Mapping Methodism – Perranwell (Chyvogue) Bible Christian Chapel (Perranarworthal)

Perranwell is a little to the north of Perranarworthal. It has a railway station on the Maritime Line between Truro and Falmouth Docks. This profile of Perranwell Bible Christian Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

 

The site of a “Bible Christian Chapel” with a possible Sunday school is recorded on the 1st Edition 1:2500 OS map c1880 and survived into the early C20 as it is recorded on the 2nd Edition 1:2500 OS map c1907. Neither the chapel building nor the Sunday school are recorded on the modern OS maps. Sunday school (18th Century to 20th Century – 1701 AD to 2000 AD) NONCONFORMIST CHAPEL (19th Century to 20th Century – 1801 AD to 2000 AD) The site of a C19 nonconformist chapel and associated Sunday school now lost, demolished in the C20 to facilitate the development of the site for residential use. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

The Bible Christian Chapel could be found on South Hill, past the Royal Oak Pub. It was set back north of the road in what is now the area between Chyvogue Meadow and Westmoor Crescent. It would have sat where the building on the right is now. (Photo: Jo Lewis 2021)

1865: Build date. (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 21 April 1892)

Built as a Bible Christian Chapel. (SWChurches)

1892: “Renovation of a Perranwell Chapel. Messrs. Rowse and Sons, Cusgarne, are the contractors for the renovation of and internal alterations to Perranwell Bible Christian Chapel from plans of Mr. Moyle, Chacewater. The chapel will be re-opened on Good Friday.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 17 March 1892)

1892: “PERRANWELL BIBLE CHRISTIANS. RE-OPENING OF THE CHAPEL. Good Friday, 1892, was a red-letter day for the Bible Christians of Perranwell and neighbourhood. The chapel was originally built in 1865 at an estimated cost of £1,000, but a large amount of labour having been rendered ‘gratuitously, the actual expenditure amounted to between £700 and £800. It was thought now that the building was not altogether so suitable and as comfortable as might be, and tenders being invited, the renovation was given into the hands of Messrs. F. and R. Rowse (Cusgarne), the contract price being about £54. There were, however, some extras which brought the total up to nearly £80. The alterations which have been made consist of re-seating the centre of the chapel (formerly forms) with pitch-pine pews; bringing forward the rostrum and the orchestra at back some six or seven feet, thereby making the chapel more comfortable; new communion rail; a porch screen of lead lights (supplied by Messrs. Solomon and Co., Truro); covering the doors with red baize, and a very great improvement to the lobby at the entrance, which is made considerably larger… The chapel was built by nine trustees, but the recent alterations were made by the society, and now present a very neat end pretty appearance, being a decided improvement… The choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Thomas Coad, rendered some choice music during the day. The most noticeable feature was the orchestra, which considerably helps the choir. In addition to the harmonium there were two flutes, cornet, and euphonium, and a choir of about 15 voices…” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 21 April 1892)

1907: The Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christians and United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to become the United Methodist Church.

1907: Certificate of registration, marriages, Chyvogue United Methodist Church, Perranwell, Perranarworthal. (Kresen Kernow MRF/525)

1907: Certificate of registration, Chyvogue United Methodist Church, Perranwell, Perranarworthal. Certificate of registration as a place of religious worship. (Kresen Kernow MRF/523)

1907: Became Perranwell United Methodist Church. (SWChurches)

1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.

1932: Became Chyvogue Methodist Church. (SWChurches)

1940: Seating for 249. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

1952: Correspondence, income tax, Chyvogue Methodist Church, Perranwell, Perranarworthal. Overpayment of income tax. (Kresen Kernow MRF/436)

1968: Closed. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

1969: Closed. (SWChurches)

1969: Premises were sold. (SWChurches)

1969: Schedule of deeds, Chyvogue Methodist Church, Perranwell, Perranarworthal. (Kresen Kernow MRF/437)

1969: Letter, proceeds of sale of Chyvogue Methodist Church, Perranwell, Perranarworthal. Letter from Methodist Church trustees, Manchester. (Kresen Kernow MRF/438)

1970: Certificate of registration, Chyvogue Methodist Church, Perranwell, Perranarworthal. Certificate of registration as a place of religious worship. (Kresen Kernow MRF/524)

Demolished. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

Dwellings built on site. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

1968-1970: Papers, closure and sale of Chyvogue Methodist Church, Perranwell, Perranarworthal. (Kresen Kernow MRF/526)