Haltoft End is a hamlet in the parish of Freiston near Boston.
The first chapel of circa 1850, near Halfoft End Bridge, was built by the fledgling Wesleyan Reform movement. They joined the United Methodist Free Churches about 1857.
Foundation and memorial stones for the second building were laid on 24th February 1894, the former by Sir Wm Ingram Bart MP. The chapel, on Oak House Lane, was dedicated the same year with seating for around 100 people.
A few years after opening, an ongoing disagreement with the circuit stewards culminated in less than reverential behaviour. During a service in 1897, the designated preacher was barred from the pulpit, while a preacher chosen by the congregation took his place. Anticipating trouble, the circuit superintendent minister, and several heavies, had accompanied the hapless preacher.
According to the press, a struggle ensued and “while the struggle was going on in the pulpit, another, equally severe, was taking place on the floor of the chapel, and for some minutes a scene of great disorder was enacted”.
Having fought the good fight, a defeated superintendent returned to Boston. Who said chapel was boring?
Circuits: Boston United Methodist Free; Boston United Methodist post 1907; and Boston (The Square) Methodist post union.
After closing in 1971 it sold for £2,400 (1974) with planning permission for residential conversion.
However, it was not converted, except for use as an agricultural repair shop. It had an abrupt end when completely destroyed by a gas explosion and fire in 1982.
Sources include
Lincolnshire Echo 2nd March 1897
Free Methodist Manual 1899
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