Fordham Primitive Methodist chapel

Fordham Primitive Methodist chapel in the Soham circuit was opened on Friday September 27 1850. Preachers at the opening services included Rev AT Shelley (Independent), Mrs Thurgur, H Alderslade. Celebrations were intended to include a communal tea for 500 but this was frustrated by “boisterous” wind, so they met in the Wesleyan chapel instead.

The new chapel was built on a site bought from a publican for £11. The chapel measured 38′ x 23′ x 15½, had a truss roof with a bull’s eye in the front gable, a good ventilator (and apparatus for the preacher to regulate the ventilation) and enough land to build a Sunday school if necessary. It cost £135 of which they expected to raise £50. Particular practical help was provided by Messrs D Fison, G Dennis, Townsend and Seaby.

The account in the Primitive Methodist magazine was written by J Thurgur.

The chapel still stands, on New Path, now in residential use, but retaining its original date tablet.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine December 1850 pages 748 – 749