Historical Howden
Brickyard Mission at North Howden
Recently, I looked through a book by David and Susan Neave, entitled 'East Riding Chapels and Meeting Houses'. It was very interesting, with information, illustrations and some dates of village chapels in our area, including Howden. Many of them are now closed, and some demolished: others have been converted into houses.
It was disappointing for me, however that the Brickyard Mission Chapel had no mention in the book. I attended the Brickyard Mission as a very young child, and was later connected with the place for many years. The building is still standing, but now derelict, the pedal organ left to rot, and no doubt, a haven for rats and mice.
The Chapel is situated on the right-hand-side of the Howden to Bubwith road (B1228), about a quarter of a mile beyond North Howden railway crossing. It was built around 1889-90 on land belonging to a Mr. Gregory, who owned the Brickyard: it was erected just through the entrance gates. A nominal rent had to be paid, and there was an understanding that, once built, the Chapel could not be moved.
The Brickyard itself was, I understand, a busy concern, the workers living in the cottages nearby. Robert Beverley and his wife, Eliza, lived in a detached house on the same stretch of road as the works, but on the opposite side. He had a senior position in the workings of the Brickyard. They had one daughter, Elsie.
During the First World War, it was decided to close the Brickyard. It was feared that light from the kilns would attract the German Zeppelins and so cause destruction. However, the use of the Chapel continued for many years, more.
In those early days-1917- the services at the Brickyard Chapel were well attended by the people of North Howden and the surrounding area. Mr. John Oliver, our local Station Master, was the senior steward-at least he seemed to be in charge of things.
Services were held twice on Sundays, and Sunday School was at 2pm. The people in charge of the Sunday School were Mr. Matthew Dickinson (a railway signal-man) and his wife, Polly. It was these people who took me to the chapel each Sunday, after asking permission of my parents who were members of the Anglican Church. My sister and two older brothers were also invited to go along.
I was about three years of age, and belonging to that Sunday School was a happy part of my growing up. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson were very kind and caring people, and as time went by we were allowed to call them Uncle Matt and Auntie Polly. Their only child, a girl, had died at the age of three years. I'm sure they looked on the Sunday School members as family and almost treated us the way.
The hour-long session, starting at 2pm every Sunday, was a service for young people; we had our own Sunday School hymn books and a register. At story and discussion time, Mr. Dickinson took the Seniors, but we younger people were led by Mrs. Dickinson.
The Dickinsons enjoyed their work and loved to teach us special services of song to perform at Easter, Christmas and missionary services in our chapel and also in other chapels in the area. The big day of the year was the Sunday School Anniversary.
Sunday services at the Mission were usually quite well attended, but on the children's special day of the year- The Sunday School Anniversary- people came from far and near, many on foot or bicycle. The chapel was nearly always full and many people sat on chairs on the drive-way down the side of the building, both doors being left open. This special service was held on the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June. We always seemed to have plenty of sunshine!
For several weeks, the children were learning the service of song which was made up of sacred songs, solos, duets and an occasional dialogue, all written for children and their special day, all with a suitable title. One of my favourites was "Earth's Sweetest Robes."
Shortly before the big day, most families were taken to town for a new 'outfit': our family went to Selby. It was quite exciting, but after the big day the new outfit would become our Sunday-Best for the following year. I must say, all the children were very proud to be wearing their new clothes on this special day. One of my favourite outfits, when I was about seven-years old, was a pink velvet dress, with ribbon side-ties, a floppy pink velvet hat, and I wore new white shoes and socks.
The service of song was presented at 2pm and 6pm on the Sunday, but on Monday we had a tea-party and we later repeated the Anniversary Special at 7pm. On that day children were allowed to leave school early because most of us had a two-mile walk to get home. However, a 'good time was had by all'-especially the children. In those days, Anniversary Day was very special.
Agnes Hill nee Marsden.