MESSAGE FROM THE MANSE

Echoes and  Memories of Past Ministers

Over this past ninety years I can remember the faithful service of twelve ministers who have served God in this church, but for now I will limit my comments to two only.

Beginning with Rev A. J. Long, who was the minister during the Centenary Celebrations of the church and was instrumental in launching the Fylde Convention the year after that special celebration. It is interesting to note at that time the main means of transport was either horse drawn vehicles or bicycles. Occasional buses ran from Preston, or special buses could be ordered from Blackpool. Regarding Rev Long, I cannot remember anything about his pulpit ministry, but I can remember reading the notes he left behind based upon the various dispensations over a period of history referred to in the Bible. Rev Long’s granddaughter keeps regular contact with us at Inskip.

Rev Long was followed by Rev Edward Porter whose photograph can be seen in the small vestry of the chapel. He was a lad from the local farming community. I know very little of his former life, apart from the fact that his father was often found worse for drink and had to be assisted on his way home from the local public house. Coming from this background it is wonderful to know how young Edward turned out to be such a triumph of grace. He came to know Christ as his Saviour and Lord and felt called to the Ministry. He went to Manchester College for training and served in two Yorkshire churches before coming back to Inskip as Minister of our church. I remember him with gratitude. He was strong in discipline but very caring for his people. Before I was converted I remember Rev Porter invited a few of us, who were of a younger age, into the vestry and gave us a heart to heart talk about spiritual things. That was a talk I will never forget. I may refer to this again if I have the opportunity to continue my testimony. Rev Porter’s name is still respected by many of the Woodplumpton Methodists.

Now a word about the present and the future life and growth of our church. Daniel and Susan are sure of their calling to the church in Wester Hailes and we will follow them with our prayers and interest in their future ministry. They have been attached to us like family members and will be greatly missed. Daniel has travelled to Inskip alone from Cornwall which is just about half way to Wester Hailes. He leaves Inskip with a wife and two children (a real bonus).

We who are left to carry on the work at Inskip need to be sure of clear guidance and blessing for the future. I cannot stress too much the need for prayer and more prayer during these next weeks and months preceding the appointment of another minister. All our ministers have been men of vision and understanding of the needs of the community. I trust that our church will remain a church worth coming to with its homely attitude and a lively missionary interest.

George.