The local sect known by this name was founded about the year 1814 by one Francis Swindle, of Dryburn, West Allen. Swindle was at first a member of the Wesleyan body, but, desiring to enter its ministry and being rejected, he determined to establish a sect of his own. He accordingly held meetings at the residence of Mr. John Clark, his brotherin-law, at Low Houses, near Keenlyside Hill. In order to accommodate the surplus congregation, in case of the lower room being overcrowded, a traphole was made through the floor above, to enable them to take part in the service from the more elevated position. Swindle's sermons seem to have consisted principally of violent tirades against Wesleyanism. In other respects there was nothing remarkable about his doctrines. A small residence, called "Bochim," was erected for him at the upper extremity of Dryburn, by his congregation. The name, Bochim, is taken from Judges ii. 5. The sect never extended beyond the valley where it originated, and expired with its founder.
THE UNITED SECESSION CHURCH.
A body of Presbyterian Dissenters from the Church of Scotland had a small congregation in Allendale, by whom the building, now called Lonkley School, was erected in 1831 as their place of worship, the foundation stone being laid by the Rev. J. C. Bruce, of Newcastle, since known as the Rev. Dr. Bruce, the distinguished antiquary. The building was opened for divine service on the 2nd October in the same year, by the Revs. Messrs. Pringle and Browning, also of Newcastle. The members were but few in number, and were never able to maintain a minister of their own. By subscriptions amongst themselves they were able for some time to raise about ten or twelve shillings per week, for which sum they obtained preachers from Newcastle, but in the course of time they were requested to provide one of their own, and this, as we have said, they were unable to do. The subscriptions, modest as they were, soon began to fall off, as well as the members. The chapel trustees were Mr. W. C. Arnison, Mr. John Clark, Mr. Abraham Whitfield, Mr. John Maughan and Mr. Thomas Rowell. On the falling away of the Seceders, the services of the chapel were conducted for some time after by Independent ministers from Haydon Bridge and elsewhere. This also soon came to an end, and the building has since had a somewhat chequered career. It has been occupied at intervals as a day school, and is now used by a brass band as a practising room. Mr. Arnison being the last survivor of the trustees, the chapel became his sole property, and is now vested in his heirs.
Allendale and Whitfield: Historical Notices of the Two Parishes. George Dickinson 3rd Edition 1903 Published by Andrew Reid and Company Ltd, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (pages 113-115)