The chapel in Padstow was opened in 1840, as described by R. Rodd.
“On Friday the 1st, and Sunday the 3rd of May, 1840, a neat Chapel was opened for Divine Worship, in the Town of Padstow, County of Cornwall, in the St. Ervan Circuit. Five sermons were preached on the occasion; two by Brother W. Mason, from Truro; and three by Brother J. Chapple, from Mevagissey. On the Friday evening the Chapel was full, and on the Sunday afternoon and evening it was crowded. The presence of the Lord was among us, and a good feeling was realized. The collections amounted to the sum of £7 10s. 9d. The chapel is built with stone, slate roof, wood floor, 35 feet by 26 without; and high enough for a gallery, if needed. It will comfortably seat 158 persons: 88 Sittings fitted out with Pews to let, and about 70 free sittings.
About 20 years ago our people opened preaching in this Town. They rented a large room for preaching, and for some time were tolerably well accommodated; but the room being wanted for another purpose, our people were obliged to quit it.
Another small room was then taken to Rent, at one end of the Town, which was neither comfortable, nor convenient; consequently a Chapel was much needed.
Several Friends in the Circuit, feeling for the people of Padstow, agreed to assist them in building a Chapel. A piece of ground was purchased, which cost £40, and the necessary preparations before the foundation could be laid, amounted to from £15 to £20 more. By a united effort, the Chapel is completed and made to the Connexion. The whole expenses incurred in it erection, are about £230, £30 has been collected, and the remaining debt is £200.
Our Society and congregation are increasing, and we hope through Christ, many souls will be saved in the place.”
The chapel would appear to have been the correct size, as the congregations recorded on March 30th 1851 were 94 in the morning, 34 in the afternoon and 150 in the evening.
The question is, where was this chapel? The Ordnance Survey failed to mark this, or any of the other nonconformist chapels in Padstow over the following century (with the exception of the Wesleyan chapel in 1905 ). Following Methodist Union in 1932, this chapel closed, whilst worship continued to this day in the former Wesleyan chapel. Can anyone help us with the location of this chapel, and provide more information of its life?
Sources
Bible Christian Magazine for the year 1841 p22
The National Archives HO129/305/15
Comments about this page
Thank you very much for this information. I have added a map to indicate where the building was in Padstow
After closing, Padstow Bible Christian Chapel became a masonic lodge. It has been renovated and is now called Chapel Lodge. It is situated in Ruthey’s Lane.
I discovered this from Padstow Museum as I have just started working on chapels in the area for the Mapping Methodism project. Details of renovation can be found on Roger Keusch Design and as a holiday let on Harbour Holidays websites.
Add a comment about this page