Mapping Methodism – Wheal Busy Primitive Methodist Chapel

Wheal Busy is a village between Redruth and Turo in the Gwennap mining area of Cornwall. During the 18th century the mine there produced enormous amounts of copper ore and was very wealthy, but from the later 19^th century onwards was not profitable. This profile of Wheal Busy Primitive Methodist Chapel, albeit without the location, has been compiled by Tony Mansell with information from historian J C C Probert.

 

The cover map shows the general area but we have been unable to locate the Primitive Methodist Chapel.

1849: The Wheal Busy Primitive Methodist Society appears on the scene with 40 members. (J C C Probert)

J C C Probert refers to a note on the Primitive Methodist records which says “… the Wheal Busy members were received”. He wonders if the society had split or transferred from another denomination.

1851: A chapel was built to seat 200; it was private property. (J C C Probert) Its location is unknown.

1853: Wheal Busy Primitive Methodist Society had 24 members. (J C C Probert)

1857: Wheal Busy Primitive Methodist Society had 15 members. (J C C Probert)

1858: Wheal Busy Primitive Methodist Society had 23 members. (J C C Probert)

1870: There was a crowded audience here for an entertainment of 1d readings. (J C C Probert)

1872: “Wheal Busy. Primitive Methodist Missions. On Sunday week the annual missionary sermons were preached in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Wheal Busy, in the afternoon and evening, by the Rev. J. Harding, circuit minister. On the following Thursday the missionary meeting was held, when the chair was taken at seven o’clock by Capt. C. Bishop, of Great Wheal Busy Mine. After a very able and interesting speech from the chairman, the meeting was powerfully addressed by Mr. W. H. Miners, Mr. S. Chynoweth, and Rev. J. Harding. The speeches were full of thought, earnestness, and eloquence. Although the weather proved unfavourable, yet the chapel was comfortably filled; and the collections were in advance of last year.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Saturday 7 December 1872)

1877: The chapel passed out of the Connexion’s hands when the congregation joined Salem. (J C C Probert)