DISSENTERS' CHAPELS -
1853 -BAPTISTS
STONEY STREET
The General Baptists, who purchased the Wesleyan Tabernacle when the Methodists removed to their new chapel in Hockley, continued to increase till 1799, when they built a chapel at the lower end of Plumptre place, with a spacious burial ground in front. It is now known as Stoney street chapel. The Rev. R. SMITH was pastor for some time.
On the 3rd of August, 1817, this chapel was the scene of a disgraceful affray, originating in a disagreement between a majority of the members and Mr. SMITH, respecting the Rev. W. CATTON, junior pastor. Mr. CATTON was a young man of ability and promise; and Mr. SMITH, whose policy it had always been to preserve his pulpit from the dangerous approaches of superior talent, could ill brook the minor position into which he was driven by the more brilliant ministrations of his youthful assistant. He therefore labored in every possible way to damage the young man's reputation; and, after an intense agitation, the church agreed to suspend both the reverend gentlemen, as the best way of ridding themselves of the difficulty. A majority of the trustees of the chapel, however, adopted the counter resolution of supporting Mr. SMITH, and on Sunday, August 3rd, the crisis developed itself in a contest for the possession of the pulpit - the rival preachers being Mr. GEORGE, who was appointed on the part of the church of which he was a member, and the resolute Robert SMITH. The undaunted minister and his party were supported by several constables, who in clearing the pulpit stairs laid lusty blows on all who impeded their progress.
Rent garments, lacerated hands, and severe contusions were the result. The old pastor stood near the pulpit stairs, crying from time to time, "I demand the pulpit." His friend, Mr. Alderman ASHWELL cried to Mr. GEORGE: "come down, I say, before there be any broken heads." The news spread over the town, and spectators as godless as the actors in the horrible scene came rushing in to enjoy the unwonted spectacle. The persons on the pulpit stairs at length gave way, and, amidst the execrations of the congregation, Mr. SMITH ascended the pulpit. Hisses and groans assailed him from all parts of the building. But he seemed impervious. The blush of shame rushed not to his countenance. He spread forth his hands in a devotional attitude. The general cry became louder still, "shame - shame - shame on him! Can he preach! Can he think of preaching!" Again he assayed to pray, but in vain. And he descended amid a volley of groans and contemptuous clapping of hands. A constable was that day the last occupant of the pulpit. This disagreement of course led to a disruption of the church. Mr. SMITH and his supporter were obliged to withdraw straightway. He was succeeded by the Rev. William PICKERING, who had joined with him in 1830 the Rev. Hugh HUNTER. The latter became sole pastor on the death of Mr. PICKERING, which occurred in 1848.
The chapel has been much enlarged, and is now capable of seating 1,400 persons. In 1840 the members numbered 650; in 1844 more than 900. Connected with the church are nine village chapels; in each there is a Sabbath school. The number of Sunday scholars in the town is 160 males and 220 females, who are taught by 36 male and 33 female teachers. The total number of scholars in town and country is 1,320. A benevolent and religious tract society are both maintained in an efficient state of usefulness. Mr. HUNTER, the present pastor of the church, is a native of *Scotland and has enjoyed since the period of his settlement at Nottingham an extensive popularity among all denominations.
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