Newbridge is a hamlet in the civil parish of Madron on the Penwith peninsula in west Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is on the A3071 road between St Just and Penzance, about three miles west of the latter. Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell have compiled this profile of Newbridge Wesleyan Chapel.
1840: The chapel was founded. (West Penwith Resources) Possibly the Society.
1851: John Leggo was steward. (West Penwith Resources)
1854 Chapel
The building stood on a piece of ground for which the trustees had paid an acknowledgment of 2s. 6d, per annum.
The building was erected and first used for public worship in 1854, and was of what is termed the barn type, the dimensions being 28 feet long by feet wide and about 12 feet high, with accommodation for about 100 people.
1873: The survey places it in the St Just Circuit with 100 seats. (West Penwith Resources)
1894 Chapel
A Methodist chapel with integral Sunday school probably late C19. Dressed granite brought to course and with contrasting white granite dressings; scantle slate roofs with crested and pierced clay ridge tiles; coped gable facing main road. Italianate front with gable occuli and round-arched openings. L-shaped plan. Original horned sash windows and a pair of doors to the gabled porch. Low granite forecourt wall with rock-faced copings and original iron railings. Converted for domestic use in 2010 (1). (Heritage Gateway)
Newbridge Wesleyan Chapel sits south of the main road (now A3071) through Newbridge.
1892: To Builders and Others. Tenders are invited for the erection and completion of Wesleyan CHAPEL and SCHOOLROOM Building at Newbridge, in the St. Just Circuit. Plans and all particulars may be seen at the Office, of the Architect. Mr. J. Wm. Trounson, F.R.1.B.A., F.S.I. Sealed and endorsed “Tenders for Newbridge Chapel’ to be sent to the Rev. W. Henderson, Lafrowda Villas, St. Just, R. S.0., not later than 16th day of May, 1892. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted, neither will any payment be made for unsuccessful tenders. Dated April 28th, 1892. (The Cornish Telegraph – Thursday 12 May 1892)
1892: Report of the laying of memorial stones. (The Cornish Telegraph – Thursday 04 August 1892)
1894: NEWBRIDGE WESLEYAN CHAPEL. Opening Services. The substantial and well-designed new chapel Newbridge was opened on Friday afternoon. The old building was erected and first used for public worship in 1854, and was of what is termed the barn type, the dimensions being 28 feet long by feet wide and about 12 feet high, with accommodation for about 100 people. In the early part of 1892 it was thought desirable either renovate the old chapel or to build new one; and after due consideration the matter was entrusted to Mr. J. W. Trounson, F.R.1.B.A., who designed the new chapel. The old building stood on a piece of ground for which the trustees had paid an acknowledgment of 2s. 6d, per annum. On appealing to Lord Robartes their considerate landlord met them in his usual generous spirit, and not only granted the present site, but a large additional piece of ground, and gave the trustees the freehold. The new chapel (with schoolroom behind ) is altogether 46 feet long within, 22 feet wide within, and 18 feet 3 inches to the curved ceiling. It will accommodate 200 persons and leave room for additional free seats. The carved work of the rostrum is worthy of note. The seats are arranged all round in the amphitheatre style, on slope, that the greatest number of persons may face the preacher; and the comfort of the sitter has been studied, as the seats have been hollowed and tilted with slanting backs. Three pews have been set aside for the choir and harmonium. The new entrance porch is the east side and is paved with encaustic tiles. There is also connected with the chapel a vestry or small ladies’ parlour, about 17 feet by 10 feet, for ladies’ sewing meetings, Bible class, etc. Behind the chapel is a Sunday school, divided from it by a patent revolving screen, and the school room is feet long 16 feet wide and 18 feet 3 inches in height. so arranged that on special occasions the chapel and. schoolroom can easily be thrown into one building. There are conveniences for the boys and girls, with separate yards. The elevation is towards the highroad to St. Just, and three-light Norman window, with granite dressings throughout, makes a very pleasing feature. This main window has been filled with very handsome painted glass by Pilkingtons, of St. Helens. The east side elevation also of Norman character, with granite dressings, and what is known as pitched shoddy work of an agreeable yellow tint. The original contractors were Messrs. Marks for the masonry, and Gibson for the carpentry. Mr. Marks relinquished the contract and Messrs. Rowe and Pidwell completed it satisfactorily. Mr. Gibson put good workmanship in the carpentry and joinery work. Mr. J. B. Haddon supplied the lamps and lock furniture. Mr. Fleming, of Market-jew-terrace, supplied carpets, blinds, etc. The total cost of the building is about £600, and after the opening services it is expected the adverse balance will not exceed £200. (Cornishman – Thursday 08 March 1894)
1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
1932: Became Newbridge Methodist Church.
There is correspondence until 1998.
1983-1998: Correspondence, Newbridge Methodist Church, Sancreed. Includes Church Council agendas, 1998-1999. (Kresen Kernow MRWP/119)
2008: The building was for sale.
Now residential.