Hook chapels

 We are in a run of sunny, frosty weather, perfect for dog walking but not so good for the oil tank which will soon need re-filling. But we are seeing signs of spring. The snowdrops - and we have a lot - are just beginning to show white and the daffodil spikes are getting taller.

 I have been busy loading pictures into my new website [ not yet online] and also looking at a family history which has been very interesting as the people all lived locally and it  is easier to envisage their lives when I know the area. There is a lot can be found online about families, particularly on the old newspaper sites but nothing can beat  being familiar with the towns and villages mentioned.

Last week  the small  local history group I attend in Goole met again after the Christmas break. We meet on a Thursday morning in the Oddfellows hall and talk about the history of Goole and the surrounding area. Some of us have been researching for many years and continue to do so, others just come to listen and join in the discussions and we have new members who have not long lived in the area. It is surprising what a wealth of knowledge there is around the table.

This week we were talking about Hook and its chapel[s]. One of our group had noticed this building which we thought was surely a former chapel. It looks like so many local chapels

 Hook

 Howden St John St

So we are seeing what we can find out. We have consulted the Hook history book which told us that the 'new' chapel was built in 1874/5.

The Goole and Marshland Weekly Times, Friday, 22nd Jan 1875 reports its opening

OPENING OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL AT HOOK

The first Wesleyan chapel built at Hook was erected in 1816, the second in 1836, and now 1875 has seen the opening of a third place of worship, rendered necessary in the first place by the increasing congregation and in the next by the want of suitable accommodation for the Sunday school.

Mr James Armitage offered a piece of land at the corner of the roads which meet nearly in the centre of the village, and funds being forthcoming it was decided to build at once. Mr Bairstow, of Selby, was the architect, Mr Elliott and Mr Appleyard, of Goole, the contractors, while the foundation stone was laid at Whitsuntide by Mr W. Dyson, of York.  

I am sure we shall find out more  but would be interested in any further information or pictures. We believe that the old chapel building was used as a Sunday school but for how long? And anyone who wants to join us on Thursday mornings would be most welcome.