Restoration and mounting of plaques in Hope Chapel

Four plaques, which form an important part of the history of Hope Chapel, have been restored and are now displayed on the right hand wall of the Chapel.

The plaque in the centre left, is a memorial to a certain Mr. Christopher Hodson and his wife. This plaque was previously on the wall where the kitchen is now found, and therefore had to be relocated. The other two stone plaques were situated in the School Room building, which was sold off in 1990’s. Only the central tablet of these remained, the decorative surrounds and backplates were sadly lost when they were removed from their previous positions. These stones were stored in the Chapel in the intervening 30 years. We are thankful that some old photographs of what they used to look like when they were still on the School Room walls, have been given to us, and that the stonemasons, Ormsbys Memorials have now lovingly restored them to their original appearence.

The plaque on the far left is a memorial to Mr. George Crabtree, who for 35 years, travelled 8 miles to Hope Chapel from his home each Lord’s Day with his family to the Chapel, and who for all those years without missing a single Lord’s Day, was a devoted teacher and the superintendent of the Sabbath School. 

The stone plaque on the right is a second memorial to John Kershaw, minister of Hope Chapel for more than 52 years in the 19th Century, which was originally placed in the School Room building by the Committee, teachers and scholars of the Sabbath School. The plaque to his remembrance erected by the members of the members and friends of Hope Chapel is found on the opposite wall.

The brass and wood memorial to Mr. F. Wright on the far right has also been mounted on the wall, where it used to be displayed. Mr. Wright was a much-loved minister of Hope Chapel for 10 years, from 1926 until his death in 1936. The blessing of his ministry for those who heard him is still spoken of today. ‘He being dead, yet speaketh’ (Heb. 11:4). And as is recorded on two of these plaques: ‘The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance’ (Ps. 112:6). 

We give thanks to the LORD who has enabled us to restore the memorials to these persons who played an important part in the life of Hope Chapel in former days. Further work of restoration and display of the heritage of Hope Chapel continues.