25 October 2024

Mapping Methodism – Tregathenan Wesleyan / United Methodist Free Church

Map: https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=10.4&lat=52.44811&lon=-3.07812&layers=6&right=ESRIWorld

This profile of Tregathenan Chapel has been profiled by Jo Lewis and Tony Mansell.

Tregathenan Wesleyan Chapel

Pre-1840: The chapel was built by Mr. Reed of Tregathenan, grandfather of the present Mrs Glasson, of Truthall, who gave it to the Wesleyan denomination (See 1881 report below).

Heritage Gateway notes that it is present on the Tithe map of 1840.

1844-46 (The Methodist Disruption): Chapel transferred to the Wesleyan Association. (Cornishman – Thursday 16 June 1881)

1857: The Wesleyan Methodist Association and the Wesleyan Reform Church amalgamated to become the United Methodist Free Churches and presumably this was the date it became a UMFC.

The 1867 return lists confirm this, noting an Association Chapel now United Methodist Free in the Helston Circuit.

1881: Tregathenan Old Chapel. Those who know anything of the condition of Tregathenan old chapel will hardly wonder at the determination of the trustees to erect a new chapel and schoolroom of the present unsightly structure. It is somewhat unfortunate that the proposed building should occupy the site of the present one, hidden away among the fields and rather distant from the habitations of the frequenters of that place of worship, but the committee have no doubt done their best under the circumstances. (Clearly there was a subsequent change of heart regarding the location – see later report). The old chapel, we understand, was built by Mr. Reed of Tregathenan, grandfather of the present Mrs. Glasson, of Truthall, who gave it to the Wesleyan denomination. At the time of the disruption it was transferred to the Wesleyan Association and has continued ever since the property of the Free Methodists. Mr. Trembath’s charge for land appears to have been the obstacle in the way of building adjacent to the public road. Tenders will be received up to Saturday. About £200 is the estimated figure. Mr J B Nicholas of Breage, has prepared the plans, which will admit to a similar arrangement to Trevarno’s chapel, in the interior. (Cornishman – Thursday 16 June 1881)

1881: On Tuesday the last service was held in the Free Methodist chapel, Tregathenan, previous to it being taken down for the erection of a new one (Cornishman – Thursday 09 June 1881)

Further reading:

Heritage Gateway: A nonconformist chapel is recorded on the Sithney Tithe Award and Map of 1840, TA 1693. Shown on the 1st Edition 1:2500 OS 1880 Map as a United Methodist chapel but not on the later 2nd Edition of 1907.(b2). Appleby in 1980 lists the site but records no extant remains of a methodist chapel (b3).

https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO10267&resourceID=1020

1881 Tregathenan United Methodist Free Church

1881: It is proposed to build a new Free Methodist chapel Tregathenan, Sithney. The members are endeavouring to raise the money. (Cornishman – Thursday 24 March 1881)

Located south of lower Prospidnick and west of Tregathenan in Sithney Parish.

1881: The contract for building the new United Methodist chapel at Tregathenan is taken by Mr Jenkin, of Leedstown, for £214. (Cornishman – Thursday 30 June 1881)

1881: The new Free Methodist chapel at Tregathenan is in course of erection. The walls are gradually getting higher. The sight is a good one and far preferable to that originally fixed on. Instead of being hedged by fields and apart from single habitation – as was the old chapel – the new erection is adjoining the public road and near to inhabited dwellings. Mr Lambeth, Helston, will see that the work shall be faithfully executed. It is understood that since he has become the architect the plans have been considerably modified. (Cornishman – Thursday 25 August 1881)

1881: On the 19th instant four corner-stones of the new United Methodist chapel, Tregathenan, Crown-town, were laid. (Cornishman – Thursday 22 September 1881)

Free Methodist chapel at Tregathenan. (Kellys)

Built as a United Methodist Free Church. (Kresen Kernow / Revd David Easton)

1907: The Methodist New Connexion, Bible Christians and United Methodist Free Churches amalgamated to become the United Methodist Church.

1907: Became a United Methodist Church.

1912: On Good Friday afternoon. Mr. John Rowe (Coverack Bridge*) conducted service at Tregathenan United Methodist Church. A public tea and meeting followed. (West Briton 1912)

1932: The Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist and the United Methodist Church amalgamated to become the Methodist Church of Great Britain.

1932: Became Tregathenan Methodist Church.

1935: Closed. (Revd David Easton)

1937: Agreement to the closing of Tregathenan Chapel. (West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser – Thursday 24 June 1937)

1939: Tregathenan Chapel sold. (West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser – Thursday 21 September 1939)

Converted to a residence – Chapel House.