Church 5 - Gresham Methodist Chapel

 Sunday came and whilst I thought about doing more exploring, there was only one church I was going to. 

My own for Worship. Todays service was also Holy Communion, a celebration of a succesful Strawberry Tea and Week Three in the book of Philippians for the Circuit bible month. 

My amazing Chapel is different from the others so far featured in that it is of the Methodist Tradition - I feel I should say other denominations are avialable. One of course could suggest that Methodism really is a funny cousin of Anglicanism given that its principal leader remained a life-long Anglican but thats a conversation for tea and biscuits some other time. 

This Rural Chapel (very rural Chapel) does not remind people to turn their phones to silent on Sunday as there is no signal. It shares the space with Gresham All Saint's and therefor the excitement of finding out that Gresham had a castle, windmill and watermill applies very much to this post as well. The afternoon service is well placed for its community, likely at this time intially to support a rural agricultural community that needed to do farmwork earlier in that day. Nowadays this only if I really have to morning person is very much a fan of an afternoon service. Plus if I am preaching and not taking a nap (which my lovely fellow congregrants fully support a nap if I need it) I can still go to 'my' church. 

Historically I have so far found very little with regards to the Chapel. Its the second oldest of the 12 active chapel and churches in the circuit. Built in 1871 as a Primitive chapel its only beaten by three years with Sloley (another afternoon congregation in a exceptionally rural community) was built in 1869. I have listed 12 active chapels although some could suggest there are 13 with Wavestation Mundelsey being a New People for New Places (NPNP) project that encourages 'New Christian communities for people with questions about life and faith who aren't connected to existing churches.' More information can be found on Facebook. An amazing place for surfing but less information on the dates of the Chapel. 

Overall the circuit in its current property format was greatly influenced by the Victorian building boom and Unification of the main three groups in Methodism (Primitive, Wesleyan and United). I am certainly intrigued to explore the history of Hickling's church as there is mnetion of the previous structure made of clay being destroyed in a storm - but I shall save that for when I go and preach that way. 

Other than finding the date for Gresham Chapel, the great excitement for the restoration project in 1999, and that it follows the architecture of simple Norfolk Chapel in brick, there was little that I have found about the building so far. 

In the 2000's a local History book on Gresham was produced to celebrate the last century and oral history of the village in 'Gresham Voices and Faces' by Keith Entwistle that can be downloaded. This shares stories of the Chapel from some faces who can still be seen attending today.  

However, it has had a very prominent (alongside the amazing saints that currently attend) congregant and local Preacher that I have learnt a small amount about and look forward to exploring more.

Do you know who they are?

• This man cycled over 6000 miles around the county rallying workers in his wake.
• Born into farming in a family, into egregious proverty, they were unable to read or write. At one point he was subjected to the the Workhouse in Aylsham. 
• He started work at the age fo 5 in the fields. 
• He later became an MP, a Magistrate recieved an OBE and was knighted in 1930. 
• This person was also key wage campaigning and 'evidence to a Royal Commission on the administration of the Poor Law. Both he and his wife were elected to Aylmerton and Felbrigg Parish Council and he also became a Poor Law Guardian.'

If you still have no idea do not panic as neither di prior to this weekend. 

Sir George Edwards (1850-1933). 

He  wrote an autobiography From Crow-Scaring to Westminster An Autobiography, and a son wrote of his life to Ploughboy's Progress : The Life of Sir George Edwards.

The Primitive Methodists Website shares a wondeful short summary of his life and his large contribution towards the National Union of Agricultural Workers. 

Englesea Brook Chapel and Musuem also has on Youtube a wonderful lecture on him. I think 17 minutes in you can see him in a chapel and it could be Gresham. Even with no education early in life later on he did learn but even with out he was very active in the chapel and his Faith underpinned his work daily. 

For myself it's interesting to know that his wife very much supported hi endeavours - from helping him to read and write, to reading scripture to him to memorise so he could preach with it. 

I cannot wait to learn more about both Sir George Edwards, his wife Charlotte and his wider family but also the local impact. 

Thank you Lord for the continued impact of a small rural chapel in the fields of North Norfolk. 

Like the stream running through the frontage of the chapel may we to be filled with the flowing of the Holy Spirit.

 Bring us to your door and send us out into your world to refresh and deliver Your hope. 

Amen.