choppards mission
What is Choppards Mission?
Choppards Mission is located just over a mile from Holy Trinity Church. Built in 1839, it was originally used as a place to teach local children and to instruct them in the Christian religion. At this time, it was quite common for children to work in the valley’s mills whilst they received their education. Choppards was very well attended. In 1843, there were 191 children on the register; a huge number considering the size of the building.
As purpose built schools became available, the need for Choppards to continue providing elementary education declined. In 1899, some pupils transferred to Hade Edge School; the remainder going to Holmfirth School in 1914. Choppards now continued as a Sunday School and remained at the heart of the community, particularly through being the centre of the church festivals, which provided a structured framework for the lives of the villagers.
From about 1960, there was a decline in the population. Many of the primitive cottages were demolished and the congregation attending the Sunday School became very much depleted. In 1983, it was decided to turn the small upper classroom into a chapel. This provided a more comfortable room for the services. It was also easier to heat.
The room downstairs is now used by a variety of local organisations and has become a popular local venue for films, music recitals, poetry readings and many other functions. Each December, Choppards provides a wonderful setting for the Candlelit Carol Service.
As of summer 2023 a plan is underway to transfer the responsibility of the premises to the Choppards Community Association, a new group of local people who have exciting plans to develop the space and maximise its use. To find out more, visit here. To enquire about booking Choppards Mission for an event, please contact Jill Martin.
Choppards Mission is located just over a mile from Holy Trinity Church. Built in 1839, it was originally used as a place to teach local children and to instruct them in the Christian religion. At this time, it was quite common for children to work in the valley’s mills whilst they received their education. Choppards was very well attended. In 1843, there were 191 children on the register; a huge number considering the size of the building.
As purpose built schools became available, the need for Choppards to continue providing elementary education declined. In 1899, some pupils transferred to Hade Edge School; the remainder going to Holmfirth School in 1914. Choppards now continued as a Sunday School and remained at the heart of the community, particularly through being the centre of the church festivals, which provided a structured framework for the lives of the villagers.
From about 1960, there was a decline in the population. Many of the primitive cottages were demolished and the congregation attending the Sunday School became very much depleted. In 1983, it was decided to turn the small upper classroom into a chapel. This provided a more comfortable room for the services. It was also easier to heat.
The room downstairs is now used by a variety of local organisations and has become a popular local venue for films, music recitals, poetry readings and many other functions. Each December, Choppards provides a wonderful setting for the Candlelit Carol Service.
As of summer 2023 a plan is underway to transfer the responsibility of the premises to the Choppards Community Association, a new group of local people who have exciting plans to develop the space and maximise its use. To find out more, visit here. To enquire about booking Choppards Mission for an event, please contact Jill Martin.
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