In all probability the congregation was first gathered by the "Apostle of the Peak", the Rev. W. Bagshaw, Vicar of Glossop, ejected for his Nonconformity in 1662. A number of reapers, it is said, in a corn field near Smithy Lane, began to converse on religious matters, and at length determined to have a place of worship at Mill Brow. Smithy Lane lies almost midway between Mill Brow and Charlesworth Chapel, where Mr. Bagshaw often preached on his monthly visits to his old parish.
From Historical Sketches of Nonconformity in the County Palatine of Chester.