Mapping Methodism – Port Navas Bible Christian Chapel

Porth Navas is a small village at the head of a short creek running off the main limb which runs north from the Helford River. It is between Mawnan Smith and Constantine. This profile of Port Navas Bible Christian Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

 

Travelling through the village, the Bible Christian Chapel was situated on the left. It is now converted into housing but there is a sign outside: ‘Port Navas Methodist Church’.

Small Bible Christian chapel. (disused?) Late C19. Granite rubble with granite dressing. Shouldered-headed windows (similar to chapel at Tregeseal, St Just in Penwith). (Cornwall Council Heritage Gateway)

(Photo: https://portnavas.com/port-navas-methodist-chapel/)

We hope that there is no objection to the use of this photograph but if that is not the case then it will be immediately removed.

1893: Built as a Bible Christian chapel. (SWChurches)

Appears on 1907 map but not on 1888 map. (old-maps.co.uk)

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

1907: Became Port Navas United Methodist Church. (SWChurches)

Part of Helston United Methodist Free Church Circuit. (SWChurches)

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

1932: Became Port Navas Methodist Church. (SWChurches)

Part of Helston Methodist Circuit (Constantine section). (SWChurches)

1983: Part of Falmouth Methodist Circuit. (SWChurches)

1925-1994: Minutes, Port Navas Methodist Church, Constantine. Trust minutes, 1925-1976; Church Council minutes, 1977-1994. Note at front, ‘1893 chapel built’. (Kresen Kernow MRF/710)

1994: Chapel 100th anniversary. (https://portnavas.com/port-navas-methodist-chapel/)

Circa 1994: Closed. (SWChurches) Considering the next report, this date seems somewhat premature.

2011: “On Christmas morning a cheerful congregation of about thirty people were saddened to hear that the 2011 Christmas service would most likely be the last one celebrated in Port Navas Methodist Chapel. The regular congregation has slowly dwindled in numbers and the building is becoming more and more difficult to maintain. Despite the sad announcement the service proceeded with much good humour and enthusiastic singing. In the congregation were local residents accompanied by family visitors spanning the generations.” (https://portnavas.com/port-navas-methodist-chapel/)

2013: Converted into a dwelling.