Mapping Methodism – Greenbottom Bible Christian Chapel
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Greenbottom is a hamlet in the parish of Kenwyn in Cornwall on the Penstraze Moor between Saveock Water and Threemilestone, near the A390. It is situated south east of Penstraze. This profile of Greenbottom Bible Christian Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.
1841 – 7th April: Deed of trust, Greenbottom Bible Christian Chapel, Kenwyn.
Parties: 1) Thomas Pearce of Kenwyn 2) Chapel trustees. Piece of land (45×39 feet), part of Middle Keneggie tenement, to erect Bible Christian chapel. Consideration: £5. (Kresen Kernow MRMRC/141)
1841 – 7th April: Circuit Records – Thomas Pearce conveyed a piece of land 45 by 39 feet to the chapel Trustees for £5 to erect a Bible Christian Chapel, being part of Middle Keneggie Tenement in Kenwyn. This was the first Trust deed (Kresen Kernow MRMRC/141).
1842 – 21st October: Deed of trust, Greenbottom Bible Christian Chapel, Kenwyn.
Parties: 1) Old trustees of chapel. 2) New trustees of chapel. Piece of land in Keneggie, with chapel. Consideration: £98. (Kresen Kernow MRMRC/142)
1840s: First Greenbottom Bible Christian Chapel built – possibly as indicated on the map according to David Thomas of Kresen Kernow.
1866: “The Bible Christian Chapel (now a house) was built in 1866 and closed around 1976 but it was not the first Bible Christian Chapel in Greenbottom, from evidence found in the Truro Methodist Circuit records which we hold. We have Trust deeds of 1841 and 1842 for the earlier chapel and the golden question is where it was. I think it could well have been the small building at the very top of the field on the south side of the main road on the cover map, which outgrew the needs of the congregation and led to the construction of the later 1866 chapel. On your map I think it is the building just left of the number 321 on the main road, which of course by 1880 was not a chapel any longer and would not be labelled as such on the OS map.” (David Thomas of Kresen Kernow)
Possibly the early Bible Christian Chapel
1874: Built as a Bible Christian chapel. (http://churches-uk-ireland.org/cornwall.html)
1874: Certificate of registration, Greenbottom Bible Christian Methodist Chapel, Kenwyn
Certificate of registration as place of worship.
(Kresen Kernow MRT/720)
Former premises sold. (http://churches-uk-ireland.org/cornwall.html)
1887: Memoranda, sale of former Chapel, Greenbottom Bible Christian Methodist Chapel, Kenwyn (Kresen Kernow MRT/721)
1900: “To Builders and Contractors. Tenders are invited for the ERECTION of an ORGAN GALLERY and GENERAL RENOVATION in connection with Green-bottom Bible Christian Chapel. Plans and Specifications can be seen at the Chapel on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 15th and 16th, 1900, between the hours of 10 a.m. ad 5.00 p.m. Sealed Tenders are to be sent to Mr. SCOBLE, Langarth Farm, Truro, before 5 p.m., Monday, May 2lst, 1900.” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 10 May 1900)
1902: “The opening of the organ the Green-bottom chapel took place on Thursday Dec. 11th… The Greenbottom folk are congratulated on their success in the renovating of the chapel and in placing the organ…” “Cornubian and Redruth Times – Friday 19 December 1902)
1907: The Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christians and United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to become the United Methodist Church.
1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
1976: Closed and congregation moved to chapel at Threemilestone. (http://churches-uk-ireland.org/cornwall.html)
It is marked as Greenbottom Methodist Church on 1970 maps but closed in 1976 to eventually join the church at Threemilestone. (Jo Lewis)
Converted to a dwelling (David Easton)
2020: By now the chapel has been converted into two separate homes and recently has been given a makeover. (Jo Lewis)
“Many years ago I was driving from Chacewater to Truro and passed through Greenbottom. I vividly recall seeing a man up a long ladder physically chiselling out and obliterating the Bible Christian Chapel 1866 date stone in the gable of the second chapel. This apparently was in accordance with Methodist Church policy at the time to obliterate all former names and datestones on buildings when sold off. I think this ridiculous ruling has since been rescinded.” (David Thomas, Kresen Kernow)
“Wayside Bible Christian chapel, probably 1860s, now converted to house and slightly altered. Killas rubble walls with granite dressings. Roof now cluttered with rooflights and service pipes. Front gable as pediment above moulded stucco cornice. 2-storey, 3-bay front has round-arched sash windows with fanlight heads to light former gallery. Spoked fanlight over C20 panelled doors. Detached Sunday school on opposite side of road also converted.” (Cornwall Council Interactive Map)
Greenbottom Bible Christian Chapel (Photo: Jo Lewis)