The profiles of Pelynt Methodist Chapels have been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.
1837 Chapel
Located to the north of the village at junction with Muchlarnick.
“When in 1837, the Wesleyan Association broke away, they built their own chapel defiantly within sight of the original one.” (A Short History Of Methodism In Pelynt. Centenary Issue by P. Bowden. Printed for Pelynt Methodist Church at the Carpenters Press, Common Moor) / Joanna Mattingly)
1837: Build date based on the above statement.
1857: The Wesleyan Methodist Association and the Wesleyan Reform Church amalgamated to become the United Methodist Free Churches
1857: Became a United Methodist Free Church.
1870s: Various events being held at Pelynt UMFC.
1873-1888 map shows this as a United Methodist Chapel.
1885: Became a Sunday School when the new chapel opened.
1907: The Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christians and United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to become the United Methodist Church.
1925-1929: The Wesleyans purchased the United Methodist Church Sunday School and Bethel Chapel.
1960s: Presumably sold at the same time as Summer Lane Chapel.
1988: Planning documents note a conversion of Sunday school into one dwelling with dormer windows and a detached garage. There is now a house, presumed conversion, on the site.
The Comprehensive Gazetteer of England & Wales, 1894-5 notes the presence of Wesleyan and Methodist Chapels in the village.
1885 Chapel – probably known as Bethel Chapel
(Photo: Tony Mansell)
(Photo: Barry West)
(Photo: Barry West)
(Photo: Barry West)
Located on the left in Summer Lane
Not shown on 1873-1888 map.
Build date: 1885 (Date stone)
Built as a United Methodist Free Church. (SWChurches)
1886: A United Free Methodist Church at Pelynt, near Looe, was opened last week. It accommodates 145 persons, and has been built by Messrs. John Edwards and George Wakeham, of Pelynt, the amount of the contract being £372. The architect is Mr. Snell, of Plymouth, and Mr. Roe, of Pelynt, was clerk of the works. (Building News – Friday 08 January 1886)
1886: A new chapel has been opened at Pelynt, near Looe. It will accommodate 145 persons, and cost £372. (Christian World – Thursday 14 January 1886)
It presumably replaced the chapel to the north which became the Sunday school.
Kelly’s 1902 notes Methodist Association and Wesleyan in the village.
1907: The Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christians and United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to become the United Methodist Church.
Became Summer Lane United Methodist Chapel.
1927: Speaker at Pelynt UMFC School. (Newquay Express and Cornwall County Chronicle – Thursday 10 November 1927)
1920s/1930s: Various events being held at Pelynt United Methodist Chapel.
1925-1929: The Wesleyans purchased the United Methodist Church Sunday School and Bethel Chapel.
1931: Pelynt United Methodist event. (Cornish Guardian – Thursday 1 January 1931)
1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
1932: Became Summer Lane Methodist Church.
1935: Greater Efficiency Increased Power. “I Imagine if those great Methodists, in whose minds the idea of union took shape could be present today and could behold the healthy prospects and the prosperous signs here, they would feel they had not lived in vain. Their aim. unless I mistake it. was for greater efficiency and increased power. That end should be gained and experienced in Pelynt. It Is up to you to see to It that it is gained, that because of this union there is greater efficiency and greater power. Thu building which you have had renovated is undoubtedly the best, for want of a better word, I am going to say chapel here in the village. In Pelynt the United Methodists had the best congregations and the Wesleyans the best chapel, and what more fitting than that the best building should he retained and the congregations amalgamated Into one. This chapel has been renovated and will accommodate the congregations of both churches. It Is in an excellent condition; you have had installed an up-to-date heating apparatus and a tuneful organ…” (Cornish Guardian – Thursday 2 May 1935)
1935: Former United Methodist Free Church / United Methodist closed. (Revd David Easton, Methodist Historian).
1950s: Being used as a dining hall by Pelynt School.
1962: Summer Lane United Methodist Church sold by the Methodist Church. (SWChurches)
1962: Buildings sold to pay for the purchase of Jubilee Cottages.
Became residental – The Old Chapel.