The first Wesleyan Methodist church in Swanwick was built in 1824. Taken down in 1845 it was rebuilt with 400 sittings at a cost of £350 and is of red brick faced with stone. Backing onto High Street it faces Derby Road.
In 1850 the congregation became Wesleyan Reform though the return for the 1851 Religious Census was submitted when the chapel was still considered Wesleyan Methodist.
The chapel was renovated in 1875. A new pulpit was installed with galleries behind and vestries underneath. New heating and new pews were also added. A re-opening service was held on Sunday 24th October.
Land having been purchased to the north side of the chapel a new schoolroom adjoining was added in 1928 again backing onto High Street. The false-gable tablet says ‘U.M.F.S. 1928.’
A porch was added across the front of the building in 1981.
The chapel remains open today as the Swanwick Methodist Church and is a member of the Borders Mission Circuit. There is more information on the Church’s website.
Sources.
White’s Derbyshire Directory 1857.
Alfreton Journal October 29th 1875.
Matthew Wheeler. Life of Matthew Hayes. 1899
Tranter, Barton & Ell. The Derbyshire Returns to the 1851 Religious Census.1995
The Swanwick Methodist Church website.
My United Methodists website. Swanwick – a divided pulpit
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