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Christian Chartist Church in Birmingham

S

SusanPRH

New Member
In the 1840s, there was a Christian Chartist Church on Newhall Street, led by Arthur O'Neill. (Members presumably supported the People's Charter of 1838.). Does anyone know where on Newhall St it was, and whether the building is still there?

I am new to this group. Before I started this thread, I searched for "Chartist" and got a nil return, so I hope that I am not wasting anyone's time.

Susan
 
Welcome Susan. O'Neil's Christian Chartists seem to have met in the Methodist chapel in Newhall Street. Although he used other chapels too. Here's an extract from British History Online (https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol7/pp434-482#) Hopefully someone might turn up a photo or drawing.


Christian Chartist Church

"The Birmingham Christian Chartist Church met in one of three chapels in Newhall Street. This appears to have been occupied, in 1839, by a Methodist Association congregation. (fn. 481) On his first visit to Birmingham, in 1840, Arthur O'Neill is said to have been offered the pastorate of this chapel, (fn. 482) and to have recruited a congregation of Christian Chartists from Baptist and Methodist workmen. (fn. 483) The church aimed at furthering 'temperance, morality and knowledge', and as well as a political association, its members organized children's schools and a sick club. (fn. 484) O'Neill was arrested in 1842 for Chartist activities, and on his release in 1844 he became a Baptist, moving to Zion Chapel in the same street. (fn. 485) In 1855 the former Chartist church was occupied by St. Martin's 'District Church and School'. (fn. 486) According to one account, in 1840 O'Neill also became minister of the Congregational chapel in Livery Street, and eventually led part of its congregation into union with the Baptists at Zion, Newhall Street. (fn. 487) Livery Street was re-opened by the Latter-day Saints in 1845. (fn. 488)"

Viv.
 
Vivienne14 said:
Welcome Susan. O'Neil's Christian Chartists seem to have met in the Methodist chapel in Newhall Street. Although he used other chapels too. Here's an extract from British History Online (https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol7/pp434-482#) Hopefully someone might turn up a photo or drawing.
...

Viv.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for this, Viv. The reference to St Martin's District Church and School looked especially useful.

Any other leads will be gratefully received also!

Susan
 
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