The Life of James Hargreaves
James Hargreaves was born in Blackburn, Lancashire in 1800. He completed his training for the Ministry at Airedale College and was invited to undertake the work of collecting congregations, establishing schools and buildings chapels in this area.
He accepted and started what proved to be his life’s work on December 31st, 1830. A district of 8 miles long by 4 miles broad was visited on a regular basis by Mr. Hargreaves who did his work on horseback.
On January 1st, 1832, his first chapel was opened at Morcombelake, a modest affair built of rough stone, 36 ft long by 20ft broad. It was used as a chapel on Sundays and a school on other days, but soon became too small, with worshippers remaining outside. It was enlarged and re-opened on 9th September 1840.
On March 10th, 1863 a new schoolroom was added. Two other chapels were built in the vale.
James Hargreaves preached four times each Sunday and died suddenly, as he wished, after a special service on November 10th, 1869. A truly remarkable man.
