Mapping Methodism – Devoran Wesleyan Chapel

Devoran is a village 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of Truro on the northeast bank of the Carnon River at its confluence with Restronguet Creek, a tidal creek which flows into Carrick Roads above Falmouth. This profile of Devoran Wesleyan Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

Recorded on the 1st and 2nd Editions of the 1:2500 1880 and 1907 OS Maps. Re-built c1861. An earlier rear schoolroom survives (b1). (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

The large Chapel can be found on the right as you walk up Chapel Terrace.

1825 Chapel

1825: Wesleyan chapel built.

1861 Chapel

1861: Wesleyan Chapel re-built on a larger scale.

The rear schoolroom appears to be older and maybe part of the previous chapel.

The fine interior of the main chapel survives intact, as does a remnant of paving outside the front.

Part of Truro Circuit.

1850s: Music book, Devoran Chapel Band. Handwritten manuscript containing music written for use in local churches and chapels before harmoniums or organs were normal practice. This music was orchestrated by members of the Webber and Trebilock families to enable local musicians to play within their capabilities at the services. Information provided within the volume. (Kresen Kernow CMA/1/8/3)

The Wesleyan Methodists also had a chapel here which was built in 1825, it was rebuilt in 1861. (https://www.explorechurches.org/church/devoran-methodist-chapel-truro)

Circa 1861: Re-built. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

1861: Built as a Wesleyan chapel. (SWChurches)

1877: DEVORAN. Wesleyan Day School. The following is a summary of H.M. Inspector’s report: “This school is well disciplined and in good order, and the attainments of the children are fairly good. Sewing and singing have been well taught. The infants have been creditably instructed, considering the size of the room and the difficulties consequent thereon. The room is very crowded. The children passed well in article 19 (o). The school is in a flourishing condition. There is also a drawing class which is doing well, about nine tenths of the average have gained the full grant. In addition to the above, Kate Oliver is qualified by examination for admission.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Friday 27 July 1877)

1877: DEVORAN. The Wesleyan Organ. “I noticed in your issue of the 20th inst. a cowardly attack on the young lady organist of the Devoran chapel … True, indeed, the organ is a patched up affair, and the best player in the world could not avoid at times making most discordant sounds. It is, indeed, a miserable instrument, but it was far better than it was before…” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Friday 27 July 1877)

8 Oct 1890: Copy conveyance, Wesleyan Chapel, Devoran, Feock. Parties: 1) Right Honourable Thomas Charles Baron Robartes. 2) Mr [?] Lashley Tucker the younger, of Devoran. Property: Wesleyan Chapel, Devoran, Feock, Cornwall, includes plan. Very fragile and difficult to read. (Kresen Kernow CL/1/98)

1892: “Messrs Bullen Brothers, Truro, supplied the beautiful Vulcan lamps just placed in the restored Devoran Wesleyan Chapel.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 10 March 1892)

1892: Chapel renovation complete. (The Cornish Telegraph – Thursday 17 March 1892)

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

Devoran Wesleyan Chapel (Jo Lewis 2021)