Mapping Methodism – Troon Wesleyan Chapel

The location of the chapel on 1888 map

Troon is a large village, 1.5 miles south-east of Camborne This profile of Troon Wesleyan Chapel has been compiled by Suzanne Trythall

The earliest mention of places of worship in and around Troon indicate there were seven meeting houses, including Stennack and Copper Hill. A chapel was built around 1795, the site being at the rear of the present McColl’s supermarket in New Road. The present chapel was erected in 1863.

1863: tender of £529.15s.0d accepted from the contractor Coad for enlargement of chapel plus 30s for rebuilding portion of schoolroom projection from present chapel

1864: thirteen trustees and the minister was Rev George Blanchflower. Income from seat rents was £14.4s.5d. Balance in chapel funds was £243.11s.0d. Centenary Chapel was paid £20 for their harmonium.

1865: outstanding debt was £420.18s.3d

Photo: Clock under gallery given by Mrs Tryphena Wynne Pendarves (1780-1873)

Photo before 1913 with first small organ and oil lamps

Photo with first organ but new choir entrance and gas lighting

1886: newspapers record the renovation opening proceedings of the new Sunday School building with Revs J Watson, E Coleman and T Darlington present. Contractor Mr T George Camborne, woodwork Mr J Berryman Troon, architect Mr J Pengilly Troon. Cost £450/£500 for vestries, downstairs schoolroom and upstairs schoolroom 40ft x 39ft.

Four foundation stones were placed high up on the exterior south wall by

Capt Josiah Thomas on behalf of the teachers and scholars
William Rabling on behalf of the scholars
J R Daniell in memory of Mrs Daniell
F Rule of Mexico in memory of his late father

Interior after installation of new organ in 1913. Photo taken by W J Caddy of Redruth

1915: income from seat rents £50.0s.1d. 1916: Trust minutes record activities of a Band of Hope. Proposal put forward to have an ‘Egg Service’ for wounded soldiers in connection with the anniversary services.

1917: Sunday School had three sections – male with two teachers, female with one teacher and infants with four teachers. Good Friday awards were purchased from Camborne bookseller and stationer George Ralph.

1924: income £129.12s.11d. expenditure £128.12s.3d. Twenty-three trustees appointed. Donation of 17s 6d to ‘worn out ministers fund’.

1932: renamed Troon St John’s Methodist Church

1936: Good Friday Sunday School awards for pupils purchased from Pollards of Truro

1942: pulpit notices record there is a Girls’ Life Brigade and a young people’s class meeting every Tuesday evening with leader Miss M Dennis

19 Nov 1944: retiring collection for the Temperance and Social Welfare Funds

Photo: war memorial