Community & Civic Life
Knighton Primitive Methodist Circuit
Powys County Archives
The Primitive Methodists were part of a nonconformist revival which began early in the nineteenth century and were named after a comment by John Wesley: "I still remain a primitive Methodist." Its leading light was Hugh Bourne who converted to Methodism in 1799. The new movement developed the idea of the 'Camp Meeting', a day-long, open air prayer and preaching meeting.
However, the Methodist authorities disapproved; Bourne and his followers broke away from the main church to form the Primitive Methodists. The Movement was evangelical and expanded rapidly, with many new chapels being built as the century progressed.
Knighton Primitive Methodist Circuit had 8 chapels in the area of Knighton: the Knighton Chapel, Brookhouse, Lloiney, Llangunllo, Cwm-y-Gaist, Bleddfa, Providence and Llandewy. Each quarter a preacher's plan would be issued; this was a type of factsheet, timetable and newsletter combined.
As well as the services and collections to be held, the plan gives details of special services and camp meetings to be held at the various centres.
Powys County Archives
This summer Plan has details of camp meetings - not a feature of the autumn and winter months!
The plan also reminds preachers of
their duties according to the rules:
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and the duties of parents towards
their family's reading material:
Powys County Archives
In addition the circuit committee held quarterly meetings.