Mapping Methodism – Newmill Teetotal Wesleyan Chapel

Newmill is a village in the parish of Gulval. It had a productive quarry owned by Mr Freeman and employed 15 men and closed before the 1^st World War. There was also a watermill for grinding corn and a Smithy in the village. The Miners Arms was the village pub. In 1893 Newmill was spelt as New Mill. The village is two miles north of Penzance on the road to Gurnards Head. This profile of Newmill Teetotal Wesleyan Chapel was compiled by Val Thomas of St Ives Old Cornwall Society.

1844 Newmill Teetotal Wesleyan Chapel was opened. In 1940 it had seating for 142 people; it is called the ‘Teetotal Wesleyan Free Methodist’ in records made at a later date by the centre at Newlyn, Cornwall and also by the West Penwith Resources – churches. New Mill was also spelt as two words.

1851 John Friggans completed the return. (Friggans is usually spelt with an ‘e’ not an ‘a’)

1867 On Tuesday March 5^th a meeting was held at the Teetotal chapel for the purpose of establishing a Band of Hope…. And although the night was dark the chapel was thronged long ere the time to commence had arrived. Mr John Friggens occupied the chair…. at the close 40 signatures were received. The Cornish Telegraph Wednesday March 19^th.

1888 Thursday April 26^th. The Cornishman reported that revival services were being held at New Mill Wesleyan Chapel.

1890 Harvest festival was held at the U.M.F.C. Newmill to an excellent congregation according to the Cornishman, Thursday September 25^th. (So it was no longer known as a teetotal chapel)

1896 It was Newmill Band of Hope Anniversary and an annual tea took place at 5 o’clock. Afterwards there was entertainment with Mr William Osborne on the organ according to The Cornishman, Thursday December 3^rd1896. Temperance Sunday followed.

1899 In the Cornishman of Thursday 15^th June the chapel is referred to as New-Mill free-church chapel.

This chapel was later referred to as a ‘Free Methodist chapel’.

1916 The Parade Street Quarterly Meeting announced payment of 34 9s 6d in Payment of the New Mill debt. Thursday March 25th

1986-7 Carole Page Davies, born 1955, an artist, converted the chapel into her home and studio. She held dyeing and weaving and spinning classes for pupils at her premises. At her Jamieson Library exhibition all 30 of her paintings of Newmill Valley were sold on the first day! She was married to the Rev John Davies.

(Image Paul E. Barnett 2015)