Borah is north-west of Lamorna Cove and its chapel is north-west of Borah Farm. This profile of Borough Wesleyan Chapel has been compiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.
10 August 1815: Original lease granted. (SWChurches) Included a promise to build a chapel or meeting house within two years.
10 August 1815: This indenture made between William Michell, St. Buryan on the one part, and William Jelbert, James Matthews, William Nicholas and Francis Maddern the younger, all of same parish, yeomen of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Michell lets to these persons in consideration that they have promised to build a chapel or meeting house on the plot of ground within two years, all that plot of ground marked out and containing 45ft in length and 34ft in width, situated in the tenement of Borah, together with a proper road leading to the same, for a term of 999 years, upon special trust and confidence. Nevertheless to permit all such persons as are appointed at the Conference of Methodists to enjoy the free use of the chapel to preach God’s Holy Word, providing that they preach no other doctrine. Paying to William Michell, his heirs, the sum of 6 pence per year if demanded. Maintaining the chapel in good condition when built, and if the chapel be in decay for want of reparations, William Michell, his heirs may re-enter the said premises to have again and enjoy. (West Penwith Resources / Jim Hosking)
1815-1817: Build date. (SWChurches / Methodism in West Penwith – A Heritage at Risk)
1817: Founded with seats for 100. (West Penwith Resources)
Built as a Wesleyan chapel. (SWChurches)
Part of St Just Wesleyan Circuit. (SWChurches)
1851: Survey completed by Wm. Jacka. Attendance – 57 afternoon service, 81 Sunday School morning. (West Penwith Resources)
1873: Survey reports 92 seats. (West Penwith Resources)
1878: Rebuilt or renovated. (West Penwith Resources)
1878: The chapel was rebuilt with its own Sunday school attached.
1880: Somb miscreant has recently been employing himself in breaking the windows of Borah Wesleyan Chapel. This chapel has just been renovated at considerable expense, and is indeed quite a credit the neighbourhood, but, from its isolated position is in danger from such attacks. A reward of £3 has been offered for the discovery of the offender. (The Cornish Telegraph – Wednesday 16 June 1880)
1907: The trustees of the Borah Wesleyan chapel met Friday evening last for the purpose of arranging matters respecting the renovation the chapel. The fraternity eventually decided that the chapel renovated, and that Mr. Albert Maun, St. Buryan, should have the contract. (The Cornish Telegraph – Thursday 18 April 1907)
1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
1932: Became Borah Methodist Church. (SWChurches)
Part of St Just Methodist Circuit. (SWChurches)
1940: Seating for 130. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)
1815-1941: Historical notes and lists of trustees, Borah Methodist Church, St Buryan. Typescript notes found loose in MRSJ/720. Notes on original lease of 10 August 1815 and lists of Trustees in 1877, 1916 and 1941. Copy of bill for work on chapel in 1878. (Kresen Kernow MRSJ/721)
1981/1982: Closure date. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian / Methodism in West Penwith – A Heritage at Risk / West Penwith Resources)
1981: Closure coincided with the enlargement of the St Buryan Chapel.
Converted to dwelling. (David Easton, Methodist Minister and historian)