Mapping Methodism – Zelah (St Allen Lane) Bible Christian Chapel

Zelah is a village approximately 5 miles (8 kilometres) north of Truro and is the largest settlement in the civil parish of St Allen. This profile of Zelah Bible Christian Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

 

Baptism records suggest that this was a functioning chapel on the Bible Christian circuit in 1822 but was it Bible Christian?

Seating for 150. (David Easton)

From Gwarnick head back towards Zelah crossing under the A30. The road curves right towards Zelah and the old chapel can be found on the right at a confluence of the road and older tracks. It is also known as Lane Chapel because of its location. (Jo Lewis)

1874: This report raises the question regarding to original denomination of this chapel. “Let Methodists beware how they meddle with established customs. A recent act of a few in authority has caused a revolution among the Methodists of Zelah. So much so indeed that it is a question whether the Chapel there will not have to be given up. I am informed by a member that the ‘leading Methodists’ of the place have gone over to the Bryanites, and that their names may now be found upon the Bryanite plans; and at present it appears probable that the whole body of Zelah Methodists will become followers of William O’Bryan. And what do you imagine has caused this remarkable movement? Neither more nor less than the formation of the Newlyn East Circuit by the officials, who did not, I am assured, consult the members on the subject. Hence mortal offence. Lesson: Preachers and officials consult the lay element before you act. You must not imagine yourselves to be everybody; if you do you will be disagreeably surprised to find that you are, comparatively speaking, nobody.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Saturday 31 October 1874)

The registers for the parish church of St Allen (or St Alunus) date from 1680, but by 1873 the Wesleyan Methodists and Bible Christians had established their chapels in Zelah, a hamlet within the parish. Like many other nonconformist religions, they operated preaching circuits, and many of Zelah’s Wesleyan Baptisms were recorded in the St Newlyn East or Truro circuit registers. Similarly, many of the Bible Christian records for St Allen residents are found in Truro Bible Christian registers. (CORNWALL ONLINE PARISH CLERKS)

1880: Bible Christian Chapel shown on maps.

1884: Symons notes a Bible Christian Chapel at Lane.

1898: “Sir, Will you allow me a little space in your most valuable paper to say a few words in reply to a rumour in circulation about ‘The war at Zelah-lane’.” Letter about the choir. (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 2 June 1898)

1907: “In connection with Zelah Lane Bible Christian Chapel, a service song, entitled “General Gordon,” was very effectively rendered in the Council Schoolroom. Zelah, the chapel choir, assisted by local and Truro friends…” The instrumentalists were Messrs. B. and H. Lanyon (flutes), Mr. W. Odgers tie -centre), Mr. Nancarrow Ceello). and Mr. N. J. Hoskins (violin). Mr. John H. Hooper presided the organ. The Rev. W. F, Ellis gave the connective readings. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the money taken, which was in aid of the trust fund, was considered satisfactory. (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 11 April 1907)

1907: The Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christians and United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to become the United Methodist Church.

1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.

1934: Zelah Lane Methodist (Bible Christian/UM Chapel closed and congregation joined Zelah Methodist Church. (David Easton)

Genuki state that there here were Wesleyan and United Methodist chapels in the parish but that was probably post 1907 when the Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christians and United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to become the United Methodist Church.

1981: A Planning application suggests that the building was converted to a workshop: “Change in use of chapel to workshop Zelah lane chapel Zelah lane Zelah pt 8027 j fryer os reference: SW8051 8151 sites: 280037,”

There is grade 2 listed milestone (as seen) up against the wall of the chapel.

Building converted to dwelling. (David Easton)

2021: Residential.

Zelah Lane Bible Christian Chapel (Photo: Jo Lewis)

Wayside Bible Christian chapel at the edge of village, appears to have been lengthened and remodelled presumably to provide for Sunday school facility. Probably mid C19. Killas rubble walls with brick arches and some brick jambs; hipped slurried scantle slate roof. Simple building with end entrance with doorway only. Round-arched openings except for windows to side walls lighting presumed or former end gallery. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)