Mapping Methodism – Ruan Minor United Methodist Chapel

Ruan Minor is a tiny village and former parish located on the Lizard peninsula. This profile of Ruan Minor United Methodist Chapel has been compiled by Terry Moyle.

 

1970s sketch of 1888 Chapel

Possibly built 1836

Originally a Wesleyan Methodist Association Chapel?

WMA Preaching Plan 1846-1847 evening service & Wednesday evening service

Called “lower” chapel

Lease 25 March 1888 for 60 years & surrender of previous lease

New chapel built 1888

Building costs £205 – builder Richard Tiddy, Lizard

Carpentry/woodwork costs £190 – John Bennetts Nicholas, Breage (also architect)

Foundation stone laid 29 May 1888 by Mr. W Bickford-Smith M.P.

Sunday School opened 27 September 1888

Ruan Minor has for upwards of eighty years been able to sustain both Wesleyans and Free Methodists in a more or less flourishing condition. (Cornish Telegraph 31 May 1888)

Chapel opened 13 May 1889

Capacity 200 with another 100 in Schoolroom

1891 Insurance £420

Two Sunday services & fortnightly weekday service

Lit by oil lamps

April 1920 – 1WW brass memorial plaque unveiled (names of those killed from Grade, Ruan Minor and Ruan Major)

1926 Mission led to formation of Christian Endeavour – met on Thursday evenings under leadership of Mr. Baden Hendy

1928 – electricity using own generator

1933/4 pipe organ from UM chapel at Lizard that had closed

1937 Wesleyan chapel & UM chapel united in UM chapel building

1938 connected to mains electricity

Bazaar – Boxing Day

Band of Hope Anniversary – Good Friday

Guild met on Monday evenings – in “higher “chapel (until it closed)

Choir with Jim Roberts as organist

Congregation from Ruan & Cadgwith

Strong link with Cadgwith lifeboat

Annual tea treat – followed band down to Cadgwith & back

Sidney “Johno” Johnson – an evacuee from Bermondsey, London (June 1940) stayed in the village and received the MBE in 2010 for service to the Ruan Minor community. He has been a steward at the chapel for many years and was a long – time member of St. Keverne Male Voice Choir.

Bosustow family heavily involved with musical life of Ruan Minor chapel – William (Billy)

Bosustow started his musical career here as did many of his family.  Mrs. Bosustow was the organist for many years

John Charles Trerise Trewin (1910-1981) – outstanding record of public service over many years: Parish, District and County Councillor, 26 years as County Councillor, County Executive of National Farmers’ Union, 1951 – Magistrate Helston/Kerrier bench, 1977 – Chairman of Kerrier District Council, Chairman of Helston School Governors, Heavily involved with Royal Cornwall Show for many years – Chairman of Finance Committee, Liberal Party member for over 40 years – once stood as Liberal Candidate in Parliamentary, Election (St. Ives constituency), Local preacher for 50 years.

(Photo: John Wilson, St Agnes)

(Photo: John Wilson, St Agnes)