Moulton Chapel United Methodist Free Church

Moulton Chapel is near Spalding, and named after its Anglican chapelry which is now the parish church. The village is in the civil parish of the Moultons.

Located on the north side of what was then Eaugate Road, the Free Methodist was brick-built, measured 32x26ft, and had sittings for around 100. It opened circa 1860 as UMFC, becoming United Methodist after 1907.

Members were active in choir and concert work. In 1876 “the spirit of the Free Methodists in this place found expression in the opening of the new harmonium”. The instrument, supplied by Mr Mitchell of Holbeach, cost £20.

There were two chapels here – the other being the (extant) Wesleyan on Fengate Road. Post-union, sustaining two Methodist churches in the village was no longer viable. During WWII, evening services were held alternately in each chapel. Perhaps this sowed the seeds of unity.

At the end of the war the Eaugate Road chapel closed due to its “old and dilapidated condition”. At the time of closure a press report suggested that at one time between 800 to 1,000 people used to come here by bus and car for the anniversary celebrations! There are references to a farmer’s field and barn being used for such gatherings.

The final service was held in 1946 and conducted by Mr George Bedford, a local preacher in the Spalding Methodist Circuit. It is said that some 30 to 40 congregants then joined the Fengate Road chapel.

Standing on a generous plot, it sold at auction for £125 in 1950; included was a wood and coke store made from corrugated iron. The building was demolished and the site used for housing.