Mapping Methodism – Tregony Bible Christian Chapel

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Tregony, sometimes in the past Tregoney, is a village known as the gateway to the Roseland. This profile of Tregony Bible Christian Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

 

A newspaper article entitled Methodism’s Contribution to the Life of Cornwall by the Rev. Thomas Shaw, Assistant Secretary, Methodist Wesley Historical Association: “… At Tregony the first Bible Christian Chapel was a blacksmith’s shop which was unavoidably but uncomfortably dirty…” (West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser – Thursday 21 July 1960) Was this the old smithy further down the hill and on the opposite side of the road?

 

The “Old” (circa 1830) Bible Christian Chapel

All that remains of the old chapel (Photo: Jo Lewis)

Circa 1830: Possible build or brought into use date. (Cornish Guardian – Thursday 20 October 1927)

The ruin of the “Old” Tregony Bible Christian Chapel is on the left side of Tregony Hill, immediately opposite the turning for Well Lane. It is still identifiable.

Research suggests that the original chapel fell into disrepair and a second building became the new chapel.

1898: Became the schoolroom. (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 14 July 1898)

1925: Closure date. (Cornish Guardian – Thursday 20 October 1927)

TREGONY HILL CHAPEL SOLD. When the amalgamation of the Free Methodists and Bible Christians took place, (1907) Tregony Hill Chapel, which had been in use for over 80 years (about 1830), was closed about two years ago…” (Cornish Guardian – Thursday 20 October 1927)

 

The 1898 Bible Christian Chapel

The second Bible Christian Chapel (Photo: Jo Lewis)

1898: “New Bible Christian Chapel at Tregoney. Tregony Bible Christians having decided to build a new chapel and use the old building for a schoolroom, the 5th inst. witnessed the practical completion of the scheme. The new building is 34 feet by 21 feet. The cost, including a freehold site, is over £300. The architect is Rev. E. V. Stephens, the pastor. The President of the Conference conducted a dedicatory service on Tuesday morning. After the service there was a public luncheon in the Congregational schoolroom, presided over by Mr. E. Roberts, of Truro…” (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 14 July 1898)

There is a suggestion that this building may have been an Oddfellows Lodge (Tregony branch founded in 1862) which then merged with the Truro Lodge in 1951 but the previous item throws doubt on this.

1898: Build date. (Royal Cornwall Gazette – Thursday 14 July 1898)

Seating for 140. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

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.

1932: Closure date. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

Congregation joined the other village chapel following Union. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)

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

Became holiday accommodation and listed listed as a converted chapel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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