Thirsting for Christ at Martin Top

I have found a transcription of a letter written by George Partington, founding pastor at Martin Top. In 1815, the same year as Waterloo, he wrote:

“The place supplied in this itineracy are Martin-top (sic) where there is preaching three times every Sabbath; Rough Lee, once in six weeks; Thorney-holme, ditto; Barley; ditto; at Grindleton, on Friday evening, once a fortnight. Here the number of hearers is from sixty to ninety, many appear to know and love the truth. At Lum-Mills, near Ribchester, there is a sermon once a fortnight.

“At Clitheroe, there is preaching once a fortnight. The itinerants preach in the school of Mr Clark, who has been a labourer in the Lord’s vineyard, in this neighbourhood, for several years past. Since the itinerants came to Clitheroe, the people have raised a very handsome subscription, and are now building a chapel, which, when finished, will accommodate four or five hundred people. The most encouraging prospect is at Martin-top; there the itinerants meet with a crowded audience, who appear to be thirsting for the water of life”.

Pages 34-35, R. Slate, A Brief History of the Rise and Progress of the Lancashire Congregational Union (London: 1840).

There was clearly a revival taking place in these parts 200 years ago, and George Partington and his band of itinerants were used by God to bring many sons to glory. There is little now happening at Roughlee and Grindleton; a Methodist chapel continues at Barley and Thorneyholme is a comfortable-looking B&B celebrating the area’s links to witchcraft. In typical fashion, the Clitheroe folk had the biggest and best building, but it’s the Martin Toppers who were all athirst for Christ. Our Georgian forbears may have worn drabber clothes, were financially poorer and had only limited education, but if Partington’s description is correct, they were spiritual giants. Their desire for Him who is life’s water is surely the reason for their chapel’s survival. May our desire for Christ be as great as theirs. 

It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. Rev. 21:6