CORBIN MEMORIAL HALL, PARK CHAPEL, CROUCH END
Address : 145 Crouch Hill
Post Code : N8 9QH
Location : TQ 3012 8820
Post Code : N8 9QH
Location : TQ 3012 8820
"Park chapel, at the foot of Crouch Hill, was opened in 1855 and registered by Independents in 1856. Alterations raised its seating to 1,017 in 1877 and 1,430 by 1894 .. The chapel and its halls formed a popular social centre, accommodating Hornsey British school until 1877 and later being described as a ’great church’. From 1973 Baptists from Ferme Park shared Park Chapel, by then a United Reformed church and still seating c. 1,400. The original Gothic building, with a corner turret and small spire, had faced east along Haringey Park. In 1976 it formed part of an impressive stone range and was the northern end of a larger north-south chapel; at the southern end stood a church parlour, built in 1886, and on the north the Corbin hall, dated 1892 ..." - http://www.theundergroundmap.com/wp/middlesex-hornsey-with-highgate-religion/
The stone-laying ceremony
" In unpropitious weather the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Corbin Memorial Hall in connection with the Chapel, Crouch-end, took place this afternoon. The stone was laid by the Rev. Alfred Rowland, pastor of the church. The hall, when constructed, will measure 52 ft. in length, 42 ft. in breadth, and will be 22 ft. in height, with holding capacity for 600 to 700 persons, while underneath will be placed a number of classrooms. The work is under the direction of Mr. A. Conder, architect; the builders are Messrs. Stimpson and Company, of 72, Brompton-road ; and the surveyor Mr. Pain. The style of architecture will follow that of Park Chapel. It also proposed to erect new organ for the church, and this work will be carried by Messrs. Willis and Sons, of Kentish-town. The instrument, which will blown by hydraulic engine, will cost about £700, while the cost of the entire work will, it is estimated, amount to about £7,000. Towards this sum £300 have [sic] been collected, while promises have been received for upwards £3,000. A large number of persons were present at the ceremony of the stone-laying, which, owing to the rain, was hurried through ... The proceedings opened with the singing of hymn, after which prayer was offered by the Rev. J. T. Gledstone. The Rev. Alfred Rowland said that it was usual at ceremonies like the present one to invite some one of social distinction, a member of Parliament, or peer, or such-like to undertake the ceremony but such was not in accordance with the wish of the committee which had been appointed for the carrying out of this work. A suggestion was made that certain friend of the Rev. John Corbin should be asked to perform the ceremony, and would have liked to have Mr John Corbin, son of the Rev. John Corbin, laying the stone. He was asked, but declined. If he (the speaker) had had his way, he would have had two more stones laid, one in commemoration of Mr. Jonathan Hazell, and another of Mr. J. R. Thomson. Both these gentlemen were fellow and earnest workers, first of the Rev. John Corbin. and afterwards of Mr. Gledstone, and then himself. Their dear friend, the Rev. John Corbin, was a very simple and transparent Christian, but possessed great firmness of perception, always understanding clearly and wisely what was the best to be done, and the best way an end should obtained. He had great moral courage, and fearlessness of thought, much fortitude of character, one who dared always to speak and act on the side which believed to be true. He possessed great courtesy, combined with kindness and affection, was chivalrous to the women and affectionate to all children. No one came in contact with him who did not feel their heart drawn out towards him. He trusted that the same spirit that was embodied in the character of the Rev. John Corbin might be the spirit which would animate them in the future that lied before them. (Applause.) The Rev. Alfred Rowlands then went through the duties of the in the usual manner. He said, "I declare this stone well and truly laid in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and may God's blessing rest on this great enterprise from the very beginning until its close". Placed underneath the stone were about 50 purses of money—including one each from the different classes of the Sunday-school—copies of the Christian World and Independent, number of coins bearing the date of the present year, the year-book for Park Chapel 1892. and number of copies of the Park Chapel magazines, some containing interesting matter bearing specially upon Park Cbapel and the Rev. John Corbin. There was also photograph of the Rev. J. Corbin ..." - Islington Gazette, 9 Sep 1892, p. 3
The names on the stones
Rev. John Corbin
Born at Ringwood, Hampshire, 25 May 1811. Died Crouch End, 30 December 1890.
1839, co-minister, Brookside Independent Chapel, Victoria Street, Derby.
1855-1871 Pastor of Park Chapel, Crouch End.
Resided at 34 Haringey Park, Crouch End.
Vice-President, Hornsey Young Men's Society.
Author of: Ever working, never resting : a memoir of J. Legg Poore. London : Hodder & Stoughton, 1874.
Born at Ringwood, Hampshire, 25 May 1811. Died Crouch End, 30 December 1890.
1839, co-minister, Brookside Independent Chapel, Victoria Street, Derby.
1855-1871 Pastor of Park Chapel, Crouch End.
Resided at 34 Haringey Park, Crouch End.
Vice-President, Hornsey Young Men's Society.
Author of: Ever working, never resting : a memoir of J. Legg Poore. London : Hodder & Stoughton, 1874.
Rev. Alfred Norman Rowland
Born at Henley-on-Thames, 1840. Died at Littlehampton while on holiday September 1925
1865-1875, Pastor of Zion Congregational Church, Frome
1875-1911, Pastor of Park Chapel, Crouch End
1892, Chairman, London Congregational Union
1898, Chairman, Congregational Union of England and Wales
Resided at 63 Etchingham Park Road, Church End, Finchley
Author of numerous religious tracts, hymns and other publications, including his autobiography: An Independent Parson : the Life Story of a Veteran Free Churchman. London : Congregational Union of England and Wales, 1923.
Obituary : Hendon and Finchley Times and Golders Green Guardian, 11 Sep 1925, p. 3.
Born at Henley-on-Thames, 1840. Died at Littlehampton while on holiday September 1925
1865-1875, Pastor of Zion Congregational Church, Frome
1875-1911, Pastor of Park Chapel, Crouch End
1892, Chairman, London Congregational Union
1898, Chairman, Congregational Union of England and Wales
Resided at 63 Etchingham Park Road, Church End, Finchley
Author of numerous religious tracts, hymns and other publications, including his autobiography: An Independent Parson : the Life Story of a Veteran Free Churchman. London : Congregational Union of England and Wales, 1923.
Obituary : Hendon and Finchley Times and Golders Green Guardian, 11 Sep 1925, p. 3.
The architect