The Wesleyan is on the right there, just on the corner of Pier Street (today, it’s open space). A very kind donation from Susan Austin.
A quick enquiry I received yesterday via Facebook from reader Leigh Millward – I’m sure that out there amongst the readership, we have the knowledge and power to answer this interesting question.
Over to Leigh:
Hi Bob,
I am looking for some information concerning the old Wesleyan Methodist Church on the High Street in Brownhills, it’s long gone now, knocked down in the 60’s so I heard. Would you be able to best advise where to look for any information on it?
I am asking because family rumour is that my great grandfather Hosea Silvester was the Minister there, having tried directly contacting the Methodist Church archives and getting no luck, I thought it best to ask here!
Thanks in advance and have a great day.
Leigh Millward
Thanks – what a great question!
Hosea Silvester – what a fantastic name. I recently covered the Wesleyan Methodist Church when reader Susan Austin generously donated some scans of a postcard featuring the lost place of worship.
Can any of you help, please? Either comment here, or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com and I’ll pass your message on.
Cheers, all.
RSS - Posts
Have you tried Walsall Local History Centre?
1923 Feb…Brownhills
A musical service was given in the Wesleyan Church on Sunday Afternoon, Mr O Silvester presiding….
June 1940 there is an O Silvester mentioned in the Ancient Order of Foresters
Hi Pedro, what resources do you consult for information regarding the Wesleyan Church in Brownhills?
Many kind regards,
Silvia
News report of funeral 1940 says he was Superintendent for some time – probably a lay preacher. Censuses say coal miner born about 1872 Bloxwich and father also coal miner born Wrockwardine, Salop about 1835. Can expand if you wish.
Dear Andy,
what resources do you consult for the newsreports regarding the Silvesters at the Wesleyan Church? I too am interested in learning more about them.
Many thanks,
silvia
In May 1914 a meeting of the Wesley guild is presided over by an H Silvester….so O Silvester may be a relation?
Or a misprint?
Ah Yes, it could be Sylvester!
Hi Bob
it may be that Leigh has contacted the wrong people. Brownhills Wesley closed in 1964 from memory when it was part of Brownhills Pelsaal circuit..whose records are archived at Essex Street local history centre, Walsall. However, in 1940 the chapel belonged to a previous circuit..complicated..and offhand I am not aure which one or where their archives are held. However, I have emailedKeith Rothery who is an archivist for Cannock Chase circuit and I await his reply. if you do find that the records exist and are embargoed in archive or local history centres ..please contact the superintendent minister of the present circuit who should provide you with a letter.
Please contact me if you have problems, Leigh
kind regards
David
Its being so cheerful that keeps me going!
Hosea: Chapter IV, verse 3…
“Therefore shall the land mourn and everyone that dwelleth therin shall languish with the beasts of the field, and with the fowl of heaven: Yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
Hi Pedro
I believe he led an interesting life!
Hi David…it was a joke I really did not realise that Hosea was really the “prophet of doom!’
David.. I am beginning to understand…
The prophecies of Hosea and Amos are part of a collection of books known as the trei asar (The Twelve) or the Minor prophets.
Something like Aynuk and Ayli!
Hi Bob
1) a reply from Keith Rothery….there was no minister by that name. A big thanks to Keith for this rapid and informative reply. So, perhaps Superintendent refers to the gentleman being the Sunday School Superintendent at that Wesley Church.
2) from a chat this morning at Silver St Methodist Church..an Arthur Silvester, as a young person, perhaps one of two brothers who. had emigrated to Canada, was recalled by one of the more elderly people
kind regards
David
Just a thought could silver street have been named in respect of what now appears to be mr silvester for his post at the weslyan church and his service to the comunity on the subject of sunday school I wonder if anyone remembers the scent card I have in my hand PHUL .NANA they were sold prior to anniversary day
I so remember the scent cards from Sunday school at the top of engine lane. Especially the one with carnation on it for some reason.Wish I could get some now, it would evoke such happy memories.
Bless you just a few more thoughts old english lavender californian poppy sunny smiles prize giving the begging piece white dress from bradburys short trousers and a bit of dads brilliant cream and of course the sunday school outing to sutton park complete with egg and fish paste sandwiches and oringe pop and if the sunday school roof was water proof a threpany bit to spend god bless
Thanks everybody for their help. It does indeed turn out that Hosea and Obediah were brothers who were very active in said Church, although neither were Minister. I give thanks to both the Methodist archives and the local Methodist Church for being so quick and willing to investigate the archives for me. One question from me: what on Earth is the ‘Ancient Order of Forresters’? sounds very intriguing!