Bootle Chapel, Cumberland

At Bootle in Cumberland is a rather delightful dissenting chapel, which now calls itself Bootle Evangelical Church. It opted out of the United Reformed Church sometime after 1972 (which is probably why it is still open) and returned to its Congregational roots. Above its entrance is a rather grandiose datestone, giving the name of its chief benefactor, Joseph Whitridge, whose initials are also carved into the pediment of the neighbouring house, which I assumed to be the manse. It opened its doors to worship in July, 1780.

The Rector of Bootle, the Rev. Thomas Smith, described it in 1789 as "a chapel built by Lady Huntingdon's fanatical society who took many pains to pervert the whole parish to their idle notions which cost the lawful minister much trouble". ‘Idle notions’ was likely his term for ‘the gospel’, their ‘many pains’ was his code for ‘evangelism’. Had country parsons like Smith raised their game and preached the gospel of grace, nonconformist chapels might not have sprung up in their midst.

Yet the chapel was not to cause the Anglican minister the most trouble but its own members. Joseph Whitridge’s generosity in funding the new work was not garnished with wisdom. Retaining his right as proprietor, it was left to his brother William in 1808, but he was already dead so the ownership could be disputed and the chapel’s existence questioned seeing as neither brother had left a will. After some years of legal proceedings, several members clubbed together in 1819 to formally purchase the buildings from Stephen Whitridge, a relative of Joseph’s, who had been deemed to be the owner, and to then form a proper trust. Had Joseph done this at the start, a whole heap of trouble might have been avoided, trouble which the snooty Anglicans up the road might have sneered at, seeing as their assets were correctly managed and secure.

I am glad that Bootle Chapel remains open, functioning and, judging by its website, prospering. Yet all this could have been jeopardised by the very man whose generous heart God had first moved to construct it. Temper your generosity with wisdom, therefore.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

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