Garras is a hamlet in the parish of Mawgan in Meneage. It lies on the B3293 road from St. Keverne to Helston. This profile of Garras UMFC (Later Mawgan Lower) has been compiled by Terry Moyle.
Garras UMFC 1884-1907
Garras UMC 1907-1932
Later known as Mawgan Lower – closed in 1953 and united with Mawgan Higher (Wesleyan) to form Mawgan Methodist Church.
Mawgan Methodist Church closed in 1991 with 12 members – cause failed.
Both buildings are now dwelling houses – Mawgan Lower is called “The OLD HALL” and Mawgan Higher has recently been sold.
Garras United Methodist Free Church / United Methodist Church/Mawgan Lower
Cornish Telegraph 16 August 1907 – obituary for Mrs. Henry Choak of Tregoose farm near Helston who had been a consistent member of the Garras UMFC for over 40 years
Royal Cornwall Gazette 4 October 1906 – Rev W. Hicks smith, the newly appointed minister of the Porthleven Bible Christian Circuit occupied the pulpit at Garras UMFC harvest festival services to good congregations. The special rendering of harvest hymns by the choir was much enjoyed.
West Briton 3 January 1907 – on Thursday a sacred concert was given at Garras UMFC by the choir and a public supper followed. The offering will be given to Truro Infirmary
West Briton 25 July 1907 – Mr. Wallace Smith of Truro occupied the pulpit at Garras UMFC on Sunday on the occasion of the Sunday School anniversary and preached to good congregations. Special hymns were sung by the choir and scholars.
West Briton 23 April 1908 – Anniversary services were preached on Good Friday at Garras UMC by Mr. H. L. Choak of Manaccan, followed by a public tea and an evening meeting.
West Briton 1 October 1908 – By the departures last week for America of Mr. Thomas Henry Lugg and his daughter Miss Bessie Lugg the parish has lost two respected inhabitants. Mr. Lugg has been a carpenter on the Trelowarren estate all his life. He was a prominent member of Garras UMC being a chapel steward for upward of 20 years and his service in the choir will be greatly missed and the same can be said of Miss Lugg. Mr. Lugg was presented with a silver spectacles case and Miss Lugg with a silver fruit stand by the congregation.
Cornish Telegraph 8 October 1908 – Garras UMC harvest festival services were held on Sunday conducted by Rev. W.H. Kay in the morning and Mr. Lambrick in the evening.
West Briton 17 May 1923 – Trewennack UM choir gave an excellent rendition of the cantata “From Manger to Cross” in Garras UMC on Friday. The proceeds were for Garras choir funds.
Western Morning News 7 January 1924 – the annual meeting of Garras UM Band of Hope was held on Friday when the Mawgan Quartette party (Messrs. E. Johns, J.O. Williams, J. George and E. Rowe) rendered items. Mrs. John Reed presided.
Cornishman 2 June 1929 – The funeral took place of Mr. William Hodge, 70, of Rose in the Vale, Mawgan. Deceased took considerable interest in public affairs and had been a member of Helston Board of Guardians, the Rural District Council and Mawgan Parish Council. For over 50 years he had been actively identified with Garras UMC and was a local preacher in the Helston & Porthleven UM Circuit.
Cornishman 25 August 1944 – the collection on Mawgan Hospital Sunday at Mawgan Lower Methodist Chapel was £3-10 shillings
Cornishman 14 September 1944 – The Sunday School tea treat and sports were held on Saturday afternoon and evening. Tea was served in the Sunday School and all the children of Banstead Residential School who are evacuated to Mawgan were given a free tea. The sports were held in a field loaned by Mr. John Coad.
Cornwall Post and Mining News 13 October 1944 – Rev. J. Barr, chaplain to the Banstead Residential School now evacuated to Mawgan Parish assisted at the morning service at Mawgan Lower Methodist Church harvest festival.
Cornishman 6 September 1945 – The death has occurred of Mrs. Beatrice Skewes aged 54, wife of Mr. Stanley Skewes, market gardener. Before being taken ill Mrs. Skewes was a regular attendant at Mawgan Lower Methodist Church, Sunday School and choir.
Cornishman 27 December 1945 – A carol service was held in Mawgan Lower Methodist Church last week. The choir under their choirmaster Mr. Trounson Johns rendered old Cornish carols. Miss Mary Hoskin sang a solo and the organists were Miss M. Choak and Mrs. W.B. Peters. Later a supper was held in the school room
Cornishman 14 March 1946 – Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Skewes of Garras have just celebrated their diamond wedding. Mr. Skewes served on Mawgan parish council for many years and has been a preacher for over 60 years. He is the senior trustee at Mawgan Lower Methodist Church with which he has been actively connected for over 50 years.
West Briton 13 September 1951 – Silver Wedding: Freeman-Hoskin – on 15th September 1926 at Mawgan Lower Methodist Church by Rev. G. Crutchley.
