Highfield Chapel, Huddersfield

[Sunlaws]

Hi
The Highfield Chapel building which still stands today was built in 1843-4.
I attach a scan of a postcard in my possession (written in a childish hand to Dora from cousin Alice!) which shows the original Highfield Chapel of 1772.

Regards,

Lesley

[sandrastocks54]

Kirklees archives definitely have a copy of the MI's which I believe were recorded when the gravestones were removed.
My ancestors gravestone recorded burials from 1791 to 1841 and not only the names and dates but even the verse was transcribed.

I haven't seen these MI's online but I expect that the archive could send you copies.

Stu

Stu - I asked at Huddersfield Library and they don't have the MIs for Highfield.  Do you recall where you saw them?

Sandra

[avm228]

Kirklees archives definitely have a copy of the MI's which I believe were recorded when the gravestones were removed.
My ancestors gravestone recorded burials from 1791 to 1841 and not only the names and dates but even the verse was transcribed.

I haven't seen these MI's online but I expect that the archive could send you copies.

Stu - I asked at Huddersfield Library and they don't have the MIs for Highfield.  Do you recall where you saw them?

Sandra

I too would be fascinated to learn where these transcriptions can be accessed.

Anna

[avm228]

I have discovered that the 'Highfields Schism' took place in 1771 when the Reverend Henry Venn, minister of St Peter's parish church retired and another vicar whose preaching style lacked the fervour and enthusiasm of Venn's took over.  It is this change that dissatisfied some attendees, so fifteen of them, encouraged by Henry Venn, started to look to build their own independent house of worship.  My Great-Great-Grandfather James Bray was among the founder members.

Quilltales - this is very interesting.  Do you happen to know the names of the other 14 founders?  I am particularly interested to know whether any of them was a Crook, Styring or Beaumont.

Anna

[sstarr2008]

Kirklees archives definitely have a copy of the MI's which I believe were recorded when the gravestones were removed.
My ancestors gravestone recorded burials from 1791 to 1841 and not only the names and dates but even the verse was transcribed.

I haven't seen these MI's online but I expect that the archive could send you copies.

Stu

Stu - I asked at Huddersfield Library and they don't have the MIs for Highfield.  Do you recall where you saw them?

Sandra

Sandra,

It is about 10 years since I viewed them but I think it was these

Reference    NI/HI
Covering dates    1771-1978
Held by    West Yorkshire Archive Service, Kirklees
Conditions of access    Open
Creators    Huddersfield Highfield Independent Church


Contents:
Baptisms 1853-1935, burials 1773-1947, records re graveyards 1850-1981, minutes 1771-1977, membership records 1772-1973, financial records 1771-1978, educational records including Sunday School 1822-1977, Huddersfield Girls' College Company and Huddersfield College Company 1870-1885


I definitely saw them at Huddersfield archives, was it the archive where you asked or just the local studies library? I know how vague the librarians can be 



Stu

[sandrastocks54]

Stu - it was the local studies library.  I'll have to order the records at the archives.  It looks like they hold quite a bit of information on Highfields Chapel.

thanks
Sandra

[sstarr2008]

Somebody once told me that some of the gravestones had been reused after the conversion. I had a look around a few years ago but couldn't see any sign of them. Has anybody else who has visited Highfield noticed any gravestones which were saved?

Also the last burial which I have for a family member at Highfield was in 1841 and after the name and date it says "Interred in the new ground" . I have no idea where the new ground is/was and I can't find any sign of it on the old maps.

Stu

[Sunlaws]

Hi Anna (and others interested in Highfield chapel)

I have the membership list. 18 members are listed in the first 'batch' of members, dated Feb 14th 1772. Dates of death have been added in some cases at a later date. Parts of it are not very legible, so don't take my transcriptions for gospel. As far as I can tell, it says:
1.Willm SCHOFIELD Lockwood  Died Dec 13 -89
2.Katherine GODDARD Dyke-end Died feby 1796
3.Jno HOUGHTON Huddersfield Died July 24 1808 (??)
4.Geo STYRING Do. (Huddersfield) Died 11th October 1795 (barely legible note underneath ---- of Mr (?) Jonathan HAIGH)
5.Jos HIRST, Yew-green Died June 6 1813
6.Willm HALL Quarnby (sic) Died March 16 1821

(more to follow in next post)

[Sunlaws]

(Highfield membership continued)
7.Jno HIRST Dyke-end Excom Novr 2 for heresy 1781
8.Jno BRADLEY Lockwood Excommunicated July 2 1779 for adultery
9.Geo CROW Do. (Lockwood)
10. Jos BEAUMONT Lanehead   dead
11.Abram LITTLEWOOD Huddersfield  Suspended Oct 1788 Died June 18-- (illegible)
12.Nancy HEPWORTH Do. (Huddersfield) Died Septr 1780 (??)


(more in next post)