Background -
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, many Christian men and women felt a concern
for Railwaymen who, because of their unsocial working hours, were often unable to
attend Church Services. So they conducted meetings in the canteens, engine sheds,
waiting rooms, etc. -
In 1881/2, this work was co-
Mission Halls were built and by 1900 there were four hundred groups in existence across Gt. Britain, with seven thousand Railwaymen in the membership. The work covered the needs of the whole family, both in a social and spiritual sense.
A magazine, the Railway Signal, was distributed nationwide, as is still done today, though in a different format.
The work spread through countries all over the world where railways were built. International Conferences are held.
By 1965, with the decline in the railways, the number of Branches in Britain had
dropped to fifty -
Today there are no Railway Mission Halls, as such, remaining in our land, although a number have become Free Churches, changing the name, but still supporting the work nationally.
The Ministry to Railwaymen is now performed by paid Evangelists, based in the larger centres, who travel around in a specific area. Gifts from supportive Churches and individuals help to finance this work; also donations by railway workers. So, in a way, the ministry has come full circle.
This is a brief condensation of information about some of those who worked for the
spiritual, cultural and physical well-
Mrs. Caroline Rachel Ridley was the widow of Arthur Ridley (and was always referred to as Mrs Arthur Ridley.) A Congregationalist, worshipping at the Northgate Street Chapel, she held services on the Station, for the men, and was involved with meetings for their wives and children. She became their preacher, teacher, social worker and friend.
By 1903, she had organized Sunday services, prayer meetings, Bible classes for men and women, a Mother’s Meeting, a Band of Hope for the children, a Young Women s Society and had transferred her Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Society from Northgate Church to the Mission Hall.
She saw a Sunday School started in 1903 and gave an annual Garden Tea for the women. Her daughter, Blanche, before her marriage to Edward Hooper in 1906, gave her mother much help and support
In 1916, due to old age and poor health, Mrs Ridley resigned, after 21 years as Superintendent. The Mission Hall was crowded for her funeral in 1923; a tribute to a very gracious lady.
Mrs Jackson followed her as Superintendent until 1928. The young women were often invited to the house where she lived with Miss Nellie Crassweller for tea and fellowship.
Mrs Fletcher, Mr & Mrs Farrow, and Mr & Mrs Garrett followed in quick succession.
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