Chapter 2: Church and Schooling

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Chapter 2a: Church

  

"The Reverend Mr. Burke has ordered all Roman Catholic boys to' absent themselves from school. He objects to them being compelled to read the bible, or being taught any religious knowledge at all. He gave no notice of his intention to withdraw the children nor has he made any objections as to what they have been learning. 45 boys have been withdrawn, which has completely deranged the school."  

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Head Master, Port Clarence National School: Log Book, 17.9.1866.  

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Religion came to the town in physical form in 1865, when St. John the Evangelist church was built for £1700 (1). The building was sited near Sweet Hills, well away from the dust and fumes of the iron works (2). The church was a low building, with a flat tower. The material used was a rough dark brick, with no decoration. With nave and chancel, the building could hold 250 people. Brannigan describes it as a "dark and moderate building" (3). The east window and six other windows were stained and the font was of Caen stone.  

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 A few years later in August 1868 the Catholics laid the foundation stone of their own presbytery. The site was by the railway bridge, immediately outside of the village and overlooking the Tees. The total cost of the building was £700 and despite help from the Bell Brothers iron company, much of the money was still to be collected (4). Roman Catholics from Stockton Port Clarence, and Middlesbrough came for the occasion. "Havoc" (5) ensued, when "showers, rain, hail and thunder" (6), played mayhem with the Middlesbrough ladies dresses. Milburn's Model Band arrived in "pitiable plight" (7) and the marquee was "swept to the ground, most of the articles and provisions being spilled" (8).  Despite these disasters most of the party enjoyed themselves. The Reverend Chadwick, Bishop of Durham donated £5 and another £25 was raised. A document in Latin was placed under the foundation stone (9). 

 

In 1879 Port Clarence Roman Catholic Church, St. Thomas of Canterbury was begun at another official stone laying ceremony. The priest Father Burke was praised by the Reverend Chadwick for being a "good pastor, who had been -26- toiling between Haverton Hill and Port Clarence during the long winter days of fasting". (10) The Bishop felt strongly that a "priest should not have to go two miles or more, in the heat of summer and cold of winter, fasting to say mass and back again", to the "small, miserable chapel at Port Clarence" (11).

  

Despite these "bad times" (12), the Bishop was confident the church would do what they could for the steady progress of the parish. The stone was laid , the Benediction pronounced and the ceremony closed.  

Brannigan describes the building as having 3 windows of St. Thomas and another of st. stained glass John (13). The furniture was of light oak, with a gold leaf floral embellishment. Alters for the Maddona, Sacred Heart and Lady, were added.  

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In 1883 the Wesleyans joined the growing community, by establishing a red brick chapel in Robson Street, High Clarence (14). This building possibly replaced a wooden structure the Wesleyans had been using (15). The £220 cost, was largely defrayed by Irish and Polish members of the community (16). The building was, as stated, of smooth red brick in gothic style and with a sharp bell tower. The site was surrounded by green lawns with flower beds and like the Protestant church at Haverton Hill, was well away from the blast furnace fumes.  

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St. John's church obtained its own vicarage in 1887 with a net yearly value of £300 and 24 acres of glebe, with residence owned by the Dean and Chapter of Durham. The incumbent since 1875 was John Alfred Lodge B.A. of Jesus College Oxford (17). In 1889 the United Methodist Free Church obtained a small brick building with room for 300 people in Haverton (18). By the end of the century religion had been firmly established within the communities. The respective architectural manifestations stood proudly amongst the more modest dwellings of the people.  

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Going to church on a Sunday was quite an event for the community at this time. Father Harris of St. Thomas's, was "a tall and stately English man, in black swallow tail coat, silk hat and walking stick. He took high mass every Sunday and a four-part Benediction on the evening" (19). He had personally trained twelve choir boys. Brannigan remembers the children marching out, "the girls in white, the boys with white collars and red faces. Hymns to our lady were sung with ecstatic fervour" (20). 

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Monsignor Curry took over in the twenties. He was described as "a quiet homely man, who sat in people's houses" (21). He had visited shrines around France before becoming a priest. He was a particular follower of st. Cuthbert of Northumberland and wrote a history of the saint. The Irish curate at the time was a keen member of the Catholic football team, despite some inhabitants being "shocked" at seeing a holy man's bare legs when in his football kit (22).  

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At St. John's, Sundays became a fashion parade for women who normally stayed in for the rest of the week. The Reverend Lodge gave low church services and relied on a choir singing in unison with no individualists. George Hall drilled a well-run Boys Brigade.  

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In Port Clarence, evangelists had set up a small church nicknamed the "Tin Church" (23). Meetings began every Sunday at 3 o'clock. Once a month the Boys Brigade would march with a band from the river to the church. Local men would get up and preach or tell stories.  

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One such story described how a man in the village finally saved up enough money to buy a mattress. Ashamed of letting people find out he had not had one, he took the river path to get home unobserved and promptly toppled into the river complete with mattress. A fellow passing by, saw the man in the river and dived in to get him out. Upon reaching the man he was told "don't bother about me, for God's sake save my mattress!" (24).  

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Methodism had strong roots and was well established in both Haverton Hill and Port Clarence by the 1920's. At Haverton the Methodists were drawing up rough plans for a new church. In 1921 the trustees were instructed to sign a deed for their Haverton Hill site (25). Plans were then sent to Mr. Richardson, the architect, for a church with room for 400 people, plus 3 vestries and a choir. A school would be attached, with a main schoolroom and 12 class rooms for 300 scholars. It was resolved that the 30/- rent for the room they were using in Haverton Hill for services, would now go to the new church. Mr. Richardson was later invited to help the trustees "decide on a scheme that would worthily represent Methodism and be adequate to the situation at Haverton Hill" (26).  

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During 1923 the trustees had purchased, transported and re-erected a hut at Haverton Hill, prior to erecting a stone structure. £57 was spent on a new piano, but it was to be another 9 years before the building of the church was to get under way.  

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By 1930 the following amounts of money had been lent by; Bowman £6750, Thompson, £6500. Coates, £7642. King and son, £7168. Vinter and Davidson, £6915. McNaughton, £7305. others, £13984 (27).  

At the last moment Richardson's plans seem to have been rejected and Wills and Son's plans accepted, subject to building a larger school room, vestibule and cloakroom.  

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The official stone laying ceremony occurred with representatives from the No.2. Methodist Circuit. Wesleyan and united Methodists were also present. Furness Shipbuilding Company and Officials from the Imperial Chemical -31- Industries were also invited to attend (28).  

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In 1932 school and church were opened. Photos of all ministers were hung in the church vestry. A £3300 loan application was made to the church aid committee (29). Gas heating was installed and the caretaker given an extra 5/- for each wedding he was called out for.  The structural expression of Methodism had proved a costly undertaking. They were now in debt to a total of £3,000 to the Chapel Committee, plus a further £754 to Martins Bank. The trust had £20 on hand and had paid £40 in interest for that year (30).  

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Finding ways to reduce the debt occupied much of the time of the trustees over the coming years. The Office of Works was given a 3-year lease to use-Wesley Hall, which had been taken over from the Wesleyan church. The Office used the building as a labour exchange for £150 per annum (31). 

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The other main problem which was just beginning, was one that was to eventually spell doom for the whole community. The trustees record "alarm!" at the deterioration of the church's iron fence (32). A letter was sent to I.C.I. -32- Fertilisers and Synthetics Ltd, whose discharges were blamed for corrosion.  

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In 1937, £20 was paid for re-decorating the school room and vestries and £3 for washing down "the woodens". A pie supper brought in £17/11d and the young men of the parish were called in to re-decorate the church. The caretaker had his salary raised.by 3/6d to 16/- per week (33). During this year, the Rating and Valuation Department of the Council, decided to make an assessment of churches and chapels used for purposes other than religious purposes.  

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The Methodist church at Haverton Hill was being used for concerts in the Sunday School room and the "wooden structure", the hut, was used for Boys Brigade drill (34). St. John's, was being used for religious worship only. Socials were being held in a small wooden hut adjoining the church. The parish hall was used daily by the Ministry of Labour. The gross value of its rates were valued at £37 but reduced on appeal to £23 (35). St. Hilda's hut at Haverton Hill was used for socials, whist drives etc. The Minister of the Methodist chapel at Port Clarence had not replied to the Councils investigation, but it was thought occasional concerts may take place in the chapel itself.

  

In 1940 the membership of the church stood at 95 (36). The church premises and school were in Collingwood Road and the Wesleyan Hall in Cowpen Bewley Road. The organisation still owed debt of £2870 on the church and school, plus a £321 overdraft at Martins Bank (37). The hall itself was free of debt and was currently being used as an employment exchange for £150 per annum (38).  The debt was a heavy burden on the little church. The Methodist Chapel Commitee offered a £1000 loan based on the estimated value of the old Wesleyan chapel, if the church could itself raise £500 (39).  

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In 1941 it was decided to sell the old hut. However, a letter from the Reverend Jackson, of the Chapel Committee stated "It was not usual for a request for proceeds from sales of trust property to be used in clearance of trust debts!" (40). Permission would also be needed from the County Council. A, Mr. Hudson was sent to inspect the hut and described it as a hut, 60 feet by 20 feet of fair condition. He considered it unwise to remove it a long distance and valued it at E50 (41).  These details were sent to the Reverend Jackson who "in view of the tremendous grants made to Haverton Hill", hesitated to give his approval (42). Eventually permission was granted to advertise a sale, the proceeds to go towards the capital debt reduction.  

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As the severe financial conditions began to bite, the church railings were to be sold for the best possible price. The caretaker, Mr. Scarth was then given one month's notice (43). Shortly afterwards the position was advertised at a much reduced 10/- a week. Worse followed when the church which had been closed during winter months due to lack of blackout facilities, suffered bomb damage. 

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In 1942 the hut still had not been sold and bomb blasts were continuing. Considerable damage was done by blast to doors and windows, especially on the east side of the property. The roof also was damaged. Tiles were blown off and a lot of plaster brought down, both in the church and schoolroom. 

 

Mr. Hudson and Brothers made temporary and, in some cases, permanent repairs for a cost of £86-15-11d. The War Damage Commission granted £78-0-10d to cover the costs and later another 11/8d, for their miscalculation. The church knocked £2-17-2d off Hudson's price for "damage not done by the war!" (44) . The Wesley Hall came off better. Only slight damage was done to slates and a skylight. A cheque for 1-11-11d was sent off to Hudson and Brothers. It was finally decided not to sell the hut as it was to be retained for youth work. 

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 After the war, an older enemy was growing stronger. It was reported that "much of the building [church] was suffering as a result of fumes from the works" (45). A letter was sent to I.C.I. for assistance. The reply was that I.C.I. did not accept responsibility, though a suggestion was made that the church buy anti-corrosion paint for £100. Things were no better in 1947 so another claim was sent off, with no result.  

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February 1949 brought a lively meeting of the trustees. Mr Cooper spoke about the Ministry of Food's need for an additional room and the present unsatisfactory financial arrangements. The Ministry wanted the room for £3-5-0d per week, including cleaning but not lighting or heating. A lively discussion followed in which " almost every person voiced an opinion" (46). Consideration was given to spiritual needs and increasing demand for more room. This had to be weighed against, " the heavy financial burdens of days gone by, when spiritual work had been jeopardized and curtailed" (47). Thanks were given that the initial debt had finally been paid, "for which we give thanks to God"(48).  

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Also considered were the increased financial demands asked of Haverton Hill Methodists, due to restoration and quarterly assessments. Office be given no Mr. Gibson extra room. motion. The vote was 7-4 against. moved that the Food Mr. Lippett seconded the Mr. Gibson wondered whether "all were aware of what had been done!" (49), but the re-vote was 7-2 against. A later meeting agreed that the Food Office should install their own meters to pay for lighting and heating.  

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The importance of finance was further emphasized by ratification of a new agreement with the Welfare Office over the school hall. later the Child Welfare Office was offered a larger room for one day a week, plus the responsibility of clearing all equipment after use. Both Welfare and Food Offices were to pay a percentage of the 35/- per week rates, plus total rent of £303 per annum between them.  

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A half pence collection allowed the Sunday School and the Sisterhood to collect 2401 half pences. In 1942 a protest was sent to the local M.P. protesting against the means test. About this time the old, United Methodists church was sold.  

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A list of trustees during this period shows the industrial backbone of the church members, though unlike the congregation, most of the trustees lived outside of Haverton Hill (50):

  

A. M. Gibson, Parkins. worker.  

F Glass. 11 Lincoln Crescent, 39 Cowpen Lane, Billingham, Foreman. Billingham, Steel Foundry 7 Lincoln Lane, Billingham, Married Woman.  

J. Lippett. 24 Young street, Haverton Hill, Labourer.  

J. Woodhouse. 7 Hereford Lee, Billingham, Engine Driver.  

T. Butten. Assistant. 16 Gloucester Lee, Billingham, Labourer's  

J. Lawson. 59 Station road, Norton, Retired Engineer. E. Fletcher. 13 Elcoate Road, Norton, Grocer's Assistant.  

T. Wilson. 5 Newham Grange, Stockton, Chemist.  

D. Manning. Lower Belasis Farm, Haverton Hill, Farmer.  

J. Davies. Billingham, Engine Driver.  

J. Cooper, Chairman, J. Gleave and A. Appleyard also Trustees.  

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The early fifties seemed to be a time of renewed optimism and an attempt to build up the church. Corrosion and deterioration continued unabated to the buildings and a lawyer was now approached to deal with the giant I.C.I. company, whose works now dwarfed the settlement. The church properties were valued and insured for £12000 (51). 

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1954 saw the joint withdrawal of the Welfare and Food Offices, with the accompanying loss of £303 per annum. Words like "serious", "no need to panic", "economise" were entered into the minutes book (52). Partial solutions to this blow, were, reducing the caretakers' wages, redeeming an £80 defence bond and persuading the bank to "stay its hand on the £14 overdraft", as long as it was kept to the same level (53). 

 

The following extract from the church Treasurer's Accounts for 1956 show the various day to day costs and revenues of maintaining a religious institution. -

 

Table 4. Haverton Hill Methodist Church receipts and expenditure for 1956.

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Receipts for 1956.

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January

Balance brought forward.                                 £39-7-9d

Donation from Sisterhood.                                  £5-0-0d

Donation from Sunday School.                            £3-0-0d

Plan Money.                                                      £5-0d

Donation for gas heater.                                    £5-0-0d

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February                                                       £4-10-0d

Collections.                                                                

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April

Collections                                                     £5-0-0d

Jumble sale proceeds.                                  £10-12-6d

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May

Int. on Lloyds Bank acc.                                       5-2d

Collections.                                                   £2-7-0d

Plan Money.                                                 £5-0-0d

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June

Sunday School concert.                                  £5-0-0d

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July

Sisterhood donation.                                      £5-0-0d

Collections.                                                  £7-0-0d

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September

Plan Money.                                                   £5-0d

Chapel anniversary.                                      £6-7-3d

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October

Harvest Festival.                                         £9-16-6d

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November

Sale of scrap material                                   £8-7-1d

Collections.                                                £6-2-6d

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December

Bank interest.                                                10-2d

Plan Money.                                                  5--0d

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Expenditure for 1956.

 

N.E. Electricity.                                         £1-3-2d

Connexional Fund.                                   £1-15-0d

Plan money circuit.                                     £7-5-0d

Gas Board.                                          £25-17-9d

N.E. Electricity.                                         £1-8-2d

D.O.Environment.                                         17-2d

Water Board.                                            £18-8d

Quarterly assessment.                                 £7-5-0d

Pamphlets.                                                  £1-6d

N.E. Electricity.                                           18-9d

Removal of organ                                      £1-0-0d

Access plan money.                                   £7-5-0d

Rotary water pump.                                   £1-5-0d

Book baptism certificates.                                5-6d

Rubber piping for water pump.                         5-0d

Harvest festival poster.                                    8-0d

New safe key.                                              8-6d

Gas Board.                                         £1-14-10d

Fire Brigade pumping.                               £1-9-4d

water Rates.                                               18-8d

N.E. Electric.                                                3-5d

Burst gas pipe.                                       £8-12-4d

Ground Rent.                                            £17-2d 

Schedule A Income Tax.                           ££1-5-6d

Assessment plan.                                      £2-5-0d

Methodist insurance co.                             £2-6-9d

Building repairs.                                     £40-0-0d

Postage.                                                      4-2d

N.E. Electricity.                                           17-3d

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Church life continued during these more difficult times. The Sisterhood went for an outing to Dumfries. Evenings were a time for choir practice, Boys Brigade, youth club dramatics and ladies sewing.  

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At the end of the decade, I.C.I. was again asked for compensation. Extensive redecoration of approached for the church both inside and out took place. Broken windows, guards, interior furnishings, main hall, heating and lights for the chapel steps were all seen too. The old Wesley Hall was repainted by, "Hill's of Middlesbrough."  

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From now on the burst of endeavour was over. The sixties brought the trustees knowledge that the church now had a finite life. In 1965 Mr. Miller is instructed to renew only those fittings which he deemed necessary and repair the remaining for five years of life (54). Repairs were made to the front and side entrances, spouts etc were coated in bitumen and the small room was painted. Financially conscious as ever, the trustees found the £42 bill excessive and held it for a time in abeyance (55).  

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By 1967 the end was coming quick. The numerical strength of the Boys Brigade was considered serious and permission was given to dispose of their equipment in the best possible way (56) . March 11th 1967 was a significant day; a trustees meeting was held on "the future of the church?" (57). The initial comment was that "the situation was unique and we should get control of the situation and know what to do if and when matters arise" (58).  Another point made was "Haverton Hill is a town due for complete demolition by 1980, but at some future meeting -44- members should decide on how long we are to continue and stick to this time and leave the premises rather than wait to the bitter end and fizzle out!" (59).  

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It was decided to approach I.C.I. to buy out the premises as it was important to be relieved of the costs of demolition. In September 1969, I.C.I. paid £600 for the site, and relieved the trustees of all legal and demolition costs. The trustees considered it a very fair offer. "although of paramount importance to us as a place of worship, it was of very little worth to anyone else once we closed down" (60).  

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Of the £600 received from I.C.I, £6 went to the Connexional Advance fund, £60 went to repay grants and £534 went to North Billingham Methodist Church, which many of the former congregation were now attending. £195 from the organ fund was also sent to that church to pay off debts at York (61). 

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The Fire Brigade had to be called, to put out a small fire in the hut, now in an advanced state of dilapidation. Arrangements were made to turn off gas, electric and water in all the buildings. All keys were handed in and the police informed.  

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The final words on the life of this small church are taken from the minutes of the final trustees meeting on the 24th September 1969, as written up by J.C Gibson in November 1969. It adequately sums up the struggles, triumphs and beliefs of this small group of people in Haverton Hill:

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     "Thirty-eight years is not a very long life for a church, but those years at Haverton Hill Methodist Church, have been packed with events which formed a major part of many people's lives. It is true to say that there are present members who were there at the birth and have worked loyally and lovingly to the day that the church was closed and to those people memories will live on, but to many faithful servants the church was still alive when they were passed on to their reward, after many years of unfailing Christian service. To those who remain to worship elsewhere, the thing to remember is that human beings from the church of Christ, as this, live on when the material doors of a place of worship close".  

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So ended Methodism in Haverton Hill. Wherever communities exist, religion plays its part in shaping aspects of that community. The other main institution which affects and shapes the lives of many is the school. Haverton Hill's schools mirrored the ups and downs of the community's harsh life. Its story gives a unique insight into the lives of the teachers, children and parents who participated in that story. 

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FOOTNOTES 

1. Kelly's Directory of Middlesbrough and Suburbs, 1887. p. 129.  Cleveland County Archives

2. Oral Tapes, 219, P. Brannigan, (untranscribed). Cleveland County Archives

 3. ibid.  

4. Evening Gazette, 1.8.1868, p. 3. Middlesbrough Reference Library

 5. ibid.  

6. ibid.  

7. ibid.  

8. ibid.  

9. ibid.  

10. Evening Gazette, 21.7.1879, p. 3. Middlesbrough Reference Library

11. ibid.  

12. ibid.  

13. Oral Tapes, 219, P. Brannigan, (untranscribed). Cleveland County Archives 

14. Haverton Hill Wesleyan Church Deeds, 19.12.1883. Cleveland County Archives 

15. Kelly's Directory of Middlesbrough and Suburbs, 1887, p. 129. Cleveland County Archives 

16. ibid.  

17. ibid.  

18. Durham Topography and Directory, 1894, p. 675. Cleveland County Archives

19. Oral Tapes, 219, P. Brannigan, (untranscribed).  Cleveland County Archives 

20. ibid.  

21 . ibid.  

22. ibid.  

23. ibid.  

24. ibid. 25.  

Haverton Hill Methodist Church, Trustee Minutes, 1921 . Cleveland County Archives 

26. ibid.  

27. Haverton Hill Methodist Church, Leaders Minutes, 1930.  Cleveland County Archives

28. ibid.  

29. ibid.  

30. ibid. , 1932.  

31 . ibid. , 1938.  

32. ibid.  

33. ibid.  

34. Stockton Methodist Circuit Churches Ratings and Valuation Department, 12.2.1937.  Cleveland County Archives

35. ibid.  

36. ibid., 6.3.1940.  

37. ibid.  

38. ibid.  

39. Haverton Hill Methodist Church, Trustee Minutes, 1940. Cleveland County Archives 

40. ibid., 1941.  

41. ibid.  

42. Haverton Hill Methodist Church, General Chapel Commitee, 22.9.1941. Cleveland County Archives 

43. Haverton Hill Methodist Church, Trustee Minutes, 1941. Cleveland County Archives 

44. ibid., 1942.  

45. ibid., 1947.  

46. ibid., 1949.  

47. ibid.  

48. ibid.  

49. ibid.  

50. ibid.  

51 . ibid. , 1951 .  

52. ibid. , 1954.  

53. ibid.  

54. ibid. , 1965.  

55. ibid.  

56. ibid. , 1967.  

57. ibid. , 1968.  

58. ibid.  

59. ibid.  

60. ibid., 1969.  

61. ibid.