[From Methodist Recorder 20 April 1911]

Collections and Recollections

Methodism in the Douglas Circuit

Manxland is a delightful country, dear to thousands of her sons, at home and abroad, and possessing charms which draw hundreds of thousands to her shores each year. The country makes its own laws, raises and spends its own revenue, and has all the advantages and disadvantages incidental to Home Rule. The popular chamber is composed of 24 Keys, and a good half are Methodist. The Upper House consists of eight officials, three of whom are dignitaries of the Established church ! A remarkable thing happened two years ago Mr. John Thomas Cowell, a lifelong and sturdy Wesleyan, was offered the position of. Receiver-General, and he accepted it. - since the world began it was not known that a Nonconformist had trodden the consecrated floor of the Upper Chamber, but in spite of the dreadful innovation the Island shows no sign of sinking.

Douglas is the chief town, and the modern capital Its growth in recent years has-been remarkable At one time it was an insignificant village; the headquarters of the smugglers. Some of: the old, places rejoiced in suggestive names-" Society Lane,". ,"Guttery Gable;" "Little "Hell;" etc.

The native Manx are decidedly a religious people,. thanks in a very large measure to Methodist work: The ancient inhabitants were sunk in lawlessness and depravity: The first Methodists despaired of doing an good work. A vast change has come over the scene. There is no corner of His Majesty's dominions more law abiding than Manxland. Not a single soldier is kept on the Island; the police have little more to do than to see that the public houses close at the proper time; some good Methodists, even in the towns, go to service without locking their doors. Only two murders have occurred in the last thirty years, Manx people pray and give thanks to God continually and can subscribe to the Apostles' Creed without reservation. Unitarianism has not hitherto been able to get a footing ; High Churchism is impossible; and a native Roman Catholic is practically unknown. It was not until 1775 that a serious attempt was made by the Methodist Church to reach the Isle of Man- Liverpool Methodists interested themselves in the people, and they chose as their agent: John Crook, afterwards known as "The Apostle of the Isle of Man." For many years the history of the work was varied. Sometimes the preachers were greatly encouraged by apparent success, and again they were distressed by fallings away from the faith ; sometimes welcomed and encouraged by the Bishop and Clergy, and again condemned and persecuted. For some years the work was carried on in temporary premises; but in 1780: a chapel was built at Lonan. In 1786 the first chapel was erected in Douglas: It soon had to be enlarged; and this building in turn becoming too small, the present fine sanctuary in Victoria Street was erected The church is now one of the most comfortable in the town. The old chapel was converted into a day and Sunday School. Some years after, Well Road was built; in the northern part of the town.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church, to-day holds a strong position in both town and; country. There are five chapels in the town (with a population of 20;000). Of course, the demands of the visitors have to be considered. Rosemount, in the upper part of the town, was opened twenty-eight years ago. It took a large proportion of the congregations of Victoria Street and Well Road.: Victoria Street has, however, more than recovered from the depletion, and is now in a very healthy condition with a congregation of 700 or 800 on Sunday evenings; even in winter. Well Road suffered most but, it, too, has picked up on somewhat different lines. Salisbury Street is doing a good, work in a new neighbourhood; and it is expected that the recently acquired Esplanade Chapel will develop. Verily the Wesleyans of Douglas are wide awake ! The present superintendent: says so much has been done that there is little room for more development, and their greatest need is " more grace:"

In connection with Douglas Methodist' one recalls men who have passed from the stage, as well as some who are still bearing the burden and the heat of the day Mr. John Cain: held the office of circuit steward for thirty years and made the cause his own. For a short period he had as his colleague Mr.H. T. McIver; a genius; at figures, and an eloquent local preacher and Temperance speaker: Mr. A: Radcliffe; for more than thirty years was afternoon superintendent at Well Road. During his tenure of office many scholars became attached to Christ and the Church. Some of them are now helping to carry on this school and others are labouring on distant fields. Mr H. Shimmin; who is still hale and hearty, for many years had charge of the morning school, and proved himself: a kindly, sympathetic helper.

Thomas Street was of course, the premier school., Mr. Moore, brother of the present Vicar of Braddan, was a superintendent for years. But the outstanding name in the modern Methodism, of Thomas Street (now Victoria Street) is William James Kermode. He holds now the office of superintendent, and has held it for many years. Mr. Kermode's name will be fragrant long after he has passed away. No man in modern times has had as much influence for good among young men.

Mr John Thomas Cowell is an old Thomas-Street boy: He was for years one of the members for Douglas in the House of Keys; and he now holds the position of Receiver-General.; but he is still a man and a Methodist; unspoiled, by success. He is senior steward, superintendent of Rosemount Sunday School, and (with Mr. J. D. Kellett) Chapel Stewart at Rosemount. Mr. T. P. Ellison, late manager and secretary to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, has all his life been devoted to Victoria Street, and he is to-day one of its best friends. The present Mayor of Douglas is the product of country Methodism, and he is highly esteemed for his sterling qualities and kindly disposition.

Douglas Methodism has been served for many years by a succession of able and devoted ministers. The writer's recollection goes back, to the superintendency of the late Rev. T. B. Butcher. Four of us stood; before him for an hour as candidates for the plan. The, history of the four illustrates the drain made on country Methodism. One of the four, the Rev. G. E. Kennaugh, is now in the English ministry; one is a minister in America; one is in the ministry of the courts above, and only the fourth remains in the Island, still " a poor local." Mr. Butcher took a deep interest in the work at Hanover Street Mission, but space will not permit the telling of its story.

The Rev. Henry Douthwaite was the next superintendent, a most quaint, original, deeply intelligent preacher, who could talk the clock round, and make his hearers forget the passage of time. Once a fervid young local was addressing a meeting in Thomas Street, and expatiating on the rewards in heaven for doing good'. Mr. D., who was in the chair, remarked when the brother had finished "Brother __ has quite cured me of wanting to go to heaven; according to him there will be so many crowns to wear, that I don't think my head will stand it." Mr. Douthwaite had as colleague the Rev. Thomas Hargreaves since gone to the great company; and the junior as the Rev. J A. B. Malvern, a much-appreciated "son of thunder"

Mr. Douthwaite was followed by a Manxman the Rev. W. T. Radcliffe. His :eloquent sermons are still remembered. I can see his portly form, and, flowing locks; and hear his resonant. voice as he poured forth his message. On one occasion he discussed the man who would not join a Church, but who said he belonged to the Church of Christ:, he said it was as though a soldier claimed to belong to the British Army, but was not attached to any regiment The second minister at this time was the Rev: J. R Gregory, a. most intelligent and instructive preacher. Mr. Gregory navigated the "Marriage Act and the Burials Act through the Manx Legislature.

One also remembers some of the visiting ministers with satisfaction. I fancy I see old Dr. Pope standing in one of the pulpits on a Sunday morning. I was but fourteen at the time, but the Doctor's sermon and style left its impression He discoursed on the prayer of the disciples, "Lord, increase our faith." The Master," said the preacher, gently but dearly corrected them. He told them. their prayer was based on a misconception that faith was not given in a lump, but was as the mustard seed; tiny to begin; but spreading to a great tree."

In former times the ordinary services of the church were quite attractive, even to young people. Week-evening preaching services; band meetings, Bible Classes and Prayer Meetings were quite entertaining. The Saturday night, Band meeting filled the largest room at Thomas Street, chiefly with young. men and women Of course some of the older attended too. One of the grandest memories of the work to many yet alive is that of a spontaneous Revival, carried on in Thomas Street by the circuit ministers and locals, assisted by dozens of willing helpers. Scores were brought to Christ, and the church greatly blessed. There is danger that to-day's Revival is not considered possible unless conducted by a stranger and a specialist

The Rev W. H. Moseley is finishing his third year as superintendent. During his time Victoria Street has built a new organ of a cost of £1250 and paid for it. A successful effort has also been made to deal with an old debt, on the Trust £1,000 has been raised to meet a loan of £1,000 from the Chapel Committee, and the interest on the remainder of the. debt is covered by rentals. At Rosemount there was a debt of £1,600 on the chapel and schools. In the past two years £1,100 has been paid off; £500 has been borrowed from the Chapel Committee without interest, and even of that £50 has been repaid. Work is now proceeding to erect a spire on Rosemount, and this will then be the handsomest church in the tower.

The second minister is the Rev. Wilson Stuart, M.A., B.Sc. His name and scholarly attainments are well known. He is making a great impression in his present circuit and throughout the Island. His scientific research is being used to excellent purpose, and his discourses on the drink and sanitary questions are highly appreciated. Mr. Stuart has started a Brotherhood at Victoria Street, which is doing well.

The Rev. W. J. Hartley is third man, and be gives special attention to Well Road. His earnest manner and thoughtful kindness are winning many friends. The Rev. J. C. Stuart, father of the Rev. W. Stuart, is a supernumerary in Douglas. His health is now quite restored, and he is rendering very valuable service in this circuit. Mr. Moseley says the circuit ought to have five ministers.

Mr. J. T Cowell has for his colleague in the stewardship, Dr. Marshall, H.K., a native of Stockport, who has practised for some years in Douglas, where he is Medical Officer of Health to the Borough.

Last year he was elected to the-House of Keys. He is a local preacher.

Superintendent Caine has been 46 years in the Douglas force, now holding the office of superintendent. All his life he has been a devoted Wesleyan, and he is now superintendent of Well Road afternoon Sunday School, Mr. R. Roberts acting in the morning. Mr. J. H. Clarke is superintendent of Salisbury Street School, and a very popular local combining the features of old Methodism with modern ideas, and proving a most useful young man. Mr J. J. Davidson is "father" of the local preachers, but he is full of vigour still, and looks capable of years of service yet.

S.W.L.