Mapping Methodism – Idless New Connexion Chapel

Idless is a hamlet north of Truro through which the River Allen flows. It was previously known as Edless (or even Eadless) and is still pronounced that way by the old villagers. This profile of Idless New Connexion Chapel has been compiled by Tony Mansell.

Idless Chapel centre (Photo: Susan Coney)

The Idless New Connexion Chapel does not appear on the tithe map so we can assume that it was built between 1840 and 1861 but if anyone has the actual date then we will be pleased to include it.

1861: Idless New Connexion Chapel mentioned in Minutes, quarterly meetings, Methodist New Connexion, Truro District. (Kresen Kernow)

1872 – 6^th June: Conveyance of piece of land (36 feet x 20 feet) and chapel for £50 from Matthew Courtney, grocer, of Truro to Chapel trustees. (Kresen Kernow)

1890: “Idless Methodist Chapel was a New Connexion Chapel.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette 9^th October 1890)

1900: “Idless Methodist New Connexion chapel held its anniversary and harvest festival on Friday last. It was specially interesting as it celebrated the successful conclusion of an effort to wipe out the trust debt and the renovation of the edifice. An excellent tea was provided, to which a large number sat down, the tables being presided over by Mesdames Hawkey and Mitchell and the Misses Stephens, Hitchins and Mitchell. The chapel was very tastefully decorated for the occasion with corn, flowers and fruit. In the evening a public meeting was held, over which Mr J W T Hunkin presided with great ability. Excellent and appropriate addresses were by the Chairman, Revs. J. Dudley and A. E. Bruce and Mr. John Hearn. Mr. G. Hope, trust treasurer, after reading the report, which showed that £55 odd had been raised and expended in extinguishing the Trust debt and renovating the chapel, gave a short résumé of the chapel’s history, then there followed a unique rehearsal which is rarely witnessed in a place of worship, but, nevertheless, very appropriate and interesting, viz. A bonfire made up of the promissory notes which had been given the trustees as collateral security for the debt on the estate. The Chairman held the notes while Mr. Hope applied a match, and in a very short time the flames had consumed and reduced to ashes the legal documents that had been held for many years against the trustees.” (RCG 4^th October 1900)

1907: Idless New Connexion Chapel became Idless United Methodist Church by amalgamation.