Mapping Methodism – Malpas United Methodist Free church

Malpas is a riverside village, and former port, in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is situated two miles southeast of the city of Truro, on the confluence of the Truro River and the Tresillian River. This profile of Malpas United Methodist Free Church has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

 

The building is thought to be very old so it is likely that it was converted into a chapel rather than built as a chapel but when we do not know.

1840: A Methodist Chapel at Victoria Point, Malpas is recorded on the St Clement Parish Tithe Map. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

A United Methodist Free Church. (David Easton – Methodist Minister and Historian)

Seating for 75. (David Easton – Methodist Minister and Historian)

1880: Appears on and the 1st and 2nd Edition 1:2500 OS Maps. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

1902: Appears in Kelly’s Kelly’s Directory of Cornwall.

1906: “Malpas U.M.F.C. Sunday school anniversary was held on Sunday, the Rev. J. T. Oliver, of Truro, preaching morning and evening to good congregations…” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 19 July 1906)

1907: “Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence has sent a donation of 10s 6d towards the renovation of Malpas United Methodist Free Church. (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 15 August 1907)

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

1907: Appears on and the 1st and 2nd Edition 1:2500 OS Maps. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

24 Mar 1929: Programme, Malpas United Methodist Chapel, St Clement. Records of Mr George T Roberts, local preacher. (Kresen Kernow MRL/300)

1978: Closed (David Easton – Methodist Minister and Historian)

Used for storage. (David Easton – Methodist Minister and Historian)

The former Malpas UMFC (Photo: Jo Lewis)

There is some suggestion in Estate Agent literature that the property dates back to the 14th century.

Now a luxurious private home, this was recently available on the open market for the first time in 14 years (2017).