Hague Street
(Methodist)
The original Chapel was opened on 26th October 1813 on land leased for 999 years at a rent of 11s. 3d. per annum. In 1832 a Sunday School was built and later rebuilt in 1865.
At the time when Thomas Taylor wrote his “Echoes” (1874) worship was conducted in the old chapel, and Sunday School work carried on in the school some distance away.
“Entrance to the chapel is by stairway; yet it is a lovely sanctuary and conducive to the spirit of worship. Its priceless treasure is the pulpit from which John Wesley preached at New Mills. Like the Ark of the Covenant this pulpit has been moved from place to place. It was taken out of service at New Mills in 1809 when a new chapel was built and a new pulpit put in. It was given to the Whitfield Society in 1813 and moved yet again upon the opening of the present chapel.
Our oldest member at Whitfield is Mrs. Ann Needham, a gracious lady who despite her ninety years still attends services. Mr. Frederick Coates is the Sunday School Superintendent. Mr. Herbert Howse & Mr. William Hibbert are the Secretary and Treasurer respectively of the Trust and Mr. William Davies & Mr. Fred Barber are the Society Stewards.”
In 1885 the old Chapel was demolished and the foundation stone for the new Chapel was laid on 6th June 1885 by Captain Partington, Alfred Leech, John Sellars and W. S. Rhodes. In 1885 a new school was built and claimed to be one of the best in the district. The old chapel continued in use until 1931 when the Sunday School building was enlarged and transformed into the present imposing structure.
The Chapel continued in use until 1931 when the Chapel and Sunday School were reconstructed into the present building. The Chapel closed after Easter Sunday 1968.