embers and Horncastle 42,
including such well-known local names as Rayson and Goe. In 1774 Grimsby
had fallen to 32 members and Horncastle to about the same. In 1780
Horncastle had only 31 members, but the numbers had increased in the
neighbourhood; Kirkby-on-Bain having nearly as many as Horncastle, viz.
29, Wood Enderby 10, Hemingby 7, and Thimbleby 18; there being evidently
a greater readiness to accept the new teaching among the simpler rural
population.

In 1786 Horncastle was made the head of a circuit to itself, and in that
year the first chapel in the town was built, the whole circuit then
numbering 620 members. This chapel was near the site of the present
Baptist place of worship. A few years later the opposing barrier among
the upper class seems in some degree to have given way, as, in 1792, we
find the name of Joseph Bass, a "physician," as "leader." In 1800 there
was further growth in the country, Greetham having 21 and Fulletby 26;
among the latter occurring the still well-known names of Winn (Richard
and Elizabeth), 5 Riggalls, and 5 Braders. By this time there were 6
circuits formed in Lincolnshire, and congregations at Newark and
Doncaster.

Although there was a chapel at Horncastle there was no minister's
residence until after 1786. At that date John Barritt rode over from
Lincoln to preach, and finding no Wesleyan minister's house, he was taken
in and hospitably entertained by a Mr. Penistoun, who was "a great
Culamite." After staying the night with him he rode on next day to
Alford, for Sabbath duty. On the death of John Wesley (1791) his mantle
fell, and indeed, had already fallen, in several cases, on shoulders
worthy of the commission which he conferred upon them. The first
resident ministers were the Rev. Thomas Longley, Superintendent; the
above John Barritt was the second, and Richard Thoresby the third.

Hitherto it had not been a service free from difficulty, or even danger.
Itinerary ministers had to make their journeys on duty, often long and
wearying, on horseback, over bad country roads, even occasionally
incurring hardship and peril. In 1743 Mr. John Nelson was sent by Wesley
to Grimsby, and his journals describe severe labour and even persecution.
Another pioneer, Thomas Mitchell, was thrown by a mob into a pool of
water, and, when drenched, was painted white from head to foot. He was
afterwards thrown into a pond more than 12 feet deep, rescued and carried
to bed by frien