Grendon Union Chapel

From GrendonVillage

History

Grendon Union Chapel was born following the move of the widow Eliz Hawkins of Grendon to the village of Bozeat where she died on December 20th 1814. The initial property was bought and converted into a place of worship and opened on August 4, 1813. Two services were held on that day:

• in the afternoon by Mr Hemmel of Wollaston , and
• in the evening bu Mr Vorly of Carlton.

The first minister of Grendon Meeting House as it was known then , was Mr Samuel Gascoyne who died in 1831 aged 69 years.

In 1861, Grendon Meeting House became too small for the congregation and was much in need of repairs, and so was sold for the sum of £33.3.6. It was resolved by a number of friends of Grendon Meeting House to erect a new chapel. Another friend offered to sell a piece of ground in a suitable siutation, which was purchased by the Trustees of Grendon Meeting House. A contract was made for the new chapel and with the cost of the piece of ground, was estimated at £290.0.0.

The new chapel was the opened for worship in November 1861. The first service that day was lead by Mr T. Arnold of Northampton, who preached in both the morning and evening. The proceeds from that day amounted to £13.16.6 which wereput into the building fund.

Highlights

• In March of the year 1867 the chapel bought a small organ at the cost of £20.
• In 1871 a new wall and iron fence was erected in front of the chapel at a cost of over £30.
• In 1874 the chapel was newly was newly seated at a cost of over £20.
• In 1876 a bazaar was held in connection with the chapel to raise funds to paint and renovate the chapel; this event was held on May 8th of that year and raised £70.

In 1880 a second bazaar was held on behalf of a new school room amd raised £72. The new school room was built and was opened on October 3rd, 1881. After the afternoon service which was lead by Mr Oats of Northampton tea was served: the day realised £20.

Grendon Union Chapel was formed on September 14th, 1905. On that day 24 members took their names from Yardley Hastings, and 29 new ones gave their names to join as new members. The service that day was chaired by Mr John Thompson, and the speakers were Mr Covinton, Mr Riches, Mr Hollingorth of Northampton, and a Mr Field of Ecton.