James Scholefield (Bible Christian)

James Scholefield (6 April 1790 – 24 April 1855), was an English religious leader, social reformer, undertaker, and medical practitioner. He is known for his contributions to the Bible Christian Church, his advocacy for vegetarianism and temperance, and his involvement in the British radical reform movement.

James Scholefield was born at Colne Bridge, in the parish of Kirkheaton, Yorkshire, on 6 April 1790.^[1] In 1809, he joined the newly established Bible Christian Church, a non-conformist sect founded by William Cowherd.^[2] He was educated at Cowherd's Salford Grammar School and Academy of Sciences, covering subjects such as physical science, medicine, astronomy, Latin, Hebrew, and Greek.^[3]

In 1813, Scholefield was ordained as a minister in the sect and served at Christ Church in Hulme until 1823.^[1] Scholefield founded the Christ Church Chapel in Every Street, Ancoats, Manchester, in 1824. His ministry was characterised by his strong principles; he was a committed teetotaller and vegetarian.^[2]

Around 1851, Scholefield published a pamphlet advocating for vegetarianism.^[2] It was translated into German by Emil Weilshäuser as "Der Meusch—Kieu Raubthier".^[4] His lifestyle and teachings were influenced by the belief that abstaining from alcohol and meat was integral to a virtuous and healthy life.^[2]

Despite his active ministry, Scholefield did not receive financial compensation for his religious work. Instead, he supported himself through various ventures. He was a successful undertaker and managed a large graveyard adjacent to his chapel. Notably, he developed the "Safety tomb" designed to protect graves from robbers, a significant concern at the time.^[2]

In addition to his work as an undertaker, Scholefield practiced medicine. Although he was not formally qualified, he studied medicine and began practicing before the Medical Act of 1815, which mandated formal qualifications for medical practitioners. He was a trusted figure among the working-class population of Ancoats, known for his practical medical knowledge and his proprietary remedy, "Scholefield's Cholera Mixture", which enjoyed popularity for several decades.^[2]

Scholefield was deeply involved in the radical reform movements of the early 19th century. He was present at the Peterloo Massacre in 1819^[5] and later, in 1842, he commissioned an obelisk in memory of Henry Hunt, a politician and reformer who played a significant role in the events leading up to the event.^[2] In the same year, he allowed the Chartist conference to convene in his chapel.^[2] For permitting this, Scholefield was tried at the Lancaster Assizes in 1843. However, he was acquitted.^[4]

Towards the end of his life, he played a prominent role in the Manchester Vegetarian Society, the Short Time movement advocating for shorter working hours, and the Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association. This association united a diverse group of reformers, including Richard Cobden, John Bright, Joseph Hume, and Feargus O'Connor.^[6]

Scholefield died on 24 April 1855 and was buried in Every Street churchyard, Ancoats.^[1] His gravestone is the only one from that period that remains intact. The Every Street chapel later became associated with the University of Manchester Settlement.^[2]

In 1934, Mary Stocks wrote and produced a play about Scholefield's life, which was performed in the chapel, celebrating his contributions to the community and his reformist spirit.^[2]

• Wentworth, Philip (1890-03-29). "Mr W. E. A. Axon's Notice of the Rev. James Scholefield". Middleton and North Manchester Guardian. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com. (obituary)