Mapping Methodism – Roscroggan United Methodist Free Church

Roscroggan is a hamlet to the north of Camborne. This profile of Roscroggan United Methodist Free Church has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

 

Following the road on from Rescroggan Wesleyan Church, the United Methodist chapel was on the left just on the turn in the road by a small left track – Treverno Road. The chapel site can immediately be seen on the left (in fact there is a parking place opposite). It is marked by a memorial due to the circumstances of its ‘demolition’.

A United Methodist chapel, Free United in 1907, is recorded at this location on the 1st and 2nd Edition OS maps c1880 and c1907. It no longer survives having been demolished in the C20. (Cornwall Heritage Gateway)

Roscroggan UMFC (Photo: courtesy Tristan Ball)

1870s: Opened as Roscroggan United Methodist Free Church.

Described as a small cob chapel.

1875: “Roscroggan United Methodist Sunday School held its annual festival. The children and teachers walked in procession, headed by the Germoe Brass Band, through the principal streets of Camborne and returned to the school-room, where a plentiful supply of tea …” (19 June 1875 – Royal Cornwall Gazette)

1888: “The tea-treat at Roscroggan U.M. Sunday School was held on Saturday, when a very enjoyable time was spent. Pool Brass Band was in attendance and gave great satisfaction.” (30 June 1893 – Cornubian and Redruth Times)

1889: The Roscroggan United Methodist Chapel was re-opened on Sunday, the preachers being Mr. S. Stone and Mr. J. Burrow, of Camborne. This place of worship has been thoroughly cleaned and painted and the orchestra improved, and its appearance has consequently been greatly enhanced. (The Cornish Telegraph – Thursday 27 June 1889)

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

1908. Became Roscroggan United Methodist Church.

1932: Closed. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and Historian)

1932: Closed and put up for sale but became derelict.

16 Aug 1932: Sale, Roscroggan Chapel, Camborne United Methodist Circuit. (Kresen Kernow MRCB/128)

Demolished. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and Historian)

1942: At five to nine on the morning of Friday 24th July 1942 a Bristol Beaufort twin-engine torpedo bomber, AW288, of 86 squadron RAF crashed into the disused Roscroggan Chapel. All four of the crew perished at the scene.

The Memorial (Photo: Jo Lewis)