I’m transcribing a pamphlet at the moment.
A History of Tideswell Congregational Church by W. Walker
With forewords by the Rev. Alfred Clegg
and
The Rev. J. H. Thomas
” The average man, whether he realises it or not, has been more directly guided into whatever nobility he possesses by the silent inspiration of the valiant dead than the clarion challenge of his own time.”
LLOYD DOUGLAS.
—
F O R E W O R D
In writing the history of Congregationalism in Tideswell
Mr Wilfred Walker has done a fine piece of work. With him it has been a labour of love. and if a good number of us read his book and so have our interest in the work quickened, Mr. Walker will desire no other reward.
Not only is the story he tells an interesting record of the past, it is also an inspiration. As we read of the struggles and sacrifices of the people in the early days of our Church we feel that we are in the presence of heroic men and women. May the spirit of the fathers ever more fully possess their children, and may we solemnly resolve not only to continue their work but to increase, enlarge, and carry it to still higher heights of achievement.
The Congregationalists who were here a hundred years also built a building and converted it into a Church, School and Manse. Those who were here in 1888 erected the present fine Church which we so much love. A few years later they built a substantial house for the minster.
The people who are here now have built a church hall and Sunday School of which we are all proud. Like those of the past it has been a splendid effort, which now by the extinction of the debt has been brought to a triumphant conclusion. to all who have helped so willingly and given so generously I give my heartiest thanks and unstinted praise.
Looking into the future, we see that two or three substantial revelations are waiting for us. But even now we are freer than we have been for some years to devote our energies to the spiritual work for which all buildings exist.
On that my heart is set and I believe the people of our Church are with me. so, congregationalists of Tideswell! Onwards and upwards! Christ is our Leader. “The utmost for the highest” is our motto.
March 1944 J.H. Thomas
