BETHEL BAPTIST CHAPEL

LINEHOLME, TODMORDEN

by Ken Sutcliffe

With the coming of power driven machinery, manufacturing activity moved from the hilltops to the valleys and population movements in this direction are evident from the early years of the 19th century. As early as 1815 it became clear to the members of the Church at Shore that it was necessary to hold meetings in the valley and so services began to be held in a small room in Naylor's mill, Lydgate. Soon afterwards, the worshippers there formed themselves into a separate Church and a chapel was opened on January 1st 1819.This was the Bethel Chapel, Lineholme.
The photo depicts the opening of the chapel. Kindly supplied by Robert Priestley. Please click on the image for an enlargement	With its central position in the Burnley valley, the Church flourished in line with the general trend throughout the century, with a strong Sunday School seeing many hundreds pass through its classes over the years.
The Church still had a strong membership in the 1920s but sadly, the factors that affected the other Baptists also impacted on Lineholme. Shared pastors and algamations occurred but finally it was the ubiquitous dry rot that closed the Church in 1962, members joining the Roomfield congregation. One interesting character is Rev. George Dean, who was the first pastor being appointed in 1818 at a salary of £16 per annum. He refused an increase to £20 per annum saying that he was capable of winding bobbins, his daughters were able to weave and thus enough was provided to live on which was all he needed or wanted. He was drowned in 1833 having escorted a young girl who had visited the Chapel house for tea across the river that separated the Manse from the road. He was afraid for her safety, as the river and bridge were unfenced. He had given his lantern to the girl to make her way home and therefore had to return himself in the dark. A flooded stream carried him away and his body was not found until six weeks later as far away as Mirfield.
Marian Higgins in a pantomine at Lineholme Sunday School, middle row, 3rd child from the left.  circa 1930. Photo kindly supplied by Karen Greenwood
There was a burial ground at the chapel, and the memorial inscriptions have been transcribed. The graves were moved up to Shore Chapel when the church was demolished. Nothing remains on the site but a block of flats.

Memorial Inscriptions from the graves at Lineholme Chapel,

now resting at Shore

With grateful thanks to the Todmorden Antiquarian Society

Thomas Barker of Scout, who died Feb. 25 th 1850 aged 44 years.

Also of Mary his wife, who died Oct. 8 th 1872 aged 66 years.

In memory of John Stansfield of Todmorden, who died Dec. 1 st 1862 aged 66 years.

Also of Grace his wife who died Nov. 7 th 1865, in her 64 th year.

Also of Hannah their daughter who died Oct. 19 th 1846 aged 19 years.

This life is a passage to eternity.

In memory of Thomas Greenwood of Wood Nook nr. Todmorden,

who died July 15 th 1846 aged 46 years.

Also of Mary Ann his daughter and wife of James Marshall

who departed this life Sept. 21 st 1858 aged 26 years.

Also of Sally Greenwood of Arch View, who died Oct. 12 th 1867 aged 42 years.

Also Mary Greenwood of butcher Hill, who died Jan. 11 th 1870 aged 69 years.

In memory of John Barker of Gatebottom who died Feb. 1 st 1872 aged 48 years.

Also of Alice, daughter of the above, who died Aug. 27 th 1864 aged 10 months.

Also of Sarah, wife of the above named John Barker who died March 20 th 1900 aged 73 years.

In memory of Our dear father and mother, John and Peggy Barker of Mark Lane,

John Barker died Sept. 25 th 1862 aged 61 years.

Peggy Barker died Dec. 8 th 1862 aged 56 years.

I know my redeemer liveth.

Also of Sarah Barker, daughter of the above, born 27 th Feb. 1837 died 19 th Feb 1916.

In memory of Hannah, the daughter of Samuel and Susan Law of Lydgate,

who died Nov. 21 st 1859 aged 15 years.

Her short lived beauties die away.

In memory of John, son of Thomas and Sally Ingham of Toad Carr,

who died March 20 th 1832 aged 6 months.

Also of Henry their son, who died Sept. 22 nd 1839 aged 1 year 7 months

Also of Sally, wife of Thomas Ingham, who died Feb. 5 th 1853, aged 54 years.

Also of the above named Thomas Ingham, who died Dec. 2 nd 1877 aged 74 years.

In memory of sally the wife of John Ingham, of Newton Grove,

who died April 9 th 1834, in the 58 th year of her age.

Also of the above John Ingham, who died May 17 th 1851 aged 72 years.

In memory of Sarah, the wife of William Ormerod, of Ingbottom,

who departed this life Sept. 4 th 1824 aged 37 years.

Also of Robert their son who departed this life Jan. 16 th 1831, aged 19 years.

Also of Betty, his second wife, who departed this life Feb. 17 th 1843 aged 72 years.

Also the above named William, who departed this life March 31 st 1846 aged 61 years.

In memory of Robert the son of John and Grace Ormerod, of Blind Lane,

who departed this life Dec. 18 th 1855, aged 13 years.

Also of Grace, wife of John Ormerod, of Todmorden, who died April 19 th 1875 aged 67 years.

Also of the above named John Ormerod, who died Nov. 1 st 1875 in the 67 th year of his age.

In memory of Jonas Crabtree of Waterloo, Todmorden

who died Oct. 26 th 1861 in the 57 th year of his age.

Also of Elizabeth, relict of the late Jonas Crabtree, who died April 16 th 1888 aged 73 years.

1 st . part unreadable

Also of John Greenwood of Castle Street, who died Nov. 10 th aged 72 years

Also of Betty wife of the above,who died Dec. 17 th aged 71 years. 1977.

(no date for John )

Here were interred the remains of Ann, Relict of John Greenlees of Toad Carr, Nr. Todmorden,

who departed this life Dec. 28 th 1820 aged 60 years.

Also of William Bentley Greenlees son of Joseph and Anne Greenlees a stillborn child.

Also of John Bentley their son, who died July 29 th 1813 aged 18 years.

Also Joseph Bentley their son, a stillborn child.  

In memory of Henry Ingham of Arch View who died Dec. 3 rd 1857 aged 34 years.

Also of Hannah his wife, who died Dec. 25 th 1858 aged 37 years.

Also of Susan their daughter, who died July 22 nd 1850 aged 1 year.

Also of William their son who died Aug. 24 th 1855 aged 11 days.

In memoryof Thomas Judson, son of William and Betty Judson of Lineholme,

who died May 24 th 1846 aged 32 years.

Also of Betty Crossley of Lineholme who died Jan. 31 st 1849 aged 69 years.

Also of Lambert Judson who departed this life Feb. 18 th 1854 aged 40 years.

In Affectionate Remembrance of Stansfield, son of Henry and Susan Cunliffe of Lineholme,

who departed this life Nov. 27 th 1861 aged 10 months.

Also of Joseph their son, who departed this life July 10 th 1869 aged 4 years.

Yonder amidst that shining throng,

They endless rest have found,

Where Saints and angles sing their song,

While Jesus smiles around.

Also the above named Susan, wife of Henry Cunliffe, who died March 10 th 1886 aged 62 years.

Thy will be done.

Also of the above Henry Cunliffe, who died Jan. 6 th 1895 in his 69 th year.

At evening time, it shall be light.

In memory of Thomas Edward, son of Richard and Betty Ingham of Albert Terrace,

who died Jan. 1 st 1855 aged 10 months.

Also of Thomas Edward, their son, who died Jan. 5 th 1859 aged 10 months.

Also of the above named Richard Ingham who died April 20 th 1876 aged 57 years.

Also of the above named Betty Ingham, who died Jan. 31 st 1898 aged 80 years.

In Memory of William, son of James and Alice Greenwood, of Lineholme

who died 9 th May 1853 aged 9 months.

In memory of Whiteley Hodgson of Lydgate, who died March 24 th 1868 aged 43 years.

Also of Alice Ann his daughter, who died Jan. 1th 1859 aged 3 years.

Also of Mary, his daughter, who died March 5 th 1866 aged 15 years.

Also of Ann the beloved wife of John Pickles, widow of the above,

who died April 16 th 1881 aged 51 years.

At evening time it shall be light Zach. XIV ch. XIIV

In memory of Michael the son of William and Sarah Ormerod, of Lower Laithe,

who departed this life Oct. 16 th 1844 aged 30 years.

Also of Ann their daughter who departed this life Nov. 21 st 1844 aged 24 years.

Dangers stand thick thro. all the ground,

To push us to the tomb

And fierce diseases wait around,

To hurry mortals home.

Also of Hannah their daughter, who departed this life, April 3 rd 1852 aged 34 years.

Also of William, the eldest son of John and Grace Ormerod, who died Aug. 5 th 1873 aged 41 years.

Also of sarah their eldest daughter who died Sept. 1 st 1874 aged 40 years.

Sacred to the memory of Mills Barker of Fig Street, Lydgate, Todmorden,

who died May 18 th 1907 aged 68 years.

Also of Mary his wife, who died June 3 rd 1909 aged 73 years.

In memory of Hannah Stansfield of Lydgate, who died May 31 st 1903 aged 72 years.

In memory of John Uttley, who departed this life, Aug. 3 rd 1875 aged 53 years.

Also of Mary wife of the above, who died March 20 th 1879 aged 55 years.

Also of Ingham their son who died Jan 15 th 1851 aged 10 months.

There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God.

Heb. 4. 9 th verse

Also of Alice Ellen their daughter who died Oct. 31 st 1882 aged 37 years.

Not dead but sleepeth

Mark 5. 39 th verse

Sacred to the memory of Martha the daughter of Abraham and Martha Baker of Stannally,

who departed this life July 15 th 1822 in the 31 st year of her age.

Verse

Also Martha, wife of the aforesaid Abraham Barker of Stannally,

who departed this life the 19 th day of Nov. 1824 in the 67 th year of her age.

Also the aforesaid Abraham of Stannally

who departed this life on 18 th March 1825 in the 68 th year of his age.

In the memory of Mary daughter of Eli and Mary Sutcliffe of Fielden Terrace

who died Jan 11 th 1850 aged 7 months.

Also of Horsfall their son who died March 16 th 1859 aged 3 months.

Also of Daniel their son, who died Sept. 8 th 1855 aged 4 years.

Also of Betty their daughter who died July 30 th 1874 aged 9 years.

Also of the above named Mary, wife of Eli Sutcliffe, who died Aug. 17 th 1881 aged 59 years.

Also of Daniel, son of Samuel and Margaret Sutcliffe, grandson of the above,

who died Aug. 16 th 1892 aged 3 years 10 months.

Also the above named Eli Sutcliffe who died Sept. 6 th 1908 aged 86 years.

In memory of Abraham son of George and Hannah Ormerod of Scaitcliffe,

who died Jan. 27 th 1845 aged 2 years.

Also William their son who died Feb. 3 rd 1856 age 7 months.

Also of Henry their son who died May 6 th 1859 aged 15 years

Also of the above named George Ormerod, who died April 2 nd 1877 aged 63 years

Also of Hannah, relicet of George Ormerod who died Sept. 1 st 1878 aged 60 years.

Verse

In memory of Mary, the wife of Henry Butterworth of Bridge End, nr. Todmorden,

who departed this life on 24 th March 1850 aged 27 years.

In memory of John Marshall of Fielden Terrace, who died Dec. 1 st 1870 aged 64 years.

Also of Betty his wife who died March 21 st 1857 aged 52 years.

Also Robert their son who died March 17 th 1845 aged 1 year.

In Memory of Mary, wife of Jacob Barker of Knotts Grove, who died April 17 th 1862 aged 18 years.

Also of Ormerod their son, who died May 18 th 1862 aged 5 weeks.

In Memory of Henry Ormerod of Black Rock, who died Feb. 26 th 1877 aged 58 years.

Also of Susan his wife who died March 21 st 1895 aged 75 years.

Gone but not forgotten

In memory of John Mitchell of Edge Nook, who died Jan. 14 th 1866 aged 63 years.

Also of Betty his wife who died April 24 th 1870 aged 75 years.

Also of James Mitchell of Brittania, brother of the above John, who died Oct. 31 st 1883 aged 68 years.

In memory of John Stockwell of Galebottom, who died March 31 st 1834 aged 41 years.

Also of Sarah his wife who died March 4 th 1866 aged 71 years.

Also of William their son who died Aug 26 th 1838 aged 13 years.

Also of John their son who died Nov. 22 nd 1848 aged 20 years

Also of Martha their daughter who died June 4 th 1850 aged 19 years

Also of an infant

In memory of Arthur, son of John and Hannah Ingham of Newton Grove,

who died Feb. 7 th 1854 aged 18 years

Also of Hannah wife of John Ingham, who died Sept. 21 st 1863 aged 59 years.

Also of the above named John Ingham who died April 25 th 1876 aged 69 years

In Memory of The Reverend William Crabtree,

who terminated his earthly career June 9 th 1854 aged 48 years

and the 17 th of his ministry at this place.

A beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord. EOH. Vi.21.

In affectionate memory of Willie, the beloved son of Reverend William and Amelia Sharman,

who died on the 17 th Nov. 1875 in his 6 th year

In memory of John Mills of gate Bottom, who died March 29 th 1872 aged 69 years

Also of Martha his wife, who died Feb. 1 st 1891 aged 85 years

In Memory of Hannah, wife of William Cunliffe of Lydgate,

who departed this life March 1 st 1855 aged 57 years

Also of Susan their daughter, who died July 22 nd 1870 aged 41 years

Also of the said William Cunliffe who died Jan. 2 nd 1875 aged 75 years

Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord

Betty daughter of the above William and Hannah Cunliffe died March 9 th 1907 aged 80 and a half years.

In Memory of James Ashworth of Lilly Bank Bottom, who departed this life July 12 th 1855 aged 44 years

Also of Mary, wife of the above, who died Sept 1 st 1875 aged 64 years

Also of James, infant son of Willie and Mary Ashworth, who died 1857 aged 5 months

Also Mary, wife of the above William Ashworth of 83, Dunkereley Street, Oldham

who departed this life July 22 nd 1889 aged 56 years

Also of the above named William Ashworth who died 21 st May 1906 aged 71 years

In Loving memory of Mary wife of Thomas Sutcliffe of Lineholme,

born Feb. 12 th 1858 died Dec. 14 th 1909

Also of William their second son, born Oct. 18 th 1882, died July 15 th 1884

Also of Thomas Sutcliffe, born Oct. 13 th 1857, died Jan 29 th 1940

BACK TO TOP