Nook Chapel, Cleckheaton

The Christian Brethren Society was formed around 1842 when a meeting of Temperance was vetoed by the Minister. As a result of this, some 30 members decided to leave the Wesleyan society and formed the Christian Brethren Society. At first they rented a room in Back Lane (now Northgate), which had previously been used by a Gospel Pilgrim society. They would later build their own premises on the site of the present Chapel. This chapel, and Sunday School, was rebuilt in 1874.

A newspaper article from the Bradford Observer on Monday 30th November 1874 reported on the laying of the foundation stone as follows:

On Saturday afternoon, the foundation stone of the new Christian Brethren Chapel and Sunday School was laid by Miss Carver of Ash House, Cleckheaton, in the presence of a large number of persons.
The building is to be of modern architecture from plans prepared by Mr. Reuben Castle, architect, Cleckheaton; and the various works for its erection have been let to the following contractors: Masonry - Messrs. Greenwood Bros; Joinery - Mr. W. Isherwood: Plumbing - Mr. W. Ratcliffe and Plastering - Mr. Greenwood, Heckmondwike.
The chapel, which is to be built over the school, is situated at Dam Nook, on the site of the old chapel.
After the ceremony a public tea meeting was held in the Co-operative Hall, when about 700 persons were present; and subsequently a large meeting, over which Mr. Gaunt presided, was held in the same room. The cost of the building is estimated at about £1500 and it is worthy of note that this will be the third Dissenting place of worship in Cleckheaton of which the foundation stone has been laid within the last nine months.

22 May 1878 - A new organ was opened at a cost of £200. Built by Messrs. Tomlinson Brothers of Blackpool.

Jan 1879 - Arthur Woodcock, Northgate, Cleckheaton, a former pupil of Rawden Robinson, is appointed organist of Nook chapel.

20 Aug 1892 - Celebrations marking the 5oth anniversary of the chapel took place with a procession of 700 people paraded through the principal streets of the town which were decorated with banners and arches.

17 Nov 1894 - Special services were held for the reopening of the chapel which have been altered and redecorated by Mr. Joseph Burnhill, Cleckheaton at a cost of £134. A public tea was given to upwards of 400 people.

There are no known records of any baptisms or marriages at this location. These marriages appeared in the local newspapers with very scant details:

26 Oct 1887 - James BENTLEY & Emma SUGDEN, both of Cleckheaton.

12 Jul 1888 - William JACKSON, Oldham & Mrs. Ann TURNER, Cleckheaton.

10 Jul 1897 - John Benjamin HEPWORTH & Mary PINDER
(both members of the choir at this location)