BEGINNINGS
The UK spiritualist movement started in Keighley in 1853. In that year MrDavid Richmondof the Shakers Movement of America brought news
of spiritual phenomena to Mr David Weatherhead (pictured right) of Keighley. In June of
that year three lectures were held at the Working Men's Hall in Keighley.
These were given by David Richmond assisted by David Weatherhead.
MEETINGS
In 1857 Spiritualists meetings were held at Rushworth's School in Halifax
Road, Keighley and more meetings were held at the Working Men's Hall by
kind permission of David Weatherhead.
Around 1871 there were meetings at the Lyceum Buildings, East Parade,
Keighley. These buildings were built by David Weatherhead entirely at his
own expense. Whilst at the Lyceum Buildings, larger events used the
Working Men's Hall.
DIVISION
Around 1884 a division of the membership took place. The original society
continued at the Lyceum Buildings and were called "The Spiritual
Brotherhood".
The breakaway movement began worship at the Albion Hall in Keighley. In
November 1887 this breakaway group moved to the Co-Op Assembly Rooms,
Keighley. The Red House in Keighley (site unknown) was used for committee
meetings, then in 1892 this movement was established at Eastwood Chapel,
Dalton Road, Keighley. These premises were owned by the Midland Rail Co.
and they named the new church the Eastwood Spiritual Temple.
UNIFICATION The two societies were eventually reunited and as one body they purchased the Heber
Street Wesleyan School, Heber Street, Keighley. Unification was in 1895
and records confirm they were together before 2nd Sept of that year.
THE SOCIETY
In 1897 the society became affiliated to the National Federation that
later became the S.N.U. (and eventually S.N.U. Ltd). The newly purchased
Wesleyan School was renamed Heber Street Spiritual Temple. A stone
inscription to this effect was erected on the facade and remains to this
date. The united body was known as Heber Street Spiritual Temple until
1934 when it was renamed as The Heber Street Spiritualists' Society which
remains the current title today.
BEGINNINGS
The two societies were eventually reunited and as one body they purchased the Heber
Street Wesleyan School, Heber Street, Keighley. Unification was in 1895
and records confirm they were together before 2nd Sept of that year.