That Primitive Methodism thrived in industrial areas and responded to the needs of working class members is evident in extracts like these from the Primitive Methodist Journal:
January 1894 p9 Providence 2nd “We are living and that is a great thing to say in the midst of events that are transpiring around us. For about three months the mills have been running short time, this followed with a strike which has now lasted ten weeks and is\apparently no nearer a settlement than when they commenced. Perhaps the Lord was preparing us for this event by pouring out his spirit upon us in a most marvellous way. For twelve weeks there were souls saved, a revival which was rich and extended over a greater period of time, than any within the range of my experience....We drop these few lines to let our friends know that we are still trying to hold our own against great odds.” R.W. Wilson
Jan 1901 p4 Wilkes-Barre 2nd (East End Mission): “Financially our people are poor, with the exception of about three, whose circumstances are moderate.”
Nov 1905 p2 “It was said in those days that Primitive Methodism could not live outside of a coal patch.”
Mar 1906 p6 "When you sit by your coal fire, pay your grateful thought to the brave men who risk their lives for your warmth. There were killed in the anthracite region last year 610 miners, leaving 145 widows and 480 orphans; and 1,500 were more or less maimed in accidents that were not fatal."
1 Mar 1926 p. 3 "JUBILANT ENDING OF THE COAL STRIKE. Now wonder Scranton and other mining towns went wild over the settlements of the six months strike on Lincoln’s birthday. The daily papers said that “not even the signing of the Armisitce which ended the world war created such a thrill of joy. It marked the end of one of the greatest industrial conflicts in the world’s history of labor, involving the loss in wages of $1,150,000 a day for six months to 158,000 workers, entailing undescribable suffering to men, women and innocent children. The strike involved 272 collieries, 828 mines, covering 10 counties and an area of 500 square miles. Surely some method other than this brutal way of settling industrial controversy should be found and more in harmony with the “Golden Rule.” The rule of gold and greed has long held sway to the incalculable loss of humanity. The application of the principles of the Carpenter of Galilee to all human problems is long overdue.”"
The following were all reported as having taken place in Primitive Methodist churches. I have no idea what any of them are. Any ideas?
Jul 1916 p9 Greystone has “rubber social”
Oct 1916 p8 Lowell 1st has Handkerchief and towel shower
Dec 1916 p4 Jermyn has laugh and grow fat meeting..
Sep 1919 Greystone have field and tag day.