Excerpt from Lancashire Nonconformity, or Sketches, Historical Descriptive, of the Congregational and Old Presbyterian Churches in the County: The Churches of the Blackburn District This volume forms the second part of "Lancashire Nonconformity," and covers what is known as "The Blackburn District" of the Lancashire Congregational Union. In no division of the county does Congregationalism appear more robust and present a worthier record. A century ago it was represented by about half a dozen churches, principally in thinly-populated and out-of-the-way places, some of them in a moribund condition, eventually to become quite extinct; but now there are over forty churches, besides mission stations, with an aggregate membership of several thousands. Congregationalism is rooting itself firmly in the great centres of population. There is, however, a question which needs to be considered by the churches of this district, if not more earnestly, not less, than by those of any other - viz., whether the claims of rural Lancashire are receiving adequate attention. It is almost a truism to say that some of the best types of Congregationalists in our town churches have been born and reared in country churches which fight hard for bare life, and it will be a real loss to us when this inflow shall cease. It is sincerely hoped that the perusal of this work will contribute somewhat to a revival of interest in those old historic churches which found their home in these quiet rural districts, and which constitute the foundation upon which the stately structure of present day Lancashire Congregationalism has been erected. It is necessary to repeat what has been so often said, in one way or another, that this work does not seek to supersede (even if that were possible) Doctor Hailey's "Lancashire Nonconformity." The two works proceed along different lines, and will be found to be mutually helpful. Indeed, whilst Doctor Hailey's book is not always accurate on minor points, I have been repeatedly laid under heavy obligations by my cultured pre-decessor in this entertaining field of research. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from Lancashire Nonconformity, or Sketches, Historical and Descriptive, of the Congregational and Old Presbyterian Churches in the County The present volume covers only a part of the Manchester District of the Lancashire Congregational Union, yet it has considerably outrun the number of pages at first intended. Some churches may be disappointed because their histories are not more full, but if they will note the number whose histories had to be inserted they will see that greater fulness was not possible. It has been stated repeatedly, in circulars and earlier prefaces, that each volume is complete in itself; but the pressure of space in the present one has compelled me, wherever possible, to ask the reader to consult other volumes for more details. Congregationalism appears in its strength in the part of the county with which this volume deals. The quick, vigorous, and courageous spirit which centres in the great Cottonopolis of Lancashire, has shown itself in continuous aggressive Congregational effort. Whereas at the commence ment of the century, when the Lancashire Congregational Union was born, there were barely half a dozen inconsiderable interests, now there is a large Congregational network in Manchester and neighbourhood, and many of the churches have both wealth, position, and numbers on their side. The story is not without incidents of a humiliating character, but on the whole it is full of encouragement, and it shows what great possibilities there are in Congregationalism, when it commands the loyalty of its own friends. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Excerpt from Lancashire Nonconformity, or Sketches, Historical and Descriptive, of the Congregational and Old Presbyterian Churches in the County: The Churches of Preston, North Lancashire and Westmorland For many of the illustrations with which the work is embellished, I am indebted to the gentlemen whose names appear in the list of contents. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from Lancashire Nonconformity, or Sketches, Historical and Descriptive, of the Congregational and Old Presbyterian Churches in the County, Vol. 6: The Churches of Southport, Liverpool, and the Isle of Man Several ms. Volumes of the late Dr. Raffles, who himself intended to write a history of Lancashire Nonconformity, came into my hands when this concluding volume was in type. I regret that I had not the advantage of them earlier. They are, however, too valuable to remain unpublished, and I have interrupted the story in one or two places to find room for considerable extracts, making large use of them also in the shape of notes. The reader will pardon the digressions because of the interesting informa tion they supply, whilst some further justification for their insertion may be found in the fact that this is the concluding and in some measure supplementary volume of Lancashire Nonconformity. Only a part of the Liverpool District of the Lancashire Congregational Union is covered by this volume, and it may be said to present unto us Congregationalism in the watering places. The picture is full of inspiration. The growth of these watering places during the present century has been quite phenomenal, and Congregationalism has not been behind in providing for their religious requirements. It is not the least respectable, vigorous, and aggressive form of Free Church life which is at work in our seaside resorts where multitudes of weary toilers Spend a good share of each year. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from Lancashire Nonconformity, or Sketches, Historical and Descriptive, of the Congregational and Old Presbyterian Churches in the County, Vol. 4: The Churches of Wigan, Warrington, St. Helens, &C I send forth this volume with a consciousness of imperfection, not less keen and strong than that which attended the publication of those which are on the way before it, yet h0ping that it may be of some use in the Master's service. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This book has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. So that the book is never forgotten we have represented this book in a print format as the same form as it was originally first published. Hence any marks or annotations seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature.