Chidswell, Mount Tabor Methodist New Connexion chapel was situated between the settlements of Shaw Cross and Chidswell at the junction of Leeds Road and the lane to Chidswell. It was built of stone before 1889. By 1901 £1000 had been spent on the original construction and subsequent enlargement of the chapel, school and three houses. A further £165 had been spent on purchasing an organ or other musical instrument. The chapel seated 320 and the school (which was probably below the chapel) 150. In 1940 the chapel seated 250 in pews and there was a school hall and two other rooms
Sources
Methodist New Connexion: Returns of Trust Estates as presented in Special Schedules, January 1901, John Rylands Library University of Manchester, MAC Lawson
Returns of Accommodation provided by Methodist Chapels and other Preaching Places, 1940/290 Batley Circuit
OS 25 inch Yorkshire CCXXXI 16, 1889
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The Methodist New Connexion Magazine for 1864, page 769, includes a full description of the opening of the chapel on Thursday August 25th, 1864.
A “beautiful little chapel has been built to accommodate about two hundred and fifty persons. The style of architecture is the gothic; it is 52ft, by 42 ft. inside, the pews are of deal, stained and varnished, and in place of a pulpit is a well-arranged platform. Underneath the chapel there is an excellent School-room, about 30 ft. square, and two good class-rooms.” As well as the opening services, the services over the next two Sundays are described, and the excellent repast provided at the public tea meeting on Monday, September 5th.
“Since the opening of the chapel. a fine-toned harmonium has been introduced, and a Sabbath-school has been formed, which now [November 11th 1864] numbers near 80 scholars and 20 teachers.”
This building is still in use by Chidswell Community Church.
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