This article has been written utilising extracts from Alan Seymour’s book, “The History of Croydon Spiritualist Church 1906-2021′ . Piecing together the information from 1906 from incomplete and sometimes misleading documentation was no easy task. The book is 750 pages and these articles are necessarily a summary. You can order a copy of the book from Feedaread by clicking here
The Birth of a Spiritualist Community
In the early 20th century, Croydon saw the emergence of a new spiritual movement. The journey to establish the Croydon Spiritualist Church began in 1906, marking the beginning of what would become a significant spiritual community. The church’s inception was spearheaded by dedicated individuals determined to create a space for Spiritualism in Croydon. With an initial membership of 54, the church was founded as “The Spiritual Brotherhood Church,” reflecting its core values of unity and spiritual enlightenment.
Early Leadership and Organizational Challenges
The early years of the church were characterised by the efforts of its founding members and the challenges they faced in establishing a stable organisation. The first recorded president was Mr. W. H. Thornton, supported by Vice Presidents Mr. Edwards and Mr. Stockwell. These leaders, along with other committee members such as Mr. Tickner and Mr. Baker, were instrumental in guiding the fledgling church through its initial phase.
However, the church’s early journey was far from smooth. The minutes from committee meetings reveal a series of disagreements and resignations that tested the resilience of the community. For instance, in January 1909, both Mr. Edwards and Mr. Tickner resigned from their positions, though the reasons behind their resignations remain speculative. Despite these setbacks, the committee showed resilience, appointing new members and continuing their work.
Building a Foundation Amidst Challenges
One of the notable decisions during this period was the purchase of a harmonium in February 1909, which underscored the importance of music and hymns in their services. This period also saw discussions about renting a room in George Street, Croydon, highlighting the practical challenges of finding a permanent home for their meetings.
The minutes from 1909 also document the frequent changes in meeting schedules and the persistent efforts to establish a stable organizational structure. For instance, despite deciding to hold committee meetings on the first Tuesday of each month, the actual dates of meetings varied significantly, indicating the dynamic and sometimes chaotic nature of the church’s early administration.
The Influence of Archdeacon Colley
An interesting figure mentioned in the early records is Archdeacon Thomas Colley, a well-known Spiritualist with a reputation for eccentricity. Colley was approached by the committee in 1909, but negotiations with him did not proceed. His colourful personality and unconventional methods, such as playing a gramophone hidden behind his prayer desk and climbing into a glass-topped coffin during services, make him a memorable character in the church’s early history.
The First Crisis and Reorganization
By mid-1909, the church faced a significant crisis. A meeting on June 5th noted that the committee voluntarily resigned en bloc due to “impossible working conditions,” though this statement was later crossed out in the records. This indicates the severity of the internal conflicts and the challenges the church faced in maintaining a cohesive leadership.
Despite these early struggles, the church’s foundation was laid through the dedication and perseverance of its early members. The stories of their challenges and triumphs provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the Croydon Spiritualist Church, reflecting the broader story of Spiritualism’s growth and establishment in the UK.
Conclusion
The early years of the Croydon Spiritualist Church were marked by resilience, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the principles of Spiritualism. From handling resignations and internal disagreements to making strategic decisions about meeting locations and purchasing musical instruments, the church’s founding members laid a robust foundation for future growth. These formative experiences not only shaped the church’s history but also set the stage for its enduring legacy in the community.
The image at the top of this post if Archdeacon Colley who was a public figure. Sadly we have no information or images of any other people in the early days. Yet!
