Mapping Methodism – Penpol Wesleyan Methodist Association Chapel

Penpol is a creekside hamlet near Devoran. This profile of Penpol Wesleyan Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

The Oaths sworn normally led to a Meeting House Licence being granted or renewed and such was the case in Penpol where James Heath senior and junior, James Trenery and Samuel Stephens were granted such a licence in 1807. The location of this religious meeting house is not certain but many believe it to be at or close to the present site of the present Penpol Chapel. This is possibly the earliest record of a Methodist congregation in the parish. Surviving records at the Cornwall Record Office show the system of doctrine to be followed, rules to be followed and questions for potential members of this congregation in a document dated 23 Jul 1821. It goes on to give members’ names from 1821 and 1836, details of Deacons appointed, records of baptisms at Loe Beach and Pill Creek from 1821-1838, the births register from 1820-1839, church accounts from 1821-1839 and a Licence for the Chapel from the Quarter Sessions in 1821.It is possible that this group later moved to Penpol and amalgamated with the Methodist congregation there to become one religious unit around 1840. (https://www.feockpc.com/penpollchapel)

There is reference to a Penpoll Methodist Society from at least 1841 and when the Feock Lead Smelting Works was established, a Day School for children of its employees was set up which evolved into the Feock Lead Works Sunday School, which boasted over one hundred children and up to thirty teachers registered with the Sunday School by 1869.

From Feock, travel back north and take a left turn onto Trolver Hill towards Penpol. As the road runs up by the creek, the Wesleyan chapel can be found on the right.

1791: An Independent chapel in use

1807: Meeting House Licence granted but location uncertain. It is believed to be at or close to the site of the present Penpol Chapel.

There is reference to a Penpoll Methodist Society from at least 1841.

Circa 1849: Sunday school opened.

1856: Suggested date when the Independent chapel joined the Wesleyan Methodist Association.

1859: Joined the Wesleyan Methodists in the Gwennap Wesleyan Methodist Circuit.

Chapel too small and a replacement being considered.

1861/62: Build date. Rendered walls; round-arched openings. Round date plaque to front gable. Some alteration. Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway.

1861: Build date. (SWChurches / Plaque)

1861: Date above the door.

Built on land leased from the estate of Davies Gilbert of Trelissick. (https://www.feockpc.com/penpollchapel)

30th January 1862: Official opening. (https://www.feockpc.com/penpollchapel)

The original Trustees of the Chapel were Richard Harris, a carpenter, William Maunder a tin smelter, John Treneale and Robert Sampson, also tin smelters, William Plummer, millwright, Edwin Harris, builder, Thomas Martin, sawyer, Thomas White, schoolmaster and William Williams, yeoman. (https://www.feockpc.com/penpollchapel)

(Photo: Ann Cunningham)