Seworgan is a village in the parish of Constantine. This profile of Seworgan Bible Christian Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.
From Porkellis, head south to Seworgan crossing the A394. The Bible Christian Chapel can be found be heading out east of the village, on the left, just opposite Rosevine Farm and the Trevarbah Farm turn.
Bible Christian chapel, 1862, remodelled in 1910 as United Methodist Church chapel. (Cornwall Heritage Gateway)
1862: Build date. (Cornwall Heritage Gateway / Plaque)
Built as a Bible Christian chapel. (Plaque)
“My great grandfather knew Billy Bray and he went to fetch him with his horse and trap to lay the cornerstone of the Bible Christian chapel at Sevorgan when it was built.” (Christine Cumber)
1907: The Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christians and United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to become the United Methodist Church.
1910: Roof raised with Sunday school on the ground floor and chapel on the first.
1910: Plaque one “new chapel” bearing names of past members of the congregation.
1910: “SEVORGAN. For a considerable time the Sevorgan United Methodists have been considering a renovation scheme for their place worship, the chapel (formerly Bible Christian) having been built when the mining industry was in full swing. A scheme was inaugurated some time ago, Mr. W. J. Winn, borough surveyor, Helston. being the architect. The members having felt the need of a smaller place of worship, have converted the gallery into a more comfortable and convenient church, with the schoolroom underneath. Re-opening services were held on Tuesday, Nov, 8th,…” (The Cornish Telegraph – Thursday 17 November 1910)
1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
1932: Became Seworgan Methodist Church.
1940: Seating for 120. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)
In response to a Facebook request for information, Christine Cumber wrote: “I remember the tea treats at Seworgan in the 1950s where I grew up. It was always held on the first Wednesday in August. We would march around the village behind a local band (usually Constantine, Gweek, or Wendron). We would all be given big tea treat saffron buns which I think came from Bordeaux’ Bakery at Praze. My son was born on 4th August 1976, during the tea treat, and afterwards was referred to as ‘the tea treat boy’. There were sports for the children with egg and spoon, sack, and three-legged races. There was a fancy-dress competition, greasy pole, and sheaf pitching as well. It was one of the highlights of the year and brought all the village together. We also had an annual Sunday school outing to St Ives or Newquay but latterly to Marazion, in the 1960s. Unfortunately, the chapel closed in 1987 and was converted into a dwelling.”
1987: Closed. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)
1986-1989: Papers, closure of church, Sevorgan [Seworgan] Methodist Church, Constantine. Includes papers relating to sale of leasehold. (Kresen Kernow MRH/441)
Circa 1998: Converted to dwelling. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)
Became house called The Old Chapel.