A Wesleyan chapel, built on Back Street by FW Keppel in 1846, was occupied by Wesleyan Reformers before 1851. The Reformers joined the United Methodist Free Churches c.1857 (United Methodist Church from 1907).
In 1908, members were “obliged” to vacate the building (since demolished) and temporarily used the Odd Fellows’ Hall.
Plans were soon laid for a new chapel on a plot in Front Street, with sittings for 185 and Sunday school accommodation. Building commenced in 1909, although the opening did not take place until Monday 16th May 1910, at which Mr S Simpson performed the unlocking ceremony. Both the architect, a Mr Arnold, and the builder, Alfred Harvey, were from Watton.
Circuits: Litcham UMF; Dereham UM from 1907; and Swaffham after 1932.
The chapel remains open and is now a member of the Central Norfolk Methodist Circuit.
Sources
Census of Religious Worship 1851 (Norfolk): Ed by J Ede and N Virgoe
Free Methodist Manual 1899
Downham Market Gazette 21st May 1910
Methodist Church Buildings: Statistical Returns 1940
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