CHAPTER 3

THE BUILDING RISES

In the year 1863 the membership of the  little community reached its lowest ebb--only five members under John Tearle's leadership -- we have their names -- Dorothy Hallam, John Lewis, John Cox. Julia WaIters and Jesse Cant. Strange as it may seem, it was at this time that the decision was taken to build. The inference is that the list of members did not represent the size of the congregation, as this extract from the Trust Book shows: - "November 19th, 1863. At a Trustees' Meeting of the Sproxton Chapel, held in Mr. John Coy's parlour. There were present-Revs. John Rossell and John Hooton (Circuit Ministers), Messrs. Henry Coy, Robert Ward Senior, Joseph Wilders and David Dixon; also G. Anderson, -. Wilcox and John Coy. Resolved -that the thanks of the meeting be presented to Mr. Henry Coy for his services as Trust Steward. -that the Trustees are thankful to find that the Chapel is nearly out of debt. -that a larger Chapel is necessary and that the Trustees approve of the steps that have been taken by Mr. John Coy. -that the following persons with the Trustees be appointed to carry out the above object: - Messrs. L. Coy, J , Silverwood, G. Anderson, Henry Stockwell, -. Wilcox, and J. Coy who shall be secretary". A second meeting was held 00 February 6th, 1864, in the Finkin St. vestry when the design for the chapel was "cordially approved". It was resolved "that the present chapel be conveyed to a new Board of Trustees. Robert Ward and his son wished to retire". On May 30th, 1864 the New Trust was confirmed. It contained the survivors from 1840 and added William Hornsby, Gabriel