James Lackington - Blue Plaque

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James Lackington was born 31 August 1746 and built the original Methodist Church in Budleigh Salterton. 


One of eleven children, at an early age James initially followed his father and became a shoemaker. He taught himself to read by buying cheap editions of literature at markets. 


In 1773 he moved to London. Although almost penniless when he arrived in London, he managed to raise enough money to open a large second hand bookshop in 1794. £5 of the money raised was loaned to him by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. 


In 1807, Lackington who was a part-time Methodist preacher, moved to Budleigh Salterton where he bought a house and land in Fore Street. In 1812, he built the original Temple church on the land behind his house at a cost of £2000. 


Lackington’s church and house no longer exist. The original church was demolished to make way for the current Temple Methodist Church. The rebuild started in April 1904, and the cost on completion was £7000. Lackington’s house would have stood on what is now the church car park. 


James Lackington died 22 December 1815 at the age of 69.


References:

budleightemplemethodist.org.uk

Wikipedia


Postcard The Temple 1910 - Steve Richardson

Black and White - entrance to the original Methodist Church 1890's - Steve Richardson