Newtown Primitive Methodist chapel

Park St, SY16 1EE

In the Primitive Methodist magazine of May 1855, CJ Jackson writes:

Re-opening of Newtown Chapel.

When I entered this station in October last, I found the friends, encouraged by brother Bennett (my predecessor), had resolved to hold a bazaar, for the purpose of enabling them to raise funds to put a new floor into the chapel, which had long been a desideratum.

Accordingly, the town was canvassed, the people liberally responded to the call, and on the 1st and 2nd of January, 1855, the bazaar was opened in the Mechanics’ Institution. The proceeds of the whole amounted to £27. Considering the effort made by the friends scarcely twelve months since to lower the debt on the chapel, I think it will be seen that they have done nobly. The floor of the chapel, which is laid of spruce deal, cost £21.

The chapel having been closed for a fortnight, it was re-opened on Lord’s day, March 11th, when three sermons were preached ; in the morning and evening by the writer, and in the afternoon by Mr. E. Jones, of the Presteign circuit. The congregations were large, the collections good, and the Spirit of God powerfully felt. We tender our thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Bennett for the very active part they took ; to Messrs. Burgoyne, Gettens, Morris, Brick, Phillips, Griffiths, and Miss Williams ; to Mr. J. Davis ; to the Welsh Methodists, for the loan of their chapel while ours was closed ; and to the inhabitants for their liberal support.

The chapel is rendered much more comfortable, and the congregations are improving. We have recently had some very good meetings, and are expecting a revival. C. J. Jackson.”

There is the small question of which Newtown the piece refers to, but the reference  a preacher from Presteign and borrowing the Welsh Methodist chapel suggests it is Newtown Montgomeryshire (as was) / Powys (as is). The National Monuments Record of Wales tells us that Park Street Methodist Chapel was built in 1821 and rebuilt in c. 1880. The later chapel was built in the Classical style with a gable entry plan and ogee headed windows with diamond glazing. On Google Street view in 2016 it still exists and is in commercial use.

 

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine May 1855 p.308

 

Comments about this page

  • The index to the Primitive Methodist Magazine of 1855 states that this account is of Newtown, North Wales, so it would be Park Street, Newport. Leary has both C.J. Jackson and M. Bennett as being stationed in Newtown and Welshpool.

    By Philip Thornborow (28/08/2020)

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