James Wood (minister) facts for kids

Chowbent Chapel is a plain building made of rustic brick with stone details, round arched windows and a small cupola on its gable end.

James Wood (1672–1759) was an important Presbyterian minister in Atherton, Greater Manchester, England. He led the first churches there, known as Atherton Chapel and later Chowbent Chapel. During a time of trouble called the Jacobite rising in 1715, he became famous for leading a group of local men. They helped defeat a rebel army, earning him the nickname "the General."

Life of James Wood

James Wood was born in Atherton. His father, also named James Wood, was a nonconformist minister. Nonconformists were Protestants who did not follow the official Church of England. His father was even put in prison for preaching in people's homes after his church was closed. This happened because of a law called the Act of Uniformity 1662. James's grandfather, also a minister, faced similar problems. He was not allowed to preach in his church.

James studied at Rathmell Academy with a teacher named Reverend Richard Frankland. In 1695, he began helping his father and then took over as minister at Atherton Chapel.

One person from his church described him this way:

"He was taller than average and a bit big. He looked very wise and impressive when he was speaking in the pulpit. He always wore a special robe and a large white wig during church services. His sermons were given in a very serious way, which made a big impact on the people listening."

Minister Wood got married in 1717 when he was 45 years old. His wife, Hannah, passed away nine years later.

Records from 1734 show that Wood was also a farmer. He lived in a house with an orchard and fields that covered 12 Cheshire acres. He also had a smithy (a workshop for metalwork) that he rented to a nailor, someone who made nails. In 1742, even though many dissenters (people who disagreed with the Church of England) did not want to pay the church rate (a tax to support the local church), Wood paid his share.

"General" James Wood passed away in 1759. No one knows exactly where he is buried. However, people think he might be buried at Chowbent, where his wife and mother are laid to rest.

A Brave Stand: The Battle of Preston

The bridge at Walton le Dale, near Preston

In 1715, a conflict known as the Jacobite rising took place. Supporters of the Old Pretender (who wanted to be king) were marching towards Preston. James Wood received a letter asking him to gather men and weapons. The letter told him to bring "scythes on straight poles, spades, and bill hooks" and to meet at Cuerden Green, near Preston.

Minister Wood quickly gathered a group of men from Chowbent. He led them to Cuerden Green. During the Battle of Preston, their job was to guard the bridge over the River Ribble at Walton-le-Dale and a shallow crossing (ford) at Penwortham. They successfully defended both locations. The number of men Wood led is thought to be around 80, though some say it was as many as 400.

After the rebel Highlanders were defeated, Parliament gave Wood a £100 pension for his efforts. His congregation at Chowbent gave him the special title "the General."

Building a New Home: Chowbent Chapel

Wood's church group grew very large, with about 1,000 members. This made it the third-largest church group in Lancashire. They met at Atherton Chapel, which was an old, small brick building. It had three windows with curved tops and diamond-shaped glass panes. Inside, there was a three-level pulpit where the minister spoke.

The chapel was built in 1645 on land owned by John Atherton, the local lord. In 1721, his son Richard Atherton, who supported the Jacobite cause, forced James Wood and his congregation to leave the chapel. This happened because of their role in the battle against the Jacobites. The church members left peacefully. They then met in local barns and houses, including the minister's own home, until they could build a new place of worship.

The new Chowbent Chapel was finished in 1722. It was built on land given by Nathan Mort at Alderfold. Wood played a big part in raising money for the new chapel. He even used his pension from Parliament to help pay for it.