The hall was officially named The James Hargreaves Hall, after a suggestion from Miss Phyllis Diment, as apart from the churchyard, James Hargreaves had no memorial and had dedicated 40 years of his life here building the Chapel and Schoolroom.
History of James Hargreaves Village Hall – as recalled by Miss Phyllis Diment
In Chapel Lane, The Green, Morcombelake, stood an old chapel joined by a hall, a lobby and a small churchyard. This was owned by the Congregational Church. The hall was known as the Schoolroom as that was its weekday function.
A cottage adjacent to Share Cottage, called Chapel Cottage was the home of the caretaker, who lit the tortoise stoves and the oil lamps.
The entrance to both the Chapel and the Hall was via a door opposite Share Cottage, into the lobby and right down 10 stairs to the hall or left straight into the Chapel.
James Hargreaves, a native of Blackburn, Lancashire was born in 1800. He trained for the Ministry and was invited to undertake the work of collecting congregations, establishing schools and building chapels in this district. He made himself and his purpose known to the parishes of Morcombelake, Lamberts Castle/Marshalsea, Birdsmoorgate and the Marshwood Vale.
James Hargreaves preached to all. He is buried in the churchyard along with all his family members. During the Second World War (1939-1945) much use was made of the hall. The pegs on the wall remained for over 50 years. These were for net making and most mothers earned money doing this. The Home Guard, Socials and Dances, The W.I. and the Annual Little Sale for Missions to Seamen all met in the hall – Whitchurch Hall was still a school at this time.
In the Sixties, Rev H.E.S Vickery was appointed. He had knowledge of building and much renovation and urgent repairs took place. The current arched window was installed. He was ably assisted by some church members who undertook the decorating and this was finally completed late 1965.
In 1971, the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches became unified as "the United Reformed Church".About this time Chapel Cottage was sadly demolished.
On 16th September 1990 we celebrated 100 years of worship in the chapel. In November 1997 saw our last service. A church sharing agreement was made with the Church of England by permission of the Bishop! This took 2 years to achieve! After that time, worship was shared with St Gabriels Church as the chapel was now in a poor state of repair and the congregation small.
The United Reformed Church offered to sell the buildings to the community for £15,000 if they would like it. Ably led by Rev Sheila Scarr, negotiations took place. A committee was established, made up of group representatives of the current hall user groups at the time. The decision, after the sale and after much discussion, was to keep the hall and demolish the chapel.
The hall was officially named The James Hargreaves Hall, after a suggestion from Miss Phyllis Diment, as apart from the churchyard, James Hargreaves had no memorial and had dedicated 40 years of his life here building the Chapel and Schoolroom.
