Mapping Methodism – Gorran High Lanes Wesleyan Chapel

This profile of Gorran High Lanes Wesleyan Methodist Chapel has been compiled by Mark Mitchley

 

 

Denomination:                                    Wesleyan Methodist

Location:                                             Gorran High Lanes

Opened:                                              May 1816

Closed:                                                8^th January 1978, building sold in January 1980.

Anniversary:                                        May

Sunday School:                                    Yes

Sunday School building:                      Yes

Sunday School anniversary:                June

Current status:                                    Converted to residential use in 1993 and used as a holiday letting.

Other:                                                  Listed by Historic England on 15^th November 1988

There was an adjoining coach house and stabling

There was also a house for the minister nearby which the chapel owned.

Book:                                                   ‘The history and memoirs of Gorran High Lanes Chapel’ by Betty Liddicoat, printed privately, 2005.

 

The Wesleyan Methodist chapels at Gorran High Lanes and Gorran Haven are often confused in the press and ‘Gorran Wesleyans’ needs careful reading as it could be about either church. Kresen Kernow has a file of correspondence relating to the chapel’s closure (MRA/964) and also holds a register of baptisms from 1837 t0 1975 (MRA/300) and marriages from 1906-1973 (MRA/301). The Chapel administered a charity trust, The Martin Trust, which was transferred to Boswinger Chapel on closure.

 

 

1814 Founding

Joseph Lawry of Tregarton applied to the Bishop of Exeter to build a chapel at Gorran High Lanes.

 

May 1816 Opening

The chapel was completed and received the proceeds of a collection organised by the Helston Circuit.

 

1832 Possible extension

Funded with £100 from Joseph Lawry, perhaps to build the stables and Sunday School.

 

1851 Religious census

Completed by the minister, William Rouse, living at the Priest House, showing 70 free sittings and 140 others. Services were in the morning, with an average of 60 worshippers and in the evening, with about 120 congregants. The Sunday School met in the afternoon and had 59 children.

 

West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser, 24^th December 1874

‘Lecture on war: Mr. John Gill, of Penryn, recently delivered a lecture in the Bible Christian Chapel, Polmassick, St. Ewe, and Gorran High Lanes Wesleyan Chapel “On the horrors of war”, showing the loss of life; its enormous expenses, &c. Each chapel was well attended, and the audiences were well pleased.’

                                                           

The Cornishman, 15^th January 1880

‘Gorran: A bazaar in aid of the entire renovation of the internal part of the Wesleyan Chapel at High-Lanes was held on New Year’s Day in a barn belonging to Mr. Lanyon at Treveague. A magic lantern was exhibited by Mr. Joseph M. Coom, of St. Austell, during the evening, and some good music rendered by the Mevagissey Wesleyan Choir. The amount realised during the day was about £65.’

 

1901 New entrance, roof and harmonium

This work destroyed the original plasterwork and included a new path and two attractive granite pillars at the entrance. It cost £270. A new organ, by Clough and Warren was acquired and the existing harmonium placed in the Sunday School.

 

The Cornish Guardian, 24^th April 1903

‘Gorran High Lanes: A sacred cantata, with Scriptural recitations, entitles “The Beatitudes”, was well rendered by the choir at the Wesleyan Chapel, Gorran High Lanes, on Thursday 16^th April. Rev. H. J. Quilter presided and gave the connective Scriptural readings. The chapel was well filled by a congregation who gave frequent and hearty signs of approval. Solos were beautifully rendered by Misses Pearce and Mr. Prowse. The occasion was the raising of funds for Trust debt and the new heating apparatus. A collection was taken at the close, and a vote of thanks was accorded by Mr. Quilter to Miss Martyn, who most ably presided at the organ, and to the choir. This was heartily responded by the congregation.’

 

The Cornish Guardian, 22^nd November 1906

‘Gorran Wesleyan Band of Hope held its first entertainment on Thursday evening. The Rev. Mark Guy Pearce’s story, “The man who spoiled the music”, was read by Mr. G. Martyn, and illustrated with lantern pictures, also “The six piccaninnies”, which greatly amused the younger folk. The lantern was manipulated by Messrs. H. Michell and F. Pearce. Mr. E. Searle (president) occupied the chair.’

 

Royal Cornwall Gazette, 26^th May 1910

‘Gorran: A Gorran Wesleyan Church service was conducted by Mr. J. J. Britton and Mr. J. Whetter. Miss Pearce rendered “Sunset and Evening Star” to Sir F. Bridge’s setting. There were good congregations. Miss Martyn presided at the organ, and played the Dead March at the conclusion.’

 

St. Austell Star, 7^th September 1911

‘Members and friends of the Gorran Wesleyan Band of Hope (about seventy) had a picnic on Caerhayes beach on Friday. The weather was delightful, and a very enjoyable time was spent. Before and after tea, games were indulged in on the sands.’

                                   

St. Austell Star, 9^th October 1913

‘Gorran High Lanes Wesleyans: The High Lanes Wesleyans held their harvest festival on Thursday. In the afternoon a sermon was preached by the Rev. G. H. Vernon, of Padstow. Tea was provided in the schoolroom to which a good number sat down., A service was subsequently held in the chapel at which Mr. J. F. Pearce (in the unavoidable absence of Mr. W. A. Worthington) presided. Addresses were by the Revs. J. J. Barton and G. H. Vernon. The fruits, vegetables and flowers with which the chapel was prettily decorated are being sent as on previous occasions, to the Royal Cornwall Infirmary.’

           

The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, 18^th January 1923

Redruth Miners at Gorran: Concerts were given by a choir of eight miners from Redruth at Gorran, on Saturday and Sunday. The choir sang in the Council School on Saturday, in the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday, and in Gorran Haven Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday evening.’

 

The Cornish Guardian, 3^rd August 1923

‘Gorran: Gorran and Boswinger United Band of Hope festival was held at High Lanes. Following an open-air tea there was a public meeting, which was addressed by Pastor Bennett (united Methodist). Mr. E. J. G. Mitchell presided. Stenalees Silver Band was in attendance.’

 

The Cornish Guardian, 9^th January 1925

‘Gorran: At the Gorran High Lanes Church on New Year’s Day a sale of work was held, also public tea. Owing to the inclement weather, the attendance was not so large as previous years. An entertainment followed and the Trelowth Male Quartette was present.’

 

Western Morning News, 6^th February 1935

‘Organist’s collapse at Gorran: Mr. Geo. Martin, for some years organist at Gorran Methodist Church, Gorran High Lanes, collapsed and fell across the organ, after completing the paying of the first hymn at the evening service on Sunday, and died from a heart attack.

Nurse Titford (district nurse) was in the congregation and went to his aid, and Dr. Walker (Mevagissey) was soon on the scene, but Mr. Martin died before he arrived.

Mr. Martin, who was aged 66, had been in indifferent health for some time. He had been under Dr. Walker Walker’s care, and an inquest will not be necessary.

Mr. Martin was a retired master carpenter and life-long Methodist, having filled most lay offices of the church. He was an enthusiastic lover of music, and only on Friday was at a practice of Gorran Choral Society.’

 

1945 Electricity connected

Oil lighting was phased out. It had itself phased out candles by about 1880.

 

The Cornish Guardian, 24^th May 1951

‘Freehold semi-detached dwelling-house for sale with vacant possession. Gorran High Lanes. Herbert Rowse and Son, Auctioneers, of 16, Duke Street, St. Austell, have been favoured with instructions to offer for sale by public auction, on Monday, 4^th June, 1951 at 3pm (subject to conditions) at the Methodist Sunday Schoolroom, Gorran High Lanes, all that freehold semidetached swelling house situate at and known as “CHAPEL HOUSE”, Gorran High Lanes, now vacant, containing:

Front porch, sitting room 12’ 3” x 10’ x 3”, modern tiled grate and hearth, built in cupboards; Dining room 12’ 3” x 9’ with fireplace; Kitchen 13’ 3” x 12’ 2ith Cornish range, rotary pump (good supply of drinking water); Pantry; cupboard under the stairs; 4 bedrooms – No. 1, 12’ 6” x 10’ 6”; 2, 12’ 6 “ x 9’ 6”; 3, 9’ x 5’ 9”; 4, 12’ 3” x 8’ x 3”, built in cupboards. Small boxroom. Outside: Large garden. Electric, water.’

                                   

The Cornish Guardian, 19^th May 1966

‘Treviscoe Choir at Gorran High Lanes: the Gorran High Lanes Methodist Church was filled last week when the famous Treviscoe Male Voice Choir gave a concert to mark the 150^th anniversary of the church. Mr. T. Renowden, headmaster of St. Austell Secondary Modern School, presided. Mr. W. J. Russell Kessell conducted the choir and Mrs. Melba Kessell accompanied. Guest artistes were Miss M. Jeffery, soprano of St. Austell, and Mrs. F. Small, elocutionist. There were also solos by Messrs. Clayton Johns, Clive Glanville and G. Roberts. Thanks were expressed by Mr. Leonard Mitchell, organising secretary, to all taking part.

Prior to the concert, the Rev. K.K. Winn, of Mevagissey, led community hymn singing, with Mr. Michell accompanist. A collection and sale of programmes exceeded£23, and donations of £14 brought total proceeds to £49 10s 5d for Trust funds.’

 

11^th November 1977 Decision to close the Chapel

The Church council confirmed their decision on 30^th November 1977. There were seven members of the church, of which three were recorded as infirm.

 

8^th January 1978 Last service

The chapel was closed thereafter and members transferred to Boswinger Methodist Church.

 

West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser, 3^rd January 1980

‘For sale by Public Auction Friday, January 18^th, 1980 all that freehold property situate at and known as: THE METHODIST CHAPEL, GORRAN HIGHLANES, GORRAN, ST. AUSTELL and having the benefit of outline planning consent for conversion to residential use. Full details from Wilsons 5, Market Street, St. Austell.’

 

Date	Publication	Subject matter
21st January 1887	Royal Cornwall Gazette	The chapel collected £2 8s for the Royal Cornwall Infirmary given by Mr. W. Pearce.
19th March 1891	Royal Cornwall Gazette	The chapel collected £2 10s for the Royal Cornwall Infirmary given by Rev. J. Chesterfield.
27th November 1902	St. Austell Star	Missionary services and notice of further to come. On Tuesday, there was a magic lantern service.
5th May 1904	St. Austell Star	Anniversary sermons by Mr. T. J. Bennetto of Mevagissey; Rev. Gratton of Perranporth followed by a public team and evening meeting led by Mr. F. A. Coom.
11th October 1906	Royal Cornwall Gazette	Harvest Festival services with public tea and meeting. Several addresses given including newly appointed minister Rev. W. Rider.
28th March 1907	West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser	The chapel collected £1 18s for the Royal Cornwall Infirmary given by Mr. G. Martyn.
13th March 1908	Cornish Guardian	Mevagissey and District U. M. meeting held at High Lanes with lecture entitled: ‘Some contributions of nonconformity towards progress during the Nineteenth Century’.
11th November 1909	St. Austell Star	Missionary tea meetings on Thursday. Rev. Robinson gave a sermon and talk about his work in The Bahamas. More than £16 collected.
13th October 1910	Royal Cornwall Gazette	Royal Cornwall Infirmary thank the chapel for its Harvest Festival donations of fruit and vegetables.
4th May 1911	Royal Cornwall Gazette	Chapel anniversary services followed by a ‘satisfactory’ financial report.
14th September 1911	St. Austell Star	High Lanes Band of Hope 30 person outing to Falmouth via waggonettes to Truro and then boat to Falmouth. Back at 11.30pm.
8th August 1912	West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser	Festival of the Gorran Wesleyan Band with march headed by the Stenalees Temperance Band. Tea and games in the schoolroom. Presentation of an oak biscuit barrell to Rev. W. Henderson leaving the circuit after three years.
21st November 1913	Cornish Guardian	Foreign Missionary tea and talk from Rev. Sylvester Lee of St. Agnes, former missionary to China. £16 11s 2½d raised.
15th October 1914	St. Austell Star	Harvest Festival services followed by tea and then a sale of the fruits and vegetables.
10th February 1922	Cornish Guardian	British and Foreign Bible Society meeting held and sermon from Rev. Smitham of Croydon.
18th January 1923	West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser	£10 raised from a sale of work in aid of Zenana Missions and a Band of Hope tea with musical programme. Collections made for the National Children’s Home and the St. Austell Cottage Hospital.
25th June 1926	Cornish Guardian	Rev. H. Whitehead (ex Mevagissey circuit now of Bolton Mission) staying at the Haven and advertised to sermonise at the High Lanes Sunday School anniversary on 27th June.
10th October 1929	Cornish Guardian	Harvest Festival services by Rev. Blackburn of Mevagissey with musical accompaniment followed by a public tea.  Evening meeting led by Mr. Mutton of Charlestown.
27th February 1930	Cornish Guardian	Home missionary meeting led by Rev. R. A. Blackburn
25th October 1934	Cornish Guardian	Harvest Festival services with lots of preachers and ‘exceptionally large congregation’ who sang hymns ‘with great fervour’.
16th September 1943	Cornish Guardian	Funeral of Mr. E. Searle of St. Austell who served Gorran High Lanes Chapel ‘… with devotion for the major part of his life.’
27th November 1952	Cornish Guardian	Advertisement for a caretaker for chapel and premises.
19th August 1954	Cornish Guardian	Re. Geoffrey N. Stephens given a tape recorder and recording of the service at Gorran Haven on leaving the Mevagissey Circuit. A present from chapels at Gorran Haven, Gorran High Lanes, Polgooth and Pentewan.
6th October 1955	Cornish Guardian	Harvest Festival services conducted by Mr. Tom Pearce, a former pupil.
13th April 1961	Cornish Guardian	Advertisement for a caretaker.
19th December 1963	Cornish Guardian	A record £50 was raised at a sale of work. Mr. W.R. Grose presided; it was opened by former pupil, Mrs. P. M. Church and Rev. K. K. Winn presided at a tea followed by a musical programme.
2nd January 1969	Cornish Guardian	Members of the High Lanes Chapel joined in with the choir at St. Goran on 29th December 1968.
30th January 1969	Cornish Guardian	Funeral at Boswinger of Leonard Charles Bunney of Boswinger and trustee of Polmassick Church (as well as Boswinger, Gorran High Lanes and Gorran Haven).