Long Sutton United Methodist Free Church, Market Street

This stood on Market Street, a stone’s throw from the Wesleyan from which the Reformers had seceded. The new building (seating 300) opened on February 25th 1853 (as the Wesleyan Reform Chapel) for which the Rev James Bromley of London preached. Re-named United Methodist Free Church in 1857 (generally known as Free Methodist) but still called ‘Reform chapel’ for many years after. A separate schoolroom was added alongside the chapel in 1865.

The first marriage here took place in 1871 between John Bush (draper) and Harriet Boyington of Tydd. The building was enlarged 1876.

At the age of 50 James Brown, minister, was killed in an accident when returning from Tydd Gote chapel in 1878. Some years previously the Wesleyan circuit minister lost his life in similar circumstances on the Bridge Road.

Temperance meetings were augmented by the chapel’s own temperance choir, the main choir frequently performing sacred concerts locally.

Re-named United Methodist Church c.1907 in line with national changes. Closed 1915 following which it became a clubroom, and then a funeral and joinery business. Both chapel and schoolroom were of similar design: plain brick, Gothic-style windows, and having a village hall appearance. Demolished c.1997.