16 May 2021

Mapping Methodism – New Mills (Ladock) Bible Christian Chapel

Ladock is a village about six miles north-east of Truro. New Mills Bible Christian Chapel can be found by continuing northwards from Ladock along the B3275. The chapel lies at the northern end of this, inside the north-western arm of a minor T-junction there. This profile of New Mills (Ladock Bible Christian Chapel was compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

Wayside Bible Christian chapel plus schoolroom added 1901 (but not shown on 1907 OS map), now converted to a house. Original chapel is killas rubble walls with granite dressings; schoolroom with brick dressings, all under a rag slate roof. Simple chapel with original 12-pane sash windows; central doorway to front side elevation with circa 1901pair of V-jointed planked doors. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

(Photo: Jo Lewis)

(Photo: Barry West)

30 Jun 1877: Lease for years, ground, New Mills, Ladock. Parties: 1) The Right Honourable Thomas James, Lord Robartes of Lanhydrock and Truro, Cornwall. 2) Robert Vincent, Farmer of Trindeal [Trendeal] Ladock, Cornwall. Property: Piece of ground containing 8 perche of land, New Mills, Ladock, Cornwall, includes plan. Consideration: Payment of rent and covenants and provisoes, erection of a chapel or place of religious worship on the piece of ground. Term: 60 years from 29 September 1872. Annual rent: 1 shilling. (Kresen Kernow CL/1/169/6)

The actual build date and opening has not been found but the centenary celebrations in 1970 suggests that it was 1870.

1871: St Dennis Band played at Ladock Bible Christian Sunday school Anniversary, “Tea and cakes were supplied to our 250 visitors in a meadow kindly lent by Mr Ward, during which time the St Dennis Brass Band performed some excellent music”. (Royal Cornwall Gazette 24^th June 1871)

1872: Anniversary held. (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Saturday 12 October 1872)

1879: Appears on map. (https://maps.nls.uk/view/101438891)

1880: Appears on map. (old-maps.co.uk)

1901: Sunday school added. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway / Plaque)

(Photo: Barry West)

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

1907: Became New Mills United Methodist Church.

1907: “Re-Opening Services. The re-opening services in connection with New Mills Bible Christian Chapel, Ladock, were held during last week. Mr. R. J. Varcoe, of Nankilly, unveiled the new mahogany rostrum, and Mr. E. Allen, of Whitemoor, unlocked the newly erected organ… The cost of the renovation and the organ is about £105, toward which nearly £70 has been raised. (West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser – Thursday 11 July)

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

1932: Became New Mills Methodist Church.

1940: Seating for 120: (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

1970: New Mills Methodist Church Centenary 1870 – 1970. [research by P. Stephens & R. C. Murrish]. (Kresen Kernow 287.142372 Large pamphlets)

Converted to a dwelling. (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

1991: Closed “at request of Circuit Meeting”. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

Converted to dwelling. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)