Local Churches

Life in Longtown

From the Carlisle Patriot (CP) and Carlisle Journal (CJ) newspapers

March 18th 1820CJLongtown Sunday SchoolWe have much pleasure in learning that a Sunday school has been established for more that a year in Longtown, and that its success has been very pleasing. It is entirely conducted by gratuitous teachers, of whom there are 8 females and 4 males, who feel the greatest satisfaction in devoting a portion of the Sabbath to the instruction of poor children. The school, we understand, has about 80 scholars and their teachers have discharged their important duties in a highly praiseworthy manner, which emphatically exhorts all individuals whose leisure allows, and where poor uneducated children are to be found, to ?go and do likewise?.The zealous teachers of the Longtown School are actively extending their labours to neighbouring destitute places. The valuable privileges of Sunday School instruction have been extended to Henry?s Town, a place a short distance from Longtown. More than 50 scholars were assembled there at a very short notice. It is in contemplation to attempt the formation of schools in different directions.January 11th 1834CJA new Methodist Chapel has lately been erected at Ullermire in the parish of Kirklinton on the estate of Mr John Lamonby, a pious leader of the Wesleyan flock. It is calculated to contain upwards of 300 people.June 1st 1844 CP The singers in the parish church of Kirkandrews on Esk were entertained with tea and cake etc by the Rev W Graham of Arthuret at the house of William Byers of Laundry Cottage, near Longtown, on Friday evening last. The Rev Gentleman and his curate, the Rev Hodgson, were present, and by their kindness, greatly contributed to the comfort of the guests. January 24th 1845 CP Some of the supporters of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, Graham Street, Longtown, having ceased to reside on the Netherby Estate, the funds of the Chapel had in consequently in some measure fallen off. On being apprised of this circumstance, the Right Hon Sir James Graham has intimated to the minister, elders and managers, through his factor, John Yule Esq. his desire to become a subscriber of 10 pounds per annum towards to the support and maintenance of a respectable clergyman of the Established Church of Scotland at Longtown. This congregation, we believe, is the only one in Cumberland that adheres to the Church of their fathers as by law established.January 9th 1846CPThe Arthuret choir of singers were handsomely entertained at the Swan Inn, Longtown, on Friday evening by their much-respected Rector, the Rev William Graham of Arthuret. At seven o?clock in the evening the whole choir were regaled with tea, served up in Mrs Irving?s best style. The Ball commenced at eight, and the merry dance was kept up with great spirits until four in the morning. A great many excellent songs, glees and catches were sung in a very superior style, which reflected great credit upon the members as a choirNovember 13th 1846 CP Consecration of Kirklinton Church The important ceremony of the consecration of the New Church at Kirklinton took place on Friday last, and we are happy to be able to state that all the arrangements of the occasion were excellent. The beautiful entrance into the Church yard, and the new wall and railing erected by the kind munificence of R Carruthers of Eden Grove, were finished in due course, and the gravel walk round the Church was also completed, so that in many of even the external matters the church was nearly perfect in its details. About half past ten, the doors were thrown open and the church was immediately filled from end to end, and indeed was so full that the Lord Bishop and Clergy, when they arrived, had some difficulty in making their way to the Communion Rails... The congregation consisted of at least 500 people, amongst whom were Sir James Graham Bart. and family of Netherby, Captain Irwin of Calder Avenue, JM Strachan Esq. Teddington Grove, Joseph Dacre Esq. Kirklinton Hall, William Dacre Esq. P Dixon Esq. Holme Eden, J Ferguson Esq. of Fisher Street and family, Mrs Dixon of the Knells, Captain Grant, Mrs Tomlinson and Miss McGregor of the Hill, J Yule Esq. and lady, John Nanson Esq. Mrs Nanson and the Misses Wilson of Carlisle, J Norman Esq. and lady of Fisher Street, J Fawcett Esq. of Scaleby Castle, J Fairish Esq., GG Mounsey Esq. of Castletown, P Sydenham Dixon Esq. Holme Eden, etc.etc. December 3rd 1867 Carlisle JournalRenovation of Arthuret ChurchA meeting of the parishioners of Arthuret, called by special requisition of the churchwardens, took place in the Moot Hall, Longtown, on Saturday evening last, to consider the propriety of making the necessary repairs and renovations to the parish church, and for raising funds requisite for that purpose. The meeting took place at five o?clock, but in consequence of the boisterous state of the weather it was very thinly attended. Nevertheless, those present proved their adherence to the scheme contemplated in a praiseworthy manner by subscribing liberally. The Rev A Lofty was appointed secretary. Mr M Brown, Scarbank, treasurer. The Rector of Arthuret, who occupied the chair, briefly addressed the meeting and stated the object thereof; after which the following sums were announced: Sir Frederick and Lady Graham £350; the Rev the Rector £100; Mr T Gibbons, Burnfoot, £30 and a donation of £5 from a lady friend; Mr M Brown £30; Mr J Baxter, Fauld £20, Mr G Graham, Cubby Hill, £10; Mr Weighman, £10 and several smaller sums, making the aggregate £580, and much more is expected. The beautiful old structure will now undergo a thorough overhaul, and it is in contemplation to erect a suitable window to the memory of the late lamented Sir James Graham, and his brother the late benevolent and kind hearted rector.June 5th 1868 Carlisle JournalArthuret Church; Removal of Divine Service. On Sunday last the Rev A G Loftie, curate announced from the pulpit that after last Lord?s Day, Divine Service would be conducted in the Established Church of Scotland in the evenings until the restoration of the sacred edifice was completed. The contractor for the slating work (Mr James Musgrave) has commenced to unroof the building, while rapid progress is being made with the mason works in the exterior walls, which already present a pleasing contrast to the recent dilapidated appearance of the decayed stones which too long constituted the outer ?attraction? of the beautiful old church. The wood work for the roofing is also being vigorously prepared by Mr Robert Wilson, the contractor, who has a powerful staff of assistants engaged in the prosecution of his contract. The timber being used in the various departments of the restoration is of a superior and enduring quality, and is closely inspected by the architect (Mr Birkett) prior to its transmission to Longtown. Each progressive step in the work of restoration strengthens the impression that the extensive repairs will scarcely be finished until winter.April 2nd 1869 Carlisle JournalRe-opening of Arthuret Church.The renovation of Arthuret Church having been completed, the church was re-opened for divine service last Sunday, after having been closed for about nine months. The interior of the church has now been made very comfortable and elegant. The whole of the old flooring and wood work has been removed, and new floors and seats have been substituted. The ancient pulpits have also given place to others of a more modern structure, and the old roof has been replaced by one of a very elegant design. The interior arrangements are altogether admirable.April 11th 1899 Carlisle JournalFire at Arthuret ChurchOn Saturday about 9 am the Rev Ivor C Graham, rector of Arthuret, discovered that the vestry adjoining the ancient church at Arthuret was on fire, and at once gave information at Longtown. The vestry is behind the organ, and on Friday a choir practice was held during which smoke was observed in the vestry. All efforts, however, to trace its origin were fruitless, and in spite of misgivings the light was put out and the place locked up by the Rector. The vestry was found to be on fire next morning, and while the Fire Brigade were being summoned by the buzzer at Longtown, the servants and others at the Rectory extinguished the fire with buckets of water before the Fire Brigade under Captain Hill arrived. It was then discovered that the whole of the wainscoting of the wall opposite the organ, near which the stove had been standing, was burned away, as well as that of an adjoining wall. The flooring was also destroyed, with the exception of about two feet against the organ, but fortunately the fine instrument, which cost £600, suffered no harm. Above the charred floor the roof also was burned, a hole being made by the flames at one part. The ascertained damage is estimated at about £30 but more damage may yet be found to have been done, especially to the organ, by the smoke.April 14th 1899 Carlisle JournalThe Fire at Arthuret parish churchDestruction of Parish RegistersThe fire in the vestry of Arthuret Parish Church last Saturday morning has unfortunately resulted in the destruction of the ancient parish registers in addition to the damage already reported. It appears that the registers were kept in an iron box which was used as a safe, and on this box being opened the old parchment registers dating back to 1600 were found crumbled to dust, whilst the modern ones had only been charred. The registers belonging the many parishes are kept in similar boxes under the delusion that they will take no harm in the event of an outbreak of fire, but unlike the modern safe these iron boxes became heated and the contents are liable to be destroyed. Having regard to the position of Arthuret, close to the old ?Debatable Land? the old registers, which were begun just before the union of the crowns while the Borders were still the scene of those outbreaks of disorder which made the story of the district for centuries, and which gradually disappeared after King James had ascended the throne of England, were interesting and valuable, especially to local antiquarian students, and their destruction cannot but be regretted. The occurrence ought to be a warning to parishes who keep their old registers in places not properly protected from fire.March 16th 1894 Carlisle PatriotBazaar at LongtownA three days bazaar, organised by the members of the local Free Methodist Church, was opened by the Mayor of Carlisle in the Mechanics Hall, Longtown, on Tuesday afternoon.During the last quarter of a century the cause of Free Methodism in the Longtown district has been hampered by a constant struggle with liabilities. The little chapel, erected in 1865 at a cost of £800, was opened with a debt of £600 hanging over it, which, by means of many efforts has been reduced to £160. at the September Circuit Quarterly Meeting it was mentioned that the successful working of the Carlisle Circuit, of which Longtown forms a part, had been for some time seriously affected by the want of a second minister. All the other chapels in the District, with the exception of Longtown, closed their last year?s accounts clear of debt, and it was decided that a bazaar should be held with the object of wiping off the debt at Longtown, which would pave the way for the realisation of the desire for a second minister. The ladies of the congregation, to whom by general consent these matters are usually relegated, set to work with hearty goodwill, and with aid from Carlisle and other places, succeeded in gathering together a collection of articles calculated to materially assist the object in view. Donations amounting to upwards of £40 have also been given.The hall had been nicely decorated by Mr J Denard of Carlisle, the stalls six in number, being arranged along each side and up the centre of the room. At stall no 1. the presiding ladies were Mrs Bell, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Vevers, Mrs Gaddes, Mrs Jas Gaddes, Miss Irving and Mrs Birkby. The product of numerous sewing meetings was displayed on this stall, which was further enriched by rugs sent by Mr Walter Scott, Langholm, and oil paintings by Mr William Little and Mr Thos Wood, Longtown, including a neatly executed view of Solport Mill. Stall no 2. was under the care of Mrs Wilson, Mrs Gibson, Mrs Creighton, Miss Beattie, Mrs Hall and Miss Hall. Lady Cynthia Graham was a contributor to this stall, sending a pair of pretty fruit dishes. . . July 27th 1894 Carlisle PatriotPresentation at LongtownA very interesting meeting of the members and friends of the United Methodist Free Church, Longtown, was held last Friday evening to present to Mr John Bell, who is leaving Longtown to reside in Langholm, a token of their deep appreciation of his long and active services in connection with the church. Mr Bell has been connected with the Free Methodist Church at Longtown for over 30 years, and during that time has held some very important offices in the church. He has served in the preachers plan of the Carlisle Circuit (of which the Longtown church forms part) for upwards of 25 years, and he has for very many years officiated as superintendent of the Sunday School connected with the church. He has also officiated as secretary to the church and trustees, and for many years officiated as class leader. At the early part of the meeting on Friday evening tea was partaken of by all the friends, Mrs Wilson, Mrs and Miss Gaddes and Miss Dixon attending to the tables. After the tea the presentation service was held. Mr John Wilson was chairman. Mr Thos Swan made the presentation to Mr Bell, which took the form of a beautiful clock, on which was inscribed on a silver plate, ?Presented to Mr John Bell by the members, teachers and friends of the United Methodist Free Church and Sunday School, on the occasion of his leaving Longtown, July 20 1894.? Mr Swan, in making the presentation, in very suitable words spoke of the many ways in which Mr Bell had been of great service to the church. Mrs Bell was also presented with a very beautiful tea service. Mrs Wilson made the presentation, and spoke of the very high esteem in which Mrs Bell was held by the members and friends of the church. Mr and Mrs Bell thanked all very cordially for the gifts they had received. Solos were sung by Miss Bell and Mrs Wilson.

A prize fight between Carter and Oliver took place at Springfield in 1816, for the championship of England. See HERE for the full story