The Mission
Hall, Dullingham Ley
In 1884 a Congregationalist minister from Cheveley established a mission room at the west end of Dullingham Ley, seating 130. In 1916 it had six lay preachers. By 1965 membership had dwindled to 5 and it was closed around 1968. The Mission Hall still stands and has been converted into a private dwelling.
The following is an extract from a local newspaper about the clearly thriving congregation that worshipped at the Mission Hall in Dullingham Ley around the turn of the century. The Mission Hall still exists but has been converted and extended to form a private residence.
13th July 1899
Sunday School Anniversary and Treat. The services in connection with the annual gathering held last Sunday and Monday were the most successful ever in the history of the school. By the kindness of Mr Johnson and Mr Flower (his bailiff) a large barn was cleared was cleared, and by many willing hands suitably decorated with evergreens, creepers, and flowers for the occasion. A platform was erected at one end of the barn for the children and choir, from a service of song “Biddy” was well given by 50 voices. Mr Harry Smith presided at the harmonium, and accompanied the solos on violin in a very creditable manner, being well sustained throughout by parents, teachers and elder scholars. Rev J Brook gave connective readings. In the evening the children recited their pieces, and sang their special hymns and solos to the delight of themselves and the satisfaction of more than three hundred persons, who showed their appreciation of such services by giving more liberally to the collections this year than on previous occasions. On the following Monday, the mothers, teachers, and children had their treat. After tea served first to 60 children, then to 40 adults, the whole company went into the adjoining field with the full intent to enjoy themselves with the many swings and round games, and which they did with heart and soul until dusk – and then three cheers for Mr Fenn, Mr Johnson, Mr Flower, and for others interested in the welfare of the school closed another successful anniversary.