Walden
A. Franklin of Thaxted
James Harvey of Bishop's Stortford
Walter Robson of Saffron Walden
H. Cornell of Thaxted
J. C. Rook of Thaxted
Charles Ketley of Wimbish,
B. Tyler of Thaxted
A. Franklin of Finchingfield
and the deed expressed that the premises be used for the assembling for Christian worship and for preaching and teaching of such doctrines as are common among Protestant evangelical nonconformists. That a committee be appointed and that service be held on Lords Day in the evenings only. By now the Mission had 42 subscribers
In July 1876 the committee donated £5 to Mr Swallow who was not well, to help him to take a holiday. The new meeting house was registered as place of worship and the insurance paid a committee was appointed to manage it of Mr Ketley, J J Robson and I C Rook and they were to arrange preaching supplies.
At this point the name of Rev William Audley Gillson disappears after many faithful years of support die to his illness and his successor at Upper Meeting Rev Alfred Rollason appears in his place. Thaxted Independent Church and Abbey Lane both made collections in 1877 – 1878 of between £4 and £5 and the work continue with the support of Thaxted and Saffron Walden Independent churches, and Saffron Walden Quakers who had subscribed for years, and Saffron Walden Baptists and donors from Braintree, and Newport
In 1879 the Secretary Rev J C Rook resigned upon leaving the district. So having served for 21 years this was minuted with thanks to him. Mr Ketley and Mr Perry were appointed to collect subscriptions acting as joint secretaries and a united service was arranged at Saffron Walden for November to publicise the work of the Mission followed at a similar meeting at Thaxted and in 1880 a collection of £10. was made to make a presentation to Mr Swallow. Rev Henry Pepper is now representing Abbey Lane
For some years the missioner, called the mission agent, had been given a present arising from a Thanksgiving collection. In 1881 it was resolved to discontinue this practice and give him a rise of £5 a year. From 1881 an afternoon Sunday School began in the Wimbish Mission hall
On Nov 30th 1881 an Annual Entertainment Meeting was held at Upper Meeting Baptist Chapel to support the mission, chaired by the Mayor T D Green Esq at which the collection raised £3.12s.01d George Stacey Gibson, Quaker of Saffron Walden continued to head the subscription list with £30 a year. W W Perry was next at £12. Dividends from their investment raised £7.19s and 5d a half year. Most subscribers gave £1 or 10s a year. Income amounted to £91.
The Annual Entertainment Meeting held at Abbey Lane Church in Nov 1882 which raised £4.5s.0d was chaired by J J Robson.
On Sept 26th 1883 the committee chaired by E B Gibson, recorded the death of the Quaker, George Stacey Gibson who had supported the mission from it's foundation, and his presence at all the meetings of the committee had been a great encouragement to the committee and to both missions in which he had ever been interested in the salvation of souls in Debden and in Wimbish
Thereafter his widow Mrs Gibson contributed £30 a year which was just as well as this represented a third of their income.
E B Gibson, was appointed Treasurer. Lewis Fry is numbered amongst the subscribers.
The Annual Entertainment Meeting was next held at Saffron Walden Baptist Chapel in 1884 and the collection amounted to £2.13s 11d The following year it was held an Abbey Lane and in Dec 2 1889 it was held in the School Room of the Baptist Chapel with William Willis Recorder of Saffron Walden and Liberal MP for Colchester in the chair.
The Annual Entertainment Meeting in 1891 was held, chaired by J J Robson Mayor of Saffron Walden at the Friends Meeting House raising £1.14s 7d Miss Gibson was heading the list with £35, The Deeds of Debden Chapel were now deposited at Gibson's Bank [ now Barclays ]
In 1891 Norman Simmons and Mr Hart were added to the committee and Mr Midgley was helping as Secretary
Annual Entertainment Meeting in 1893 at Abbey Lane raised £3.12s.0d and in 1895 at Baptist i Chapel it was chaired by local Quaker, E B Gibson and it raised £3.2s.0d
In 1896 Rev Rook preached at Thaxted for the mission at £11 15s In July 1898 the annual meeting was held at Newport and raised £4.4s.0d
The records tell us a lot about subscribers and fund raising but no where anything about who attended the services or the actual work of the missioner. One wonders what real impact the Mission had on the villages.
At a meeting of the Committee on Oct 14 1902 at the offices of Robsons ad Sons Saffron Walden with Mr J J Robson in the chair. And with Mr Wadey, the Colporter present they were concerned about the Christian Colportage's Association's letter expressing concern at the small sales Mr Wadey had achieved and Mr Bransley was requested to reply and visit their offices when in London and Mr Wadey agreed to continue his present work until their next meeting As there was only one Trustee left of the Debden chapel it was agreed to seek new ones.
A month later it was agreed to continue the link with the CCA for another year and upon the resignation as Secretary of Mr Perry, that Mr Charles E Robson was appointed joint-secretary with Mr Ketley. Also that public meetings be arranged at Saffron Walden and Thaxted in the following year to raise further support for the Mission.
Additional Trustees were appointed on Dec 2 1902
George Woodthingy Perry
Joseph Holland
Peter Cowell
Alexander Franklin
Charles E Robson
Francis John Robson
William Ernest Hart
Frederick Charles Barton
Joseph Custerson
Robert Cowell
Sidney Charles Barnard
William Charles Barnard
Robert John Beard
Herbert Lewis Mumford
Charles Edward Robson
Walter Robson
Benjamin Tyler
Thomas Charles Nunn
Joseph Frank Holgate
Ernest William Tanner
Leonard T Bunting
William R Dix
At a meeting on June 23rd 1903 the committee accepted an offer from the Country Towns Mission to employ Mr Wadey as their missioner in this district if the Mission committee could pay £50 per annum During 1903 repairs were carried out to the Debden Mission Chapel costing £10.
At their December meeting it was agreed to appeal to the ministers of various local churches that have previously supported the Mission to hold collections to raise further funds, this included to Rev John Young High street Baptist Church and Rev Henry Pepper Abbey Lane Congregational Church Saffron Walden, Rev C.Ashford at Thaxted Congregationalist Church and Mr F J Robson was appointed to collect subscriptions from Friends of the Mission.
In 1904 the Committee decided that Mr Wadey should devote most of his time to the work of the missions and Debden and Wimbish with only occasional visits to other villages and that he should be answerable to them the Committee and to no one else. This suggest that he was going further afield for the CCA Also they agreed that he should hold weekly Thursday evening meetings at Debden in whatever format he felt was right.
By the will of Edna Sandford who died June 15th 1863 she gave £500 in Government stock to the Trustees towards maintenance of the Debden chapel building
The Trustees who signed this were
Joseph Holland
Alexander Franklin
Charles Robson
Earnest Tanner
these stocks were worth £542, 14 shillings and ten pence at 2½% on Nov 13 1904
In February 1905 Rev C Ashford, Mr E W Tanner and Mr F J Robson were made responsible for organising the Sunday Evening services and in March it was announced that Me Wadey had resigned his connection with the CTM. Mr Midgley agreed to write to Mr Wadey expressing the Committee's satisfaction with the good work in which he was engaged and their desire that he may be blessed in his future labours. The committee then terminated their support for the CCA. Mr D Andrews was appointed Treasurer following the resignation of Mr Gibson.
By In 1906 Mr M Wadey appears to have left and the Rev J W Hambley took charge of the Debden and Wimbish missions for £70 per Annum payable on a quarterly basis The Committee was very pleased with reports from the two chapels of Rev Hambley's work and Rev Ashford was appointed to meet Mr & Mrs Norden to sort out some little problem about the organ and later in the year a sub-committee of Revd Young and Ashford with Mr A Midgley were appointed to sort out with the Wimbish committee and Mr & Mrs Norden to find an amicable solution of the difficulties there. It subsequently turned out their efforts were not successful. The problem appeared to be about who owned the organ at Wimbish but they agreed with Mr Norden that it belonged to the Wimbish chapel, This may seem a trivial matter but ownership would determine who should pay for repairs and tuning. Mr Andrews retired from the Committee in August
1906 Rev J Hambley resigned and moved to a village in Suffolk to pastor a church. The committee appointed a man to each village to organise supply preachers and preach themselves if they could not do so. They then again approached the CTA seeking a another missioner and Mr H Heckford of Chelmsford was appointed at £50 a year. He was also provided with a bicycle for his visiting.
In 1907 a new stove was provided to the Debden Chapel In 1908 they provided a new tyre for the bike.
In June 1909 the committee appointed 2 pf its number to discuss with Mr Heckford his request that the Mission chapel at Wimbish be enlarged.
As little had been done about obtaining new subscribers it was agreed to write to Mr Harry Wiseman of the Elms, Mr George Savill, and Mr Grose at Wimbish Hall with a report of the work of the Mission seeking their support. Lord Strathcove was also asked to help and sent £2. The AGM that year was to be held at the Baptist Church at Saffron Walden with Mr W Willis in the chair, The Secretary having resigned Miss Bessie Midgely was appointed but she was unable to collect subscriptions or arrange the chairs for the services so Mr E W Tanner would take on the collection of subscriptions. The committee paid for repairs to the bicycle.
The Dec 1910 committee meeting was held at the Midgley home.
The January 1911 committee received a report of average at the two chapels
Wimbish
/////////////
Morning Sunday School 28
Afternoon service 60
Evening service 80
Wednesday Prayer meeting 12
Friday Band of Hope 20
Debden
////////////
Sunday afternoon Sunday School 40
Evening service 45
Monday Band of Hope 25
Tuesday Prayer Meeting 10
Excluding / Sunday school, during the year at the two locations 294 services and meetings had been held. Special Tea meetings and Sunday school Treats had been held at both locations.
Open Air services had been held during the summer at Debden, Wimbish, Radwinter, Widdington, Newport, Cutlers Green, Fox Hall, and Sewards End. Altogether 2,986 visits were made to homes averaging nearly 60 per week at all of which the Word of God was spoken, and very often read and prayer offered. Of the 294 services and meetings held,the Missioner had led 230
The Sunday school at Wimbish was conducted by a Mr Ridgwell assisted by 2 teachers and Mrs Heckford conducted the Sunday school at Debden assisted by 4 teachers.
The Wimbish account for 1910 shows £1-0-3d spent on coal and oil for heating. Fire insurance was 5 shillings, candles two shillings and 11 pence [ 15p] The caretaker was paid £2 for the year and new trestle tables were purchased for £1-2-6d [ 1.12½p ] Sunday collections amounted to £7-5-3d They ended the year with a balance of 2 shillings and 1 penny which was 10 shillings less than at the end of 1909, but then it cost 12 shillings to repair the chimney,
The Debden collections were £8 -1shilling and 9pence. Coal and oil cost £1-1-5d each, They had to buy a new lampshade for 4 shillings, 2 shillings and 8 pence [14p] was spent on Bible notes from the International Bible Reading Association. And 8 shillings and tuppence [ 41p ] was spent on hymn books for Band of Hope meetings. Bicycle repairs were 3 shillings and sixpence [ 17p ] and the Sunday School outing cost £1-9-11d [ 1.49½p] They ended the year with only 11 shillings 11 pence [ 59p ]
Consequently they could not increase the payment from the Trustee Account for the pastor for 1910
In 1911 the AGM at the Baptist Church was very poorly attended by Walden people, but a good number attended from the 2 villages, The collection was
£2-2-6d [ 2.12½] Miss Gibson agreed to raise her annual subscription, the largest, by £10 a year to £30 although in earlier years she had given £35, but times had been hard in the 1890's . The Committee decide to give Mr Heckford an extra £2-10s-00d a year if the CTM could do the same but they were unable to do so Also reference to F J Robson should be J J Robson
It was agreed to pay to send Mr Heckgford to the Mundesley Conference. But he was unable to go.
On October the 3rd the committee minuted it's deep sense of irreparable loss in the death of it's treasurer E B Gibson who for many years been of service to their mission stations with generous contributions and as Treasurer His son Mr Alexander Gibson took over as Treasurer
In 1912 Mr George Perry a member of the committee for many years died and Mr H Wiseman of Wimbish, farmer and Mr David miller, of Saffron Walden, Baker joined the committee The 1911 – 12 Debden accounts showed that they had paid their annual rent to the Lord of the Manor, being 1 shilling, and £1 for a lantern with lamp glasses and wicks costing 5 shillings and 8 pence. Mr Heckford needed a holiday. The committee agreed to allow him to take a month off but could not pay him. 2 months later the CTM informed the committee that they were moving him to another location near Rugby, The Committee expressed the wish for a married couple, both teetotallers but had to settle for a single man Mr H Holding who stayed 2 years.
In 1913 they needed to repair the Debden chapel at an estimated cost of £40, They obtained estimates from local builder, Mr Bell and Mr Custerson and accepted the lower one of Mr Bell of £26-10 shillings being 8 shillings less than Mr Custerson. To this they had to add the cost of a new stove. Mr Robert Ridgwell joined the committee representing Wimbish and Mr Campbell and Mr C Graves representing Debden joined. Having paid out £1.19 shillings to repair Mr Heckford's bicycle they agreed to pay for repairs to Mr Holdings bike for anything over 7 shillings. Mr Hoding left in the autumn if 1914 and Mr Mr E N Whatley was appointed he had worked the past 13 years as a worker with the of the Christian Colportage Association.
Freewill Offering Boxes were introduced fastened to the inside of the doors of both mission buildings. As from 1914 both mission's local committees would decide who may use the Mission Room at Wimbish and Debden Chapel instead of the Committee of Trustees which administered the Trust for the two. The missioner's salary was now £72 per year by the CTM requested it be increased to £85 This must reflect the inflation of the early war period and the financial crisis just before it started. They settled to pay £82 from 1915 when the committee met at the General Baptist Church Hill Street Saffron Walden. This was raised to £85 in 1917.
In 1917 a charge was brought against the Missioner Rev Enoch Nelson Whatley aged 37 minister of Debden Wimbish mission for remarks he had made contrary to Regulation 27 of the Defence of the Realm regulation by the Saffron Walden Petty Sessions Court. This arose out of local indignation at Wimbish over Conscientious Objectors. The minister was not a CO, but a local farmer was not serving with the forces as he considered his role as a farmer was of equal importance as being a soldier, and the suggestion had been made that he was a CO, The solicitor acting for the minister objected that the case should not have been brought to court by the Superintendent of Police. There then followed an argument about costs for 6 witnesses, 5 farmers and a car mechanic. That latter claimed to have lost business coming to court and not being needed. So he was awarded costs and the case was dismissed. In Feb 1917 the Trust Committee set the missioner free for Christian service of National Importance in connection with the work of the Soldiers Christian Association in France.
In 1918 The Rev Edgar Jackson of Saffron Walden Baptist Church joined the committee and soon became Chairman and the Missioners salary was increased to £100 a year. That year more subscribers were added to the list their donations varying from Miss Gibson's £30 and the next highest of £5 and three of a guinea, eight of £1, one of half a guinea, two of ten shillings, five of a crown, four of half a crown, and two of a shilling. And 3 collections varying from £8 to £1-7-6. It was the end of the worst war in British history and money hard to come by.
At the end of 1919 they had been able to pay the Missioners £100, cover all incidental expenses and give £5-10 shillings to Walden Hospital, and the small balance left was given to the Missioner in acknowledgement of all his efforts. He had conducted over 300 services and meetings, including 30 cottage meetings and 100 tent services. He had travelled as far afield as Finchingfield, Cornish End and Sampford Attendance over the year had been 600 weekly and 30 conversions confessed and many quickened and blessed. Sunday schools at Wimbish and Debden were encouraging.
In 1919 they recorded their appreciation of their late Superintendent of both missions on the passing of Mr Arthur Midgley. His daughter continued as Secretary. Steps were taken in 1920 to buy a house for the missioner on the Saffron Walden road by the Newport turning at the entrance to the village of Wimbish for the missioner to live in who moved in as a rent paying tenant and repairs were paid for by the committee. The cost of the house was £180 and they hadn't got that but Mr H Wiseman kindly bought it and let it out at £10 a year rent plus rates while they saved up to buy it off him, and extra fund raising was organised to do so.
It was decided to form a Free Church at Wimbish providing the deeds and the trustees of the Mission allowed for this, with open membership Rev's Jackson and Evans were asked to draw up a simple form of Church government.
Pastor Mr Robert Catt, who had been Superintendent of Sewards End Mission and Treasurer of High street Baptist Church Saffron Walden and was now minister of Hill Street General Baptist Church was welcomed as a member of the Committee
It was agreed to authorise Mr Whatley to conduct Communion as required, and after his having completed 7 years service it was decided as soon as possible to increase his salary to £130 per annum.
In 1923 Mr Robert Trew was added to the committee as Treasurer. And Rev R Moffat the new minister of Saffron Walden of the Congregationalist Church joined Meetings of the committee at this time were held at Pastor Catt's Chapel. The Country Towns Mission had advised the Committee that they could not continue to fund the missioner but were persuaded aided to do so for another year and after that maintained an interest Mrs Gibson wgo seems not to have sent a subscription for a couple of years sent £197 eight shillings and five pence. Mr Whatley thought he would like s motor bike to get around on but then changed his mind so it was agreed to buy Mr Whatley a new Bicycle, a Golden Sunbeam from Mr Mitson's for 17 guineas but that it belong to the Mission who would pay repairs. It is later reported that money was paid to him for oil and petrol for his own motorcycle used for his work for the Mission. The house was finally bought back from Mr Wiseman after he had waived the remaining £20 from needing to be paid.“
Mr Whatley reported that necessary repairs at Wimbish costing £14.10 shillings for materials, fencing, the shed, gravel had been carried out using voluntary labour particularly his son who was given a gift of 11 shillings and ninepence.
Rev Ince of Newport joined the committee and Mr W E Smith of Wimbish
In 1924 The Golden Jubilee of the Wimbish Mission was celebrated and a 2 sided leaflet published with drawings of the mission chapels in the 2 villages It listed the 6 missioners that had served up to then with a photo of the them missioner E N Whatley
In 1925 it was agreed to allow Mr Whatley to spend some time working for Wendon Mission for a year subject to an agreement being negotiated between the Committee and the Minister and Deacons of Newport Congregationalist Church who are responsible for that Mission.
Reference was made regarding an extra £5 given to Mr Whatley, that this was for Mrs Whatley to buy material for the Dorcas Sewing Meetings of the women.
In January 1926 Mr Whatley resigned from the position of Missioner after 11 years service to take up a post as missioner of the Railway Mission at Small Heath Birmingham.
It was arranged for a Mr Berry to come from Exeter where he had been engaged in colportage work to preach with a view to becoming missioner. Rev Jackson and Rev Moffat would be at Wimbish for his afternoon visit there and Mrs Midgley and Mr Trew at Debden in the evening. As a result of this visit it was agreed to appoint him from the last Sunday in February 1926 to the care of the 3 missions at a salary of £120 per annum, and that the Committee would pay 1 shilling a year nominal rent for the Wendon Mission with Newport Congregationalist Church paying for any repairs.
With the addition of a representative from the Newport Church and from the Wendon Mission on the committee.
It was proposed that local committees be established at both places, so this that had been the case in earlier times had fallen into neglect and was recommenced.
In Jan 1927 the Committee received a report of Mr Berry's first 11 months at the 3 villages He had a Lantern Service at each village once a month about 340 homes are visited every 4-6 weeks
Attendance has increased at Debden, At Wenden 40 children were attending Sunday School with 5 teachers. On Thursdays Mr Berry visited the homes in Wendon, attends the Women's Meeting in the afternoon, holds a children's meeting at 6p m and s Service from 7opn. Collections at each place had increased and a Sale of Work help at each raising £20 at Wimbish, £10 at Debden and £10.10.00 at Wenden. The Committee funded to Mr Berry who bought monthly tracts for distribution in the villages.
Rev Moffatt undertook to write a report of the work of the 3 Missions to be inserted in the Herts & Essex Observer newspaper and in the Saffron Walden Weekly News
In 1929 the committee agreed to pay the annual insurance of Mr Berry's car. They were also paying monthly travelling expenses for Mr Maggs as Secretary and Mr Trew as Treasurer. Mr P Norden was now representing Newport on the Committee.
The last Minute in the Minutes Book was a half page on Jan 21st 1930 when they considered and agreed on a memorandum of the previous meeting concerning continuing the work at Wenden, and the appointment of a new Financial Secretary though who that was to be is not mentioned,
There would appear to be another Minute Book which appears to be missing.
The 2 minute books we have were donated to the Archives of Saffron Walden Baptist Church in 2013 by the last trustee Mr P Wiseman then in his 90's who recalls playing in the Wimbish chapel as a boy aged about 10 doing swimming exercises on the pews and being thrown out by the missioner, this may have been about 1933
He went onto become a Trustee but we have no record of when.
The present Debden Pentecostal Church began at an evening service in the old chapel in the summer of 1949,
The Pentecostal church in Debden came into being after a group of Christians from Wimbledon came for a holiday in the village back in the hot summer of 1949. It all started with a Sunday evening meeting held in the old chapel which is now a private house.
Something was happening that was out of the ordinary as God was making His presence felt and the people came back for another service on the Monday evening, and so it continued throughout the remainder of the week. Finally at the end of the week the new believers were baptised in water in the swimming baths at Saffron Walden.
Mr Boone, the leader from Wimbledon, made regular visits to Debden as the group of believers continued to seek God together. They soon saw the need for a building and in a time frame unheard of today, a plot of land was purchased and a building erected with the official opening in January 1950.
The photograph above shows the opening with the combined gathering from Wimbledon, the Pentecostal Church in Saffron Walden and the Debden group. The photograph below shows mainly the Debden people with Mr Boone (4th from left).
When the church was opened the main door faced in the Thaxted direction, several years later the then pastor, Mr Pavitt, blocked up the original doorway and added a porch entrance facing the road. The building was finally replaced with the current structure in 1996.
In the following years the church benefited from the ministry of some good pastors, the first being a lady by the name of Miss Clark. There were also many visits from excellent teachers including frequent visits from John Carter and C.L. Parker of the Hampstead Bible School. Throughout the years, barring a few, Debden Pentecostal Church has had a Sunday school recognising the young people as the church of tomorrow. It has been a joy to see children and their children coming to learn about Jesus.
Being in a rural location the church has very close ties with farming and as a result the harvest thanksgiving is something that we always make an important event, remembering God's faithfulness in giving rain and harvest. The harvest supper and thanksgiving continues to be an important time at Debden.
Visit of Peter Cavanna On the 11th August 2013 at 6.30pm we have a farewell visit from Peter Cavanna and this will be in place of the service which was to be held on the 4th. Peter is the Pastor of the King's Church in Cambridge. He is a great speaker and has been much used in praying for the sick but is now moving on to teach in the Bible college at Mattersey. We will miss Peter as he has been a frequent visitor to Debden over the years and has been a great help to the church.
Visit of Yan Hadley On the 18th August Yan Hadley was with them again at 6.30pm. Yan was a teacher/evangelist and author of six life-changing books. We have been blessed by several visits from Yan and look forward to hearing him again in Debden.
The Elder in charge from 2013 was : Paul Baker Phone: 01440 710416 and the Church address was given as Debden Pentecostal Church,Thaxted Road,Debden,CB11 3LW
They describe themselves as a Church being
Evangelical Believing that every person needs to come to a personal realisation of their sin and ask Jesus to save them.
Pentecostal Believing that every Christian can be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Bible-Centred Believing that God has a great interest in our lives and that He has given us His Word to guide us in every aspect of our lives.
Coffee Morning On Wednesdays Debden Pentecostal Church becomes a place to drop in for Coffee. Everyone is welcome for coffee, tea, cakes, cheese and biscuits, scones...from 10.30am to 12 noon. It is a time for sharing news (and views!) and catching up with friends.We have many regulars but we also have some who really do 'just drop in'...we have seen several holidaymakers just lately. An added bonus is that Thaxted Surgery delivers prescriptions for their Debden patients at 12 noon each week.
Their situation in 2014 was that we can see some of the early history of the church and photos on our website at www.debden-pentecostal.org.uk. Today we continue to worship the Lord Jesus and seek to share the love of God in the village.
THE MISSIONS AT WIMBISH AND WENDON appeared to still be functioning after the end of the Second World War but to have closed down in the years that followed with Debden all 3 are now houses.
The graveyard at Wenden mission forms part of the house's garden with gravestones either side of the pathway leading to the house garden gate.
The author of this article preached at Wenden once on July 14th 1957 to a congregation of about 8 on the “Power of Prayer” when he was 19½. He recalls receiving nothing for doing so not that that matters but it indicated the poverty of the congregation then using supply preachers.
He recalls leaving a copy of VIA Gospel Magazine and a Gospel of John there when he was delivering VIA to the village in 2011.
The author of this article recalls in his early 20's in the 1960's distributing Christian literature at Howlett's End and and of a suggestion made that maybe he might head up the Wimbish chapel which was in low water and without a missioner but nothing came of this. At the time the Salvation Army was operating out of Wimbish Green .Along Lower Green on the right were a pair of thatched cottages. One of these was used by the Salvation Army before their Hall was built early in 1900.
In the late 1960's a team of students delivered a newspaper style Gospel of John in sepia tones, to all the homes in Wimbish and Debden and other parts of the Saffron Walden Rural District
The Wimbish Mission Chapel was bought by Wiffen's, who ran a bus service from Finchingfield, when it was put up for sale. They used it for storage until a date unknown but possibly later in the 1960's. It was been converted into a dwelling
Then on behalf of the Lighthouse Prayer Ministry VIA Gospel magazine was delivered to all the homes in all parts of Wimbish [ Elder Street, Howlett End, Tye Green, except Wimbish Green in 2012 including most of the homes at Carver Barracks which during the 2nd WW was a RAF Base.
Saffron Walden Baptist Church gave part of it's Christmas Charity Appeal in 2012 to the residents there who created a new Play Area for the children of the base. Avril Streeter whose deceased first husband had been a Vicar was in 2013 assisting the Padre on the base and in 2014 a new padre was appointed. The then base CO Eldon Miller a Welshman and his wife Ange from 2013 were Christians.
VIA magazine was delivered to all the homes at Debden in 2012 and at Debden Green in 2013 where there is and active Brethren Mission Hall and younger members of that distribute tracts in Saffron Walden market place and in the villages. They held a special day in 2013 at their meeting hall inviting people to attend there for a free lunch and laying on transport from Saffron Walden and Thaxted, at which they gave away 100 Bibles.
If any more news of the “missing years” comes to light we will willingly add it to this article.
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ARCHIVES as with the Saffron Walden Baptist Church
ARC 413 MINUTES AND ACCOUNTS of the TRUSTEES of DEBDEN and WIMBISH MISSION 1858 – 1901
ARC 414 MINUTES AND SOME ACCOUNTS of the TRUSTEES of DEBDEN and WIMBISH MISSION 1902 – 1930
along with
a] Copy of the Trust Deed of the Wimbish Mission
b] Extract from the Deed of Wenden Mission Chapel Oct 3rd 1828
c] Letter 24 June 1911 from Charles Robson to Mr E Tanner
d] Letter Feb 18 1915 regarding the Sandford's Charity for the Independent Chapel at Debden
to Miss Midgley Trustee Secretary from the Charity commissions
e] List of subscribers 1923
f] Wimbish Jubilee Souvenir Leaflet 1924
g] NOV 1925 Copy of the Proposals submitted by the Congregational Church at Newport concerning Wendon Chapel
h] Illustrated History Leaflet printed off Feb 2013 of Debden Pentecostal Church
There were Christian dissenters from the Church of England living at Wimbish in Cromwellian times who had to have their dead buried in private grounds such as their house garden, or Richard Carter's ground next to the Star Inn which became the Dissenters Burial Ground Some members of the Franklin family were so buried. That indicates that their were Puritans, or Quakers at Wimbish, worshipping in their own homes or outside the parish.
In the 1850s the spirit of Revival of Christianity was in the air in Britain and village Free Church missions were being established in many places.
So in 1859 “some whose hearts had been touched” were led to erect a building at Debden.
The Missionary, Mr Nathan Swallow, laboured faithfully for 30 year. Longer than any of those who followed him.
Sometime previous to 1874 as a result of the combined efforts of Christians at Debden, Thaxted and Saffron Walden; Pastor Rook of Thaxted Farmer Charles Ketley of Wimbish, the members of the Society of Friends and other Christians from Saffron Walden held meetings at Rowney Corner Parish Barn. God saved souls and a meeting house was needed so one was built at Wimbish in 1874
The chapels in both villages are now in 2013 private houses but the original Trustee Minutes covering 1858 – 1901 came to light this year from the last Trustee Mr Paul Wiseman now in his 90's. These are now part of the Archives of Saffron Walden Baptist Church. ARC 413 and ARC 414.in whose deed papers for many year has been a deed for those churches.
A meeting was held on May 24th 1858 at the home of the Rev C Manthorpe of Newport attended by him and by the Rev William Audley Gillson of Upper Meeting Baptist Church Saffron Walden, Rev Bile of Henham, Rev Joseph Cowell Rook of Thaxted Independent Church, together with Mr Ruse from Bardfield, Mr D Thurgood of Saffron Walden, W Franklin from Thaxted. Richard Perry, W Perry, and another R Perry from Widdington
and it was resolved that a missionary be obtained to labour in the villages of Debden and Wimbish with such parts of the neighbouring districts as the committee shall from time to time see fit. That all present, except Mr Richard Perry at his request, form a committee for the purpose of carrying out this resolution.
The salary for this position was to be £70 per year.
Rev C Manthorpe and Rev J C Rook were appointed Secretaries and Mr D Thurgood
In July the salary was raised to £80 per year and Mr Walter Fordham appointed first missionary, upon his suggestion for 3 months. And that subscriptions for the society be held as due on Sept 1st.
Mr Fordham began his mission task on September 13th 1858. Three months later the appreciative committee extended his term indefinitely with a proviso that if the need arose to terminate he should have 3 months notice. They advised him that they regarded this outreach as an experiment for 2 years at which time it will be reviewed.
On April 2nd 1859 the Trust Deed was agreed for land 30 feet x 48 feet at Crouch End bought from a farmer James Smith a widower who lived at Henham for the price of £5 for the erection of a Meeting House Chapel and 21 Trustees were appointed Part of the land at the time was occupied as a by John Holgate, as a field of some 2 acres pasture land.
The chapel was to be for the use of Congregationalists who were defined as being Independents and Baptists.
It was resolved that if the number of trustees dropped below 13 the remaining ones should meet to appoint additional trustees,and trustees must live within 12 miles of Debden.
The first set of Trustees in order of signature were
James Smith
Robert D Thurgood
William Thurgood
Richard Thurgood
William Dane Thurgood
Henry Nichols
William Harling
Joshua Housden
William Perry
George Woodthingy Perry
Richard Perry
Robert Perry
Joseph Holland
John Holgate
John Dennison
G H Barnard
Charles Debnam
William Franklin
Henry Cowell
Peter Cowell
Ebenezer Cowell
The managing Committee met for their first AGM on November 1st 1859 at Mr Thurgood's house at Walden , 6 of them attending, and were very satisfied with progress and the next meeting booked for April 1860 when the Committee decided to continue the mission and support Mr Fordham beyond the 2 year experiment. Abbey Lane Church and Bolford Street Congregationalist Church Thaxted agreed to take up collections in support of the mission.
An account was opened at Gibson's Bank. Similar collections were offered to be made by Upper Meeting Baptist Church Saffron Walden and Newport Independent Congregationalist Church if additional funds were needed which Upper Meeting did in the year 1863-1864 producing £6./5s/6d.. [£6.27½p] similar to the contributions from Thaxted Independent Church, Individual annual subscriptions varied from 5 shillings to £10.00 from 37 subscribers totalling £80 which paid the salary, The collections maintained the balance or funded tracts.
By the will of Edna Sandford who died June 15th 1863 she gave £500 in Government stock to the Trustees towards maintenance of the Debden chapel building
In February1866 after 7 years ministry Mr Fordham resigned and the committee gave him £5 worth of books in appreciation of all he had done. This paid for
5 Volumes of Bible commentary £1.10s.0d;
8 volumes of Daily Bible Readings £1.18s 6d
7 volumes of Howes Works £1.01s 0d
cash to Mr Fordham for further 10s 6d
A Farewell Tea Meeting was held at Debden and friends and neighbours presented Mr Fordham with a set of Cutlery of silver plated forks and sthingys.
The Committee sought to secured the tenancy of the house he had been living at and appointed Mr Victor Auber from Leominster a successor on a salary of £70 per year, £10 less than they had paid Mr Fordham Mr Victor Auber came on Tuesday April 24th 1866 but the Committee could not obtain accommodation suitable to his need nor increase the salary to £80 so he left in the Autumn. And Mr W G Blatal was appointed at £70 a year. He advised them that he wished to start a Sunday School in the afternoons and £ 3 was granted for books. This does not seem to have continued after his departure.
By now the number of subscribers stood at 27 but there were no Congregational collections from the churches. Mr Blatal did not come up to the Committee's expectations and did not feel able to meet them so it was decided that he should leave as of July 14th 1867 although he actually continued until Sept 14th, and they appointed for 1 year Mr Scott of Beauford in Monmouthshire and he came from Feb 17th 1868.
They paid some of his removal expenses but they still had a problem finding him suitable accommodation and they did not appear to think it was their responsibility to provide for it. Subsequently the committee proposed the appointment be ended on Feb 17 1869, but after conversations with him as to how to conduct the work of the mission it was agreed that he continue, on the agreement of 3 months notice to quit on the part of both himself and the Committee, and that he engage in systematic visitation of the homes of Debden
Funds were released to pay for tracts. And in 1869 Abbey Lane made another collection for the mission, Over the next couple of years there was criticism about the amount of visitation done, and that there was a need for more conversations with the people in their homes, and particularly with families and in 1872 it was decided to terminate his appointment. Mr Webb formerly pastor at Great Sampford Baptist Church offered to help them out but his offer was deferred and finally they responded thanking him for his offer but felt that he was too old for the task considering the amount of physical effort needed to visit all the homes regularly.
Mr Scott through 2 of the Trustees offered to continue on a reduced salary if they divided the district. Which suggests that this visitation involved Wimbish as well as Debden but they were not prepared go consider a division of the district nor did they feel they could accept the interference if the Trustees of the building, and they advised him they would need to repossess the dwelling house he was using.
An impasse arose in February 1872 as to a successor. A Mr Brand had offered and Rev Gillson [ Baptist ] proposed he be appointed and Rev Horton Congregationalist seconded that but the Secretary proposed that Mr Nathan Swallow from Felsted be offered the post which was seconded by Mr G Perry
The amendment was carried by a majority and so Mr Nathan Swallow commenced from June 24th 1872 they paying him 50 shillings for removal costs from Felsted, and £65 a year salary.
WIMBISH MISSION
On July 6th 1874 at a meeting at Saffron Walden Town Hall where most of their meetings had been held for some years the committee considered the desirability of erecting a Mission Hall at Wimbish, and considered estimates submitted by Mr Whiffen of Saffron Walden. Friends at Saffron Walden had offered £110 towards the costs subject to the rest being forthcoming. A sub committee was formed to deal with this.
Arrangements were made for setting up a Trust with recommendation of suitable trustees and Mr Whiffen was engaged to build it on a site opposite the Parish Barn at a cost of £163 and Mr J J Robson was appointed Treasurer. Six months later on January 19th 1875 the Committee minuted that the Meeting Room at Wimbish had been erected and opened for worship at a cost of £211.6s.11½d and all bar £5-£6 had been raised.
The following trustees were appointed
George Stacey Gibson of Saffron Walden
Joseph Holland of Debden
B Cornwell of Thaxted
G W Perry of Widdington
John Franklin of Wimbish
Henry Harvey of Sampford
J J Robson of Saffron Walden
A. Franklin of Thaxted
James Harvey of Bishop's Stortford
Walter Robson of Saffron Walden
H. Cornell of Thaxted
J. C. Rook of Thaxted
Charles Ketley of Wimbish,
B. Tyler of Thaxted
A. Franklin of Finchingfield
and the deed expressed that the premises be used for the assembling for Christian worship and for preaching and teaching of such doctrines as are common among Protestant evangelical nonconformists. That a committee be appointed and that service be held on Lords Day in the evenings only. By now the Mission had 42 subscribers
In July 1876 the committee donated £5 to Mr Swallow who was not well, to help him to take a holiday. The new meeting house was registered as place of worship and the insurance paid a committee was appointed to manage it of Mr Ketley, J J Robson and I C Rook and they were to arrange preaching supplies.
At this point the name of Rev William Audley Gillson disappears after many faithful years of support die to his illness and his successor at Upper Meeting Rev Alfred Rollason appears in his place. Thaxted Independent Church and Abbey Lane both made collections in 1877 – 1878 of between £4 and £5 and the work continue with the support of Thaxted and Saffron Walden Independent churches, and Saffron Walden Quakers who had subscribed for years, and Saffron Walden Baptists and donors from Braintree, and Newport
In 1879 the Secretary Rev J C Rook resigned upon leaving the district. So having served for 21 years this was minuted with thanks to him. Mr Ketley and Mr Perry were appointed to collect subscriptions acting as joint secretaries and a united service was arranged at Saffron Walden for November to publicise the work of the Mission followed at a similar meeting at Thaxted and in 1880 a collection of £10. was made to make a presentation to Mr Swallow. Rev Henry Pepper is now representing Abbey Lane
For some years the missioner, called the mission agent, had been given a present arising from a Thanksgiving collection. In 1881 it was resolved to discontinue this practice and give him a rise of £5 a year. From 1881 an afternoon Sunday School began in the Wimbish Mission hall
On Nov 30th 1881 an Annual Entertainment Meeting was held at Upper Meeting Baptist Chapel to support the mission, chaired by the Mayor T D Green Esq at which the collection raised £3.12s.01d George Stacey Gibson, Quaker of Saffron Walden continued to head the subscription list with £30 a year. W W Perry was next at £12. Dividends from their investment raised £7.19s and 5d a half year. Most subscribers gave £1 or 10s a year. Income amounted to £91.
The Annual Entertainment Meeting held at Abbey Lane Church in Nov 1882 which raised £4.5s.0d was chaired by J J Robson.
On Sept 26th 1883 the committee chaired by E B Gibson, recorded the death of the Quaker, George Stacey Gibson who had supported the mission from it's foundation, and his presence at all the meetings of the committee had been a great encouragement to the committee and to both missions in which he had ever been interested in the salvation of souls in Debden and in Wimbish
Thereafter his widow Mrs Gibson contributed £30 a year which was just as well as this represented a third of their income.
E B Gibson, was appointed Treasurer. Lewis Fry is numbered amongst the subscribers.
The Annual Entertainment Meeting was next held at Saffron Walden Baptist Chapel in 1884 and the collection amounted to £2.13s 11d The following year it was held an Abbey Lane and in Dec 2 1889 it was held in the School Room of the Baptist Chapel with William Willis Recorder of Saffron Walden and Liberal MP for Colchester in the chair.
The Annual Entertainment Meeting in 1891 was held, chaired by J J Robson Mayor of Saffron Walden at the Friends Meeting House raising £1.14s 7d Miss Gibson was heading the list with £35, The Deeds of Debden Chapel were now deposited at Gibson's Bank [ now Barclays ]
In 1891 Norman Simmons and Mr Hart were added to the committee and Mr Midgley was helping as Secretary
Annual Entertainment Meeting in 1893 at Abbey Lane raised £3.12s.0d and in 1895 at Baptist i Chapel it was chaired by local Quaker, E B Gibson and it raised £3.2s.0d
In 1896 Rev Rook preached at Thaxted for the mission at £11 15s In July 1898 the annual meeting was held at Newport and raised £4.4s.0d
The records tell us a lot about subscribers and fund raising but no where anything about who attended the services or the actual work of the missioner. One wonders what real impact the Mission had on the villages.
At a meeting of the Committee on Oct 14 1902 at the offices of Robsons ad Sons Saffron Walden with Mr J J Robson in the chair. And with Mr Wadey, the Colporter present they were concerned about the Christian Colportage's Association's letter expressing concern at the small sales Mr Wadey had achieved and Mr Bransley was requested to reply and visit their offices when in London and Mr Wadey agreed to continue his present work until their next meeting As there was only one Trustee left of the Debden chapel it was agreed to seek new ones.
A month later it was agreed to continue the link with the CCA for another year and upon the resignation as Secretary of Mr Perry, that Mr Charles E Robson was appointed joint-secretary with Mr Ketley. Also that public meetings be arranged at Saffron Walden and Thaxted in the following year to raise further support for the Mission.
Additional Trustees were appointed on Dec 2 1902
George Woodthingy Perry
Joseph Holland
Peter Cowell
Alexander Franklin
Charles E Robson
Francis John Robson
William Ernest Hart
Frederick Charles Barton
Joseph Custerson
Robert Cowell
Sidney Charles Barnard
William Charles Barnard
Robert John Beard
Herbert Lewis Mumford
Charles Edward Robson
Walter Robson
Benjamin Tyler
Thomas Charles Nunn
Joseph Frank Holgate
Ernest William Tanner
Leonard T Bunting
William R Dix
At a meeting on June 23rd 1903 the committee accepted an offer from the Country Towns Mission to employ Mr Wadey as their missioner in this district if the Mission committee could pay £50 per annum During 1903 repairs were carried out to the Debden Mission Chapel costing £10.
At their December meeting it was agreed to appeal to the ministers of various local churches that have previously supported the Mission to hold collections to raise further funds, this included to Rev John Young High street Baptist Church and Rev Henry Pepper Abbey Lane Congregational Church Saffron Walden, Rev C.Ashford at Thaxted Congregationalist Church and Mr F J Robson was appointed to collect subscriptions from Friends of the Mission.
In 1904 the Committee decided that Mr Wadey should devote most of his time to the work of the missions and Debden and Wimbish with only occasional visits to other villages and that he should be answerable to them the Committee and to no one else. This suggest that he was going further afield for the CCA Also they agreed that he should hold weekly Thursday evening meetings at Debden in whatever format he felt was right.
By the will of Edna Sandford who died June 15th 1863 she gave £500 in Government stock to the Trustees towards maintenance of the Debden chapel building
The Trustees who signed this were
Joseph Holland
Alexander Franklin
Charles Robson
Earnest Tanner
these stocks were worth £542, 14 shillings and ten pence at 2½% on Nov 13 1904
In February 1905 Rev C Ashford, Mr E W Tanner and Mr F J Robson were made responsible for organising the Sunday Evening services and in March it was announced that Me Wadey had resigned his connection with the CTM. Mr Midgley agreed to write to Mr Wadey expressing the Committee's satisfaction with the good work in which he was engaged and their desire that he may be blessed in his future labours. The committee then terminated their support for the CCA. Mr D Andrews was appointed Treasurer following the resignation of Mr Gibson.
By In 1906 Mr M Wadey appears to have left and the Rev J W Hambley took charge of the Debden and Wimbish missions for £70 per Annum payable on a quarterly basis The Committee was very pleased with reports from the two chapels of Rev Hambley's work and Rev Ashford was appointed to meet Mr & Mrs Norden to sort out some little problem about the organ and later in the year a sub-committee of Revd Young and Ashford with Mr A Midgley were appointed to sort out with the Wimbish committee and Mr & Mrs Norden to find an amicable solution of the difficulties there. It subsequently turned out their efforts were not successful. The problem appeared to be about who owned the organ at Wimbish but they agreed with Mr Norden that it belonged to the Wimbish chapel, This may seem a trivial matter but ownership would determine who should pay for repairs and tuning. Mr Andrews retired from the Committee in August
1906 Rev J Hambley resigned and moved to a village in Suffolk to pastor a church. The committee appointed a man to each village to organise supply preachers and preach themselves if they could not do so. They then again approached the CTA seeking a another missioner and Mr H Heckford of Chelmsford was appointed at £50 a year. He was also provided with a bicycle for his visiting.
In 1907 a new stove was provided to the Debden Chapel In 1908 they provided a new tyre for the bike.
In June 1909 the committee appointed 2 pf its number to discuss with Mr Heckford his request that the Mission chapel at Wimbish be enlarged.
As little had been done about obtaining new subscribers it was agreed to write to Mr Harry Wiseman of the Elms, Mr George Savill, and Mr Grose at Wimbish Hall with a report of the work of the Mission seeking their support. Lord Strathcove was also asked to help and sent £2. The AGM that year was to be held at the Baptist Church at Saffron Walden with Mr W Willis in the chair, The Secretary having resigned Miss Bessie Midgely was appointed but she was unable to collect subscriptions or arrange the chairs for the services so Mr E W Tanner would take on the collection of subscriptions. The committee paid for repairs to the bicycle.
The Dec 1910 committee meeting was held at the Midgley home.
The January 1911 committee received a report of average at the two chapels
Wimbish
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Morning Sunday School 28
Afternoon service 60
Evening service 80
Wednesday Prayer meeting 12
Friday Band of Hope 20
Debden
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Sunday afternoon Sunday School 40
Evening service 45
Monday Band of Hope 25
Tuesday Prayer Meeting 10
Excluding / Sunday school, during the year at the two locations 294 services and meetings had been held. Special Tea meetings and Sunday school Treats had been held at both locations.
Open Air services had been held during the summer at Debden, Wimbish, Radwinter, Widdington, Newport, Cutlers Green, Fox Hall, and Sewards End. Altogether 2,986 visits were made to homes averaging nearly 60 per week at all of which the Word of God was spoken, and very often read and prayer offered. Of the 294 services and meetings held,the Missioner had led 230
The Sunday school at Wimbish was conducted by a Mr Ridgwell assisted by 2 teachers and Mrs Heckford conducted the Sunday school at Debden assisted by 4 teachers.
The Wimbish account for 1910 shows £1-0-3d spent on coal and oil for heating. Fire insurance was 5 shillings, candles two shillings and 11 pence [ 15p] The caretaker was paid £2 for the year and new trestle tables were purchased for £1-2-6d [ 1.12½p ] Sunday collections amounted to £7-5-3d They ended the year with a balance of 2 shillings and 1 penny which was 10 shillings less than at the end of 1909, but then it cost 12 shillings to repair the chimney,
The Debden collections were £8 -1shilling and 9pence. Coal and oil cost £1-1-5d each, They had to buy a new lampshade for 4 shillings, 2 shillings and 8 pence [14p] was spent on Bible notes from the International Bible Reading Association. And 8 shillings and tuppence [ 41p ] was spent on hymn books for Band of Hope meetings. Bicycle repairs were 3 shillings and sixpence [ 17p ] and the Sunday School outing cost £1-9-11d [ 1.49½p] They ended the year with only 11 shillings 11 pence [ 59p ]
Consequently they could not increase the payment from the Trustee Account for the pastor for 1910
In 1911 the AGM at the Baptist Church was very poorly attended by Walden people, but a good number attended from the 2 villages, The collection was
£2-2-6d [ 2.12½] Miss Gibson agreed to raise her annual subscription, the largest, by £10 a year to £30 although in earlier years she had given £35, but times had been hard in the 1890's . The Committee decide to give Mr Heckford an extra £2-10s-00d a year if the CTM could do the same but they were unable to do so Also reference to F J Robson should be J J Robson
It was agreed to pay to send Mr Heckgford to the Mundesley Conference. But he was unable to go.
On October the 3rd the committee minuted it's deep sense of irreparable loss in the death of it's treasurer E B Gibson who for many years been of service to their mission stations with generous contributions and as Treasurer His son Mr Alexander Gibson took over as Treasurer
In 1912 Mr George Perry a member of the committee for many years died and Mr H Wiseman of Wimbish, farmer and Mr David miller, of Saffron Walden, Baker joined the committee The 1911 – 12 Debden accounts showed that they had paid their annual rent to the Lord of the Manor, being 1 shilling, and £1 for a lantern with lamp glasses and wicks costing 5 shillings and 8 pence. Mr Heckford needed a holiday. The committee agreed to allow him to take a month off but could not pay him. 2 months later the CTM informed the committee that they were moving him to another location near Rugby, The Committee expressed the wish for a married couple, both teetotallers but had to settle for a single man Mr H Holding who stayed 2 years.
In 1913 they needed to repair the Debden chapel at an estimated cost of £40, They obtained estimates from local builder, Mr Bell and Mr Custerson and accepted the lower one of Mr Bell of £26-10 shillings being 8 shillings less than Mr Custerson. To this they had to add the cost of a new stove. Mr Robert Ridgwell joined the committee representing Wimbish and Mr Campbell and Mr C Graves representing Debden joined. Having paid out £1.19 shillings to repair Mr Heckford's bicycle they agreed to pay for repairs to Mr Holdings bike for anything over 7 shillings. Mr Hoding left in the autumn if 1914 and Mr Mr E N Whatley was appointed he had worked the past 13 years as a worker with the of the Christian Colportage Association.
Freewill Offering Boxes were introduced fastened to the inside of the doors of both mission buildings. As from 1914 both mission's local committees would decide who may use the Mission Room at Wimbish and Debden Chapel instead of the Committee of Trustees which administered the Trust for the two. The missioner's salary was now £72 per year by the CTM requested it be increased to £85 This must reflect the inflation of the early war period and the financial crisis just before it started. They settled to pay £82 from 1915 when the committee met at the General Baptist Church Hill Street Saffron Walden. This was raised to £85 in 1917.
In 1917 a charge was brought against the Missioner Rev Enoch Nelson Whatley aged 37 minister of Debden Wimbish mission for remarks he had made contrary to Regulation 27 of the Defence of the Realm regulation by the Saffron Walden Petty Sessions Court. This arose out of local indignation at Wimbish over Conscientious Objectors. The minister was not a CO, but a local farmer was not serving with the forces as he considered his role as a farmer was of equal importance as being a soldier, and the suggestion had been made that he was a CO, The solicitor acting for the minister objected that the case should not have been brought to court by the Superintendent of Police. There then followed an argument about costs for 6 witnesses, 5 farmers and a car mechanic. That latter claimed to have lost business coming to court and not being needed. So he was awarded costs and the case was dismissed. In Feb 1917 the Trust Committee set the missioner free for Christian service of National Importance in connection with the work of the Soldiers Christian Association in France.
In 1918 The Rev Edgar Jackson of Saffron Walden Baptist Church joined the committee and soon became Chairman and the Missioners salary was increased to £100 a year. That year more subscribers were added to the list their donations varying from Miss Gibson's £30 and the next highest of £5 and three of a guinea, eight of £1, one of half a guinea, two of ten shillings, five of a crown, four of half a crown, and two of a shilling. And 3 collections varying from £8 to £1-7-6. It was the end of the worst war in British history and money hard to come by.
At the end of 1919 they had been able to pay the Missioners £100, cover all incidental expenses and give £5-10 shillings to Walden Hospital, and the small balance left was given to the Missioner in acknowledgement of all his efforts. He had conducted over 300 services and meetings, including 30 cottage meetings and 100 tent services. He had travelled as far afield as Finchingfield, Cornish End and Sampford Attendance over the year had been 600 weekly and 30 conversions confessed and many quickened and blessed. Sunday schools at Wimbish and Debden were encouraging.
In 1919 they recorded their appreciation of their late Superintendent of both missions on the passing of Mr Arthur Midgley. His daughter continued as Secretary. Steps were taken in 1920 to buy a house for the missioner on the Saffron Walden road by the Newport turning at the entrance to the village of Wimbish for the missioner to live in who moved in as a rent paying tenant and repairs were paid for by the committee. The cost of the house was £180 and they hadn't got that but Mr H Wiseman kindly bought it and let it out at £10 a year rent plus rates while they saved up to buy it off him, and extra fund raising was organised to do so.
It was decided to form a Free Church at Wimbish providing the deeds and the trustees of the Mission allowed for this, with open membership Rev's Jackson and Evans were asked to draw up a simple form of Church government.
Pastor Mr Robert Catt, who had been Superintendent of Sewards End Mission and Treasurer of High street Baptist Church Saffron Walden and was now minister of Hill Street General Baptist Church was welcomed as a member of the Committee
It was agreed to authorise Mr Whatley to conduct Communion as required, and after his having completed 7 years service it was decided as soon as possible to increase his salary to £130 per annum.
In 1923 Mr Robert Trew was added to the committee as Treasurer. And Rev R Moffat the new minister of Saffron Walden of the Congregationalist Church joined Meetings of the committee at this time were held at Pastor Catt's Chapel. The Country Towns Mission had advised the Committee that they could not continue to fund the missioner but were persuaded aided to do so for another year and after that maintained an interest Mrs Gibson wgo seems not to have sent a subscription for a couple of years sent £197 eight shillings and five pence. Mr Whatley thought he would like s motor bike to get around on but then changed his mind so it was agreed to buy Mr Whatley a new Bicycle, a Golden Sunbeam from Mr Mitson's for 17 guineas but that it belong to the Mission who would pay repairs. It is later reported that money was paid to him for oil and petrol for his own motorcycle used for his work for the Mission. The house was finally bought back from Mr Wiseman after he had waived the remaining £20 from needing to be paid.“
Mr Whatley reported that necessary repairs at Wimbish costing £14.10 shillings for materials, fencing, the shed, gravel had been carried out using voluntary labour particularly his son who was given a gift of 11 shillings and ninepence.
Rev Ince of Newport joined the committee and Mr W E Smith of Wimbish
In 1924 The Golden Jubilee of the Wimbish Mission was celebrated and a 2 sided leaflet published with drawings of the mission chapels in the 2 villages It listed the 6 missioners that had served up to then with a photo of the them missioner E N Whatley
In 1925 it was agreed to allow Mr Whatley to spend some time working for Wendon Mission for a year subject to an agreement being negotiated between the Committee and the Minister and Deacons of Newport Congregationalist Church who are responsible for that Mission.
Reference was made regarding an extra £5 given to Mr Whatley, that this was for Mrs Whatley to buy material for the Dorcas Sewing Meetings of the women.
In January 1926 Mr Whatley resigned from the position of Missioner after 11 years service to take up a post as missioner of the Railway Mission at Small Heath Birmingham.
It was arranged for a Mr Berry to come from Exeter where he had been engaged in colportage work to preach with a view to becoming missioner. Rev Jackson and Rev Moffat would be at Wimbish for his afternoon visit there and Mrs Midgley and Mr Trew at Debden in the evening. As a result of this visit it was agreed to appoint him from the last Sunday in February 1926 to the care of the 3 missions at a salary of £120 per annum, and that the Committee would pay 1 shilling a year nominal rent for the Wendon Mission with Newport Congregationalist Church paying for any repairs.
With the addition of a representative from the Newport Church and from the Wendon Mission on the committee.
It was proposed that local committees be established at both places, so this that had been the case in earlier times had fallen into neglect and was recommenced.
In Jan 1927 the Committee received a report of Mr Berry's first 11 months at the 3 villages He had a Lantern Service at each village once a month about 340 homes are visited every 4-6 weeks
Attendance has increased at Debden, At Wenden 40 children were attending Sunday School with 5 teachers. On Thursdays Mr Berry visited the homes in Wendon, attends the Women's Meeting in the afternoon, holds a children's meeting at 6p m and s Service from 7opn. Collections at each place had increased and a Sale of Work help at each raising £20 at Wimbish, £10 at Debden and £10.10.00 at Wenden. The Committee funded to Mr Berry who bought monthly tracts for distribution in the villages.
Rev Moffatt undertook to write a report of the work of the 3 Missions to be inserted in the Herts & Essex Observer newspaper and in the Saffron Walden Weekly News
In 1929 the committee agreed to pay the annual insurance of Mr Berry's car. They were also paying monthly travelling expenses for Mr Maggs as Secretary and Mr Trew as Treasurer. Mr P Norden was now representing Newport on the Committee.
The last Minute in the Minutes Book was a half page on Jan 21st 1930 when they considered and agreed on a memorandum of the previous meeting concerning continuing the work at Wenden, and the appointment of a new Financial Secretary though who that was to be is not mentioned,
There would appear to be another Minute Book which appears to be missing.
The 2 minute books we have were donated to the Archives of Saffron Walden Baptist Church in 2013 by the last trustee Mr P Wiseman then in his 90's who recalls playing in the Wimbish chapel as a boy aged about 10 doing swimming exercises on the pews and being thrown out by the missioner, this may have been about 1933
He went onto become a Trustee but we have no record of when.
The present Debden Pentecostal Church began at an evening service in the old chapel in the summer of 1949,
The Pentecostal church in Debden came into being after a group of Christians from Wimbledon came for a holiday in the village back in the hot summer of 1949. It all started with a Sunday evening meeting held in the old chapel which is now a private house.
Something was happening that was out of the ordinary as God was making His presence felt and the people came back for another service on the Monday evening, and so it continued throughout the remainder of the week. Finally at the end of the week the new believers were baptised in water in the swimming baths at Saffron Walden.
Mr Boone, the leader from Wimbledon, made regular visits to Debden as the group of believers continued to seek God together. They soon saw the need for a building and in a time frame unheard of today, a plot of land was purchased and a building erected with the official opening in January 1950.
The photograph above shows the opening with the combined gathering from Wimbledon, the Pentecostal Church in Saffron Walden and the Debden group. The photograph below shows mainly the Debden people with Mr Boone (4th from left).
When the church was opened the main door faced in the Thaxted direction, several years later the then pastor, Mr Pavitt, blocked up the original doorway and added a porch entrance facing the road. The building was finally replaced with the current structure in 1996.
In the following years the church benefited from the ministry of some good pastors, the first being a lady by the name of Miss Clark. There were also many visits from excellent teachers including frequent visits from John Carter and C.L. Parker of the Hampstead Bible School. Throughout the years, barring a few, Debden Pentecostal Church has had a Sunday school recognising the young people as the church of tomorrow. It has been a joy to see children and their children coming to learn about Jesus.
Being in a rural location the church has very close ties with farming and as a result the harvest thanksgiving is something that we always make an important event, remembering God's faithfulness in giving rain and harvest. The harvest supper and thanksgiving continues to be an important time at Debden.
Visit of Peter Cavanna On the 11th August 2013 at 6.30pm we have a farewell visit from Peter Cavanna and this will be in place of the service which was to be held on the 4th. Peter is the Pastor of the King's Church in Cambridge. He is a great speaker and has been much used in praying for the sick but is now moving on to teach in the Bible college at Mattersey. We will miss Peter as he has been a frequent visitor to Debden over the years and has been a great help to the church.
Visit of Yan Hadley On the 18th August Yan Hadley was with them again at 6.30pm. Yan was a teacher/evangelist and author of six life-changing books. We have been blessed by several visits from Yan and look forward to hearing him again in Debden.
The Elder in charge from 2013 was : Paul Baker Phone: 01440 710416 and the Church address was given as Debden Pentecostal Church,Thaxted Road,Debden,CB11 3LW
They describe themselves as a Church being
Evangelical Believing that every person needs to come to a personal realisation of their sin and ask Jesus to save them.
Pentecostal Believing that every Christian can be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Bible-Centred Believing that God has a great interest in our lives and that He has given us His Word to guide us in every aspect of our lives.
Coffee Morning On Wednesdays Debden Pentecostal Church becomes a place to drop in for Coffee. Everyone is welcome for coffee, tea, cakes, cheese and biscuits, scones...from 10.30am to 12 noon. It is a time for sharing news (and views!) and catching up with friends.We have many regulars but we also have some who really do 'just drop in'...we have seen several holidaymakers just lately. An added bonus is that Thaxted Surgery delivers prescriptions for their Debden patients at 12 noon each week.
Their situation in 2014 was that we can see some of the early history of the church and photos on our website at www.debden-pentecostal.org.uk. Today we continue to worship the Lord Jesus and seek to share the love of God in the village.
THE MISSIONS AT WIMBISH AND WENDON appeared to still be functioning after the end of the Second World War but to have closed down in the years that followed with Debden all 3 are now houses.
The graveyard at Wenden mission forms part of the house's garden with gravestones either side of the pathway leading to the house garden gate.
The author of this article preached at Wenden once on July 14th 1957 to a congregation of about 8 on the “Power of Prayer” when he was 19½. He recalls receiving nothing for doing so not that that matters but it indicated the poverty of the congregation then using supply preachers.
He recalls leaving a copy of VIA Gospel Magazine and a Gospel of John there when he was delivering VIA to the village in 2011.
The author of this article recalls in his early 20's in the 1960's distributing Christian literature at Howlett's End and and of a suggestion made that maybe he might head up the Wimbish chapel which was in low water and without a missioner but nothing came of this. At the time the Salvation Army was operating out of Wimbish Green .Along Lower Green on the right were a pair of thatched cottages. One of these was used by the Salvation Army before their Hall was built early in 1900.
In the late 1960's a team of students delivered a newspaper style Gospel of John in sepia tones, to all the homes in Wimbish and Debden and other parts of the Saffron Walden Rural District
The Wimbish Mission Chapel was bought by Wiffen's, who ran a bus service from Finchingfield, when it was put up for sale. They used it for storage until a date unknown but possibly later in the 1960's. It was been converted into a dwelling
Then on behalf of the Lighthouse Prayer Ministry VIA Gospel magazine was delivered to all the homes in all parts of Wimbish [ Elder Street, Howlett End, Tye Green, except Wimbish Green in 2012 including most of the homes at Carver Barracks which during the 2nd WW was a RAF Base.
Saffron Walden Baptist Church gave part of it's Christmas Charity Appeal in 2012 to the residents there who created a new Play Area for the children of the base. Avril Streeter whose deceased first husband had been a Vicar was in 2013 assisting the Padre on the base and in 2014 a new padre was appointed. The then base CO Eldon Miller a Welshman and his wife Ange from 2013 were Christians.
VIA magazine was delivered to all the homes at Debden in 2012 and at Debden Green in 2013 where there is and active Brethren Mission Hall and younger members of that distribute tracts in Saffron Walden market place and in the villages. They held a special day in 2013 at their meeting hall inviting people to attend there for a free lunch and laying on transport from Saffron Walden and Thaxted, at which they gave away 100 Bibles.
If any more news of the “missing years” comes to light we will willingly add it to this article.
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ARCHIVES as with the Saffron Walden Baptist Church
ARC 413 MINUTES AND ACCOUNTS of the TRUSTEES of DEBDEN and WIMBISH MISSION 1858 – 1901
ARC 414 MINUTES AND SOME ACCOUNTS of the TRUSTEES of DEBDEN and WIMBISH MISSION 1902 – 1930
along with
a] Copy of the Trust Deed of the Wimbish Mission
b] Extract from the Deed of Wenden Mission Chapel Oct 3rd 1828
c] Letter 24 June 1911 from Charles Robson to Mr E Tanner
d] Letter Feb 18 1915 regarding the Sandford's Charity for the Independent Chapel at Debden
to Miss Midgley Trustee Secretary from the Charity commissions
e] List of subscribers 1923
f] Wimbish Jubilee Souvenir Leaflet 1924
g] NOV 1925 Copy of the Proposals submitted by the Congregational Church at Newport concerning Wendon Chapel
h] Illustrated History Leaflet printed off Feb 2013 of Debden Pentecostal Church