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R.P. Tabb described the opening of the chapel in the Bible Christian Magazine for 1849 (p 36)
On Thursday, October 5th, 1848, was opened for Divine Worship, a new Chapel, at Trecrago, in the parish of South Petherwin, in the Launceston Circuit.
Sermons were preached, in the afternoon by Mr. W. Reed, of Plymouth, and in the evening by Mr. J. B. West, Wesleyan Minister, of Tavistock. At the close of the afternoon service, about one hundred persons sat down to tea. On the following Sabbath, three services were held in the morning and evening, sermons were preached by Mr. M Robins, of Holsworthy, and in the afternoon by Mr. W. Bray, of St. Neot. The whole of the services were well attended, especially on the Sabbath afternoon, on which occasion, there were present more than eight hundred people; so that we were obliged to worship in the open air. A Spirit of liberality was manifested; the collection on both days, with the surplus of the tea, being more than £16. This we regard as a good collection, all things considered. The best of all, the Lord was with us; and a delightful influence pervaded the assemblies of his people. On the Thursday, one soul was brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Friends connected with other bodies manifested great kindness. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” For many years our people have preached at this place; but a chapel was much wanted to establish the cause. A friend offered land some years since; but the men and the means to carry the matter into effect were wanting, till it pleased the Lord to pour out his blessed Spirit, and revive his work in the Circuit. Then the work went forward, and the object is accomplished.
Our friend, Mr. S. Peter, of Trelaske Barton has taken a very active part in the erection of this house, and the Lord, in whom Nehemiah trusted, when he said, “the God of Heaven, he will prosper us, therefore we his servants will arise and build,” hath prospered us, in a manner that calls for thanksgiving and praise. One thing especially shall be noticed; when we first thought of building, we could get no stone, but from a considerable distance, and at great expense; then stone might be got nearer, yet still expensive; but while the matter of expense stood in the way, the friend who gave the land, conceived that, if search was made, stone might be got on the spot; trial was made, and within a gun-shot of the building, was raised, excepting a few quoins, all the stone for the walls of this Providence Chapel, and with great pleasure was drawn to the spot, by men whose circumstances would not allow them to do any thing else towards the object.
The building cost about £80; present debt about £45. Oh may this house be the birth-place of many; so that, when the Lord writeth up the people, it may be said this and that man was born there! R. P. Tabb.
This account of the opening appeared in the Bible Christian Magazine for 1844, pages 24-25. “In the sequestered parish of Cadeleigh nearly surrounded with hills, lies a small village called Little-silver, the inhabitants of which, as well as those around them a few years since, were noted for ignorance and wickedness; habituated to nearly all kinds of rural games and intemperate habits. Their spiritual destitution was great, being left without any one to cultivate their minds, or to instruct them in those things which make for man’s spiritual and everlasting, welfare. Some twenty years ago, I understand, the minister who then officiated in the Established Church, would cordially unite with them in their drunken frolics, instead of doing “the work of the evangelist,” and showing thereby that he was one of the true “successors of the Apostles.” This individual is gone from his post, and a far more christian-like one succeeded him. Well would it be if those who manifest such strong attachment to the established church, would secure for themselves ministers who would honourably discharge their duties and save them from so much merited disgrace.
About six years ago, one of our much respected friends, who was then a local preacher with us, went out from Tiverton, from which Cadeleigh is about three miles distant, and preached to them “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Many flocked together to hear what this new doctrine was, some of whom formed a favourable opinion of the preacher and his doctrine, while others thought it was better to treat him, and the gospel which he preached, with contempt; but God accompanied his word with power, and caused some to feel it to be “sharper than any two-edged sword,” piercing to the innermost thoughts of their hearts, awakening their minds to such things as previously they had had no knowledge of, and forcing from them the Publican’s prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”
This place was soon taken into the Exeter Circuit, and regularly supplied with preachers, who had the pleasure of seeing their labours crowned with success. One of the largest land proprietors in the parish became favourable to these Dissenters, and soon erected a chapel in the above mentioned village, in order that our preachers might therein administer the word of life. The blessing of God accompanied the word preached, sinners were converted, and a little church was speedily formed, the members of which I found united among them something more than two years ago. This union and prosperity continued to increase, and the members became more lively, so that they frequently “Praised God with joyful lips;” but towards the latter end of June, 1842, the owner of the chapel manifested his disapprobation of the lively meetings we then had, closed the chapel door against the Bible Christian Preachers, and invited our respected Brethren the Independents, who it would appear, stood ready to accept the invitation. God, in his mercy, has, however, made provision for us to continue our labours. Homes were found for the messengers of mercy, and a house also in the same village, into which the little church could immediately repair. For these openings, the writer would here tender his unfeigned thankfulness to God and to those kind hearted friends, who have so nobly stood by us, and the cause of our Redeemer in this time of distress. It is not difficult to account for this attachment; these friends had derived unspeakable benefit through the blessing of God on our ministry, and rather than we should leave them, they would bear inconveniences, and endure persecution.
Being expelled from the chapel, we commenced our meetings in the dwelling-house, which was but small, and consequently not well adapted for such a purpose; but God frequently revealed his mercy to us while assembled there, to the quickening of believers, and the conversion of sinners. It was obvious however, that in order to proceed with the good work another house or chapel was necessary, and it was not long before several pounds were promised towards the expenses of building another chapel. We resolved to build if land could be procured; which after much exertion was done. The foundation stone of this building, which is 26 feet by 17 1/2 within, was laid on Thursday, Feb. 23rd and was opened for Divine service, on Friday August 18th, and the opening services were continued on Sunday 20th, on which occasion five appropriate sermons were preached; three by Br. James Thorne, and two by Br. Thomas Brook. Large congregations attended the opening services, much of the divine influence was realized, and a soul or two were converted. The collections accounted to £ 13, which was beyond our expectation, when taking into consideration the obscurity of the place, and the opposing influence with which we have to cope. Many whose hearts are with us, are bound by their superiors to keep from assembling with us; to the dishonour of those who can act thus in such an enlightened age, be it spoken. May their error speedily be discovered by them.
Through this medium, the writer, and the church here, beg to offer our gratitude to those christian friends, of different denominations as well as those of our own, who came from many miles around, to attend and help by their contributions at the opening services of our little Bethel. We hope to have their further assistance by sharing an interest in their most fervent breathings to the throne of the heavenly grace. May peace and prosperity be enjoyed through tje length and breadth of the Redeemer’s Kingdom, is the prayer of the writer. J. Gammon. Cadeleigh, September 4th, 1843
A deteriorating plaque on the Risedale Road side can be read as “THIS MEMORIAL STONE WAS LAID BY CHAIRMAN (unreadable, possibly GRADWELL, although it would barely fit) August 12th 1876.
This page has been moved from Yorkshire to Lancashire as Cornholme was in Lancashire when the chapel and Sunday school were built. The chapel was built in 1853, and opened on Thursday September 28th of that year. It was described as follows: “It is in the gothic style; and is so elevated as to afford free scope for sound and good ventilation. It has a small gallery behind the pulpit, in a neat recess, for the orchestra, and the three other sides are galleried. The body of the chapel has two ranges of pews up the centre, and benches on either side for the Sunday-school scholars. The building, within the walls, is 48 feet long by 36 feet wide. A burying-ground is also attached, which is laid out in a neat and ornamental style.” Collections at the opening services amounted to £110 1s 0.5d, to be added to the £300 previously collected. A further £200 was contemplated being raised. Wesleyan Methodist Association Magazine for 1854, p543
Could it be the case that this building was never built? The primary purpose of architect’s perspectives such as this was to “sell” the design to the trustees. We must therefore be aware that the completed building may have differed from the perspective (usually to reduce the cost) or, in extreme cases, never built. This is why it is important that, whenever possible, for “as built” pictures to be displayed alongside the perspective.
Lowerplace Wesleyan Methodist Association chapel was built in 1837. In 1851 there were 200 free and 90 other sittings, The building as slso used as a day school and a Sunday school TNA HO129/476/3/4
I have added the account of the opening of Shibden MNC chapel in 1862. Although the chapel is described in some detail, and we are told precisely where it was, it seems to have taken the Ordnance Survey until 1905 to add the chapel to a map.It was next door to Salterlee Primary School. The seating arrangements in 1862 seem at odds with the 1901 returns, and taken in the context of the lack of cartographic representation this does raise questions as to what was happening.
the list was revised on 4 March 2026
I am delighted that we have been able to add a photograph of a trowel used by Mrs R. Needham to lay a memorial stone when the chapel was built on 17 September 1883. The trowel had been acquired by Graham Dudley.
At Andover Street in October 1899 the Sheffield West Circuit (MNC) Quarterly Meeting heard ‘with pleasure that a site for a new school and chapel at Ranmoor has been secured and pladges itself to do all it can to further that enterprise.’ This chapel was the direct outcome of the interest and efforts of the principlas and students of the nearby Ranmoor College. After the purchase of a piece of former farmland in July 1900 for £830 the trustees launched the first phase in red brick -the current ‘old hall’ in October. [The plan shows this phase, and the original building can been seen at the rear in the architect’s drawing.] The new building opened on Sunday June 23rd 1901. Despite a small membership of 21 the debt on the building was wiped out in October 1903. In 1906 the premises were declared ‘inadequate’ and a Plan Committee were considering proposals from six architects, settling on the designs of W.H. Higginbottom of Nottingham. Negotiations and discussions continued for five years to 1911. Work began in September 1911 and was completed in the following May, opening on 16th May 1912. The following day The Sheffield Daily Independent reported “The church, which is a stone building of Gothic design, faces the junction of Nether Green Road and Fulwood Road. Th ebuilding is of local stone with dressings of Stoke stone. Both the exterior and the interior are marked by simplicity. The internal work is in pitch pine which is also used for seating. A glass screen cuts off the entrance from the body of the church. There are no galleries and the choir stalls directly face the congregation. An interesting feature of the construction is the sloping floor which is designed as in the case of many modern chapels to enable the congregation to see the preacher’s face. The interior is very light and airy and the spacious windows are glassed with ornamental leaded lights. Electric lighting has been installed. The heating is by low pressure hot water, and the ventilation is on the natural system. A small lecture hall with choir vestry and minister’s vestry are provided, and underneath the church is a large hall, for Sunday School and other purposes, which is not yet finished.” The cost has been approximately £3900, of which £2400 had been raised. The membership in March 1912 had been 39, and they remained at that level until 1918 when it rose to 68. The number of reserved seats was 130, and even in 1918 average attendances were 40 in the morning and 80 in the evening. The church’s greatest benefactor, Councillor W.F. Jackson, died in February 1918 and was remembered in a window, The church remained in debt throughout the 1930s and in 1942 amalgamated with Broomhill, on the Nether Green site. The newly amalgamated church was renamed St. George’s, Nether Green. A further amalgamation with Ranmoor Methodist Church took place in 1963, again on the Nether Green site. Nether Green Methodist Church continues to this day, as can be seen in the photograph.
To learn more, see: Flavell, Neville ‘From Goole Green to Nether Green: the roots and history of Hallam Methodist Church 1756-2006.
We are very grateful to Neville Flavell for sharing his work on this chapel. There are two photographs of the chapel on ‘Picture Sheffield’. One of the building as a whole: https://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;s05000&action=zoom and one of it during demolition: https://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;s31064&action=zoom
In September 1861 a leaflet was produced by Sheffield MNC South Circuit to publicise the intention to buils a new chapel at Broomhill. The site. ‘a most eligible plot of land’, between Westbourne Road and Ashdell Road at their junction with Glossop Road, had already been secured. Besides the commencemnet of a subscription programme, the leafley announced the holding of a fund-raising bazaar at easter of the following year. From what is believed to be the first eveny of such a kind held in Sheffield for church purposes an amazing £961 was raised. Mark Firth, who himself had given £500 towards the building, laid the foundation stone on 5th May 1862. Rev. D. Round presented the trowel and Rev. Dt. James Satcey, Principal of Ranmoor Collge, gave the address. The same evening Mr Firth ‘announced his purpose to furnish the cahepl with an organ’. [ A full account may be read in the Methodist New Connexion Magazine for 1862 pp 380-384]. The chapel was opened on 23rd April 1863, and in January 1864 the new organ by ‘Father’ Willis of Liverpool was inaugurated by Dr. Samuel Sebastian Wesley. [Another full account appeared in the Methodist New Connexion Magazine for 1864 pp191-192]. By 1868 the entire debt on the building was repaid, in 1883 the chapel was altered and redecorated and a new house was buuilt for the caretaker, and in 1890 Messrs. Willis added a third manual to the organ. By 1941 Circuit minutes indicate awareness of Broomhill’s decline: congrgations rarely exceeded 35. The Church Meeting of January 1942 unanimously agreed to amalgamate with Nether Green. The premises were put up for sale, but were requisitioned by the army in 1943. They were finally sold to Walsh’s Department Store in 1946. The organ was transferred to Neth Green, The Broomhill site is now occupied by an office block named Pegasus House.
Flavell, Neville ‘From Goole Green to Nether Green: the roots and history of Hallam Methodist Church 1756-2006’
The 1904-05 chapel seems to have been the subject of a contemporary postcard.
More information and photographs may be found on Mapping Methodism
Ministerial training in the MNC was carried out piecemeal by ministers in their own manses. Relatively small numbers of trainess did not justify a college, nor were funds forthcoming. Even so, in 1857 the MNC Conference resolved to establish a theological institution in or near Manchester as soon as finances would permit. Then Thomas Firth, whose family had made their fortune in the steelworks of Sheffield’s booming east end, died in 1860 leaving a legacy of £4500 to the New Connexion with strings attached: the money was a contribution to the building of a college on condition that it was in the neighbourhood of his home town and would be built within four years of his death. The MNC responded with a building fund campaign that raised another £6000, and Ranmoor College was opend in 1864. There were 16 students with Rev Dr James Stacey as ‘Governor”.
In the 1970s flats known as Ranmoor View were erected on the site.
Where was this chapel? It is not shown on any map, but Castle Eden was a dispersed settllement.
By 1901 £1100 had been spent on the original construction and the subsequent enlargement of the chapel and a school. A further £100 had been spent on purchasing an organ or other musical instrument. The chapel seated 260 and the school 242.
Methodist New Connexion: Returns of Trust Estates as presented in Special Schedules, January 1901, Newcastle upon Tyne District, Shields Circuit
By 1901 £300 had been spent on the original construction and the subsequent enlargement of the chapel A further £30. had been spent on purchasing an organ or other musical instrument. The chapel seated 250. Methodist New Connexion: Returns of Trust Estates as presented in Special Schedules, January 1901, Newcastle upon Tyne District, Durham Circuit
Felling Shore Methodist New Connexion chapel was built in 1820 and rebuilt in 1836, In 1851 it provided 90 free and 50 other sittings. By 1901 £600 had been spent on the original construction and the subsequent enlargement of the chapel and school. A further £35 had been spent on purchasing an organ or other musical instrument. The chapel seated 200 and the school 100. Sources The Religious Census of 1851 Northumberland and County Durham, Ed Alan Munden, p.346.7 (TNA HO129.551.10) Methodist New Connexion: Returns of Trust Estates as presented in Special Schedules, January 1901, Newcastle upon Tyne District, Gateshead Circuit List of the Methodist New Connection Chapels in England, 1861 p 149, Gateshead Circuit
Fascinating to read this article. My Great Grandad was the Mr Genders referred to in this article and Mr Goodwin was a character fondly remembered throughout my childhood and later life. Elainechattaway@yahoo.com
The original source places this building in Westoe, the parish which covers much of what subsequently became South Shields
I have added an image of the chapel as surveyed in 1855. The Ordnance Survey did not always appreciate the finer points of Methodism. There are no references to this chapel in Wesleyan sources.
The 1784 chapel appears to have been a Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion chapel, taken over by the Methodist New Connexion and then replaced. Source: The Religious Census of 1851 Northumberland and County Durham, Ed Alan Munden, p.386 (TNA HO129.550.28a)
The congregation met here until their new chapel in North Road opened in 1853
