Fishponds Primitive Methodist chapel

There is an account by Robert Hartley of the laying of the foundation stone for a replacement Primitive Methodist chapel in Fishponds  in the Bristol circuit in the Primitive Methodist magazine. The stone was laid on February 1st 1859 by HO Wills of Bristol – presumably of the tobacco manufacturing family. A document of unspecified content was placed in a cavity by the stone.

Services of commemoration were held in the in Wesleyan chapel and a celebration; tea in the old chapel. Speakers included J Holmes, Robert Hartley, Rev J Hall, W Dyer, W Jones., G Hopton and J Butler.

The new chapel, which was to measure 36* x 22* had a budgeted cost of around £300; they had £70 raised by the stone laying ceremony and £122 by the opening.

It was Early English Gothic and Walter Masters made a model to show it off. Henry Masters (Bristol) was the architect and John Lambert the builder.  Henry Masters and the solicitor gave their professional services and John Wesley Hall gave the glass

Five months later, in September 1859, a further report from Robert Hartley tells of the opening of the chapel on June 10th 1859. Speakers at the opening services and tea meeting included  Rev Gervaise Smith (Wesleyan), Handel Cossham, (Independent), Rev J Burder (Independent), Thomas Pethick (Wesleyan), Rev M Dicke (Presbyterian), J Hall (Baptist)), PT Tanner, W Jones.

In 1862, following the conversion of over 100 people, the chapel was enlarged by the addition of a gallery and re-opened on August 3rd 1862.  Unusually, it was paid for by the time the building was completed. JHJ Taylor reported it this time

Where was the chapel – and its predecessor – and what happened to it?

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1859 pages 242-243

Primitive Methodist magazine September 1859 pages 557-558

Primitive Methodist magazine 1863 page 172