Southsea Grosvenor Street Bible Christian chapel

The Bible Christians of the Portsea Mission opened a chapel in 1847. W. Hocken described the opening:

“In a previous number, a few particulars respecting the laying of the foundation stone of Grosvenor Street Chapel, Somers-Town, Southsea, in this Mission, were inserted; from that statement doubtless many of your readers have been expecting, long ere this, to have seen an account of its opening. We had indulged the hope of being prepared to meet that expectation much sooner; but in this we have been disappointed, through a variety of hindrances not necessary to be detailed.

At length these numerous difficulties were overcome, and we had the pleasure of seeing the building so far advanced, as to be able to announce its opening, which took place on Sunday, October 3rd, 1847. Br. James Thorne kindly attended, and preached in the morning and evening, and the Rev. J. Fletcher, (Wesleyan) in the afternoon. On Monday afternoon Br. Thorne gave us another of his soul-stirring sermons, and at the close of the service about 200 sat down to tea in the School-rooms underneath the Chapel, most of the provisions for which were provided gratuitously by our female friends. Tea being over we again repaired to the chapel for the Public Meeting, which was to commence at 6 ½ o’clock; when we were favoured with the company of our old and long-tried friend, Capt. Gourly, R.N. Who has always manifested a willingness to assist us on all occasions, both by personal and pecuniary aid; and although fearing from his advanced age (being 82) to mount the platform, he cheerfully complied with our request to preside over the meeting. In his opening address, which was characterised by his usual energy, piety, and good sense, he gave us another proof that he was a lover of our Zion, warmly interested in the Bible Christian cause, and rejoicing in its prosperity. That he may be spared to us for many years yet to come, if it be the will of Divine Providence, is the earnest prayer of the writer, to which all the friends who know him will say, “amen.” The meeting was addressed, by the Revds. F. Mitchell (of Bethel chapel,) and W. Day (Wesleyan,) also the Brethren, Thorne, Bailey, and Martin. It was a delightful season, and we felt “how good and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren, to dwell together in unity.” Some provisions being left, about 40 of the friends met on the following afternoon to gather up the fragments that nothing might be lost; and in the evening Br. Thorne preached a sermon on the unity of the Church, showing its propriety, utility, and necessity in accomplishing the Saviour’s great design, the salvation of the world. It was a subject which riveted the attention, and excited the admiration of all who heard him.

On the following Sabbath, the opening services were again resumed, when Br. J. Chapple, from London, preached three powerful sermons, which gave general satisfaction, and which I hope will be attended with lasting good.

The money collected in the neighbourhood, together with that received at the opening services, amounts to above £100, which we consider, all things taken into the account, is as well as could be expected.

The Chapel is 43 feet by 33, without, with end gallery, (and if required galleries can be fixed on either side;) at present it will accommodate between 300 to 400 persons; above 200 sittings to let, the remainder are free seats; it is entered by a flight of steps, with iron fence in front: underneath are rooms for Sabbath and Week day schools, 8 feet in the clear, fitted up with range and copper, for the accommodation of Tea-meetings, &c.

A Dwelling House adjoins the Chapel, consisting of 6 rooms, with a pump and other conveniencies. I believe the whole of the materials of which the buildings are composed, are of the best quality, built on freehold, and regularly made to the Connexion.

Since the opening it has been well attended; many sittings are let; and several have joined the society. May the great Head of the Church continue to smile on the undertaking, and in that day when he shall count up his jewels, may it be said of thousands, they were born, there.

W. Hocken.  Southsea, Jan. 29th, 1848.”

It seems as if expectations were met, at least in the early days. On March 30th 1851 there were three services, morning, afternoon and evening, attended by 323, 366 and 462 worshippers respectively.

By 1876 a new chapel was required, the details of which may be found here

Sources

Bible Christian Magazine for 1848 pp197-198

The National Archives HO129/96/46