Slough; Chalvey Ledgers Road Primitive Methodist chapel

Ledgers Road, Slough SL1 2RL

Ledgers road Primitive Methodist church
Keith Guyler 2000

In the first half of the nineteenth century, Chalvey was a small village of around 60 houses.  Primitive  Methodists first met in a house or open air and then in 1854 bought, for £250, a second hand chapel – Zion – from the Congregationalists who were moving to bigger premises.

The Primitive Methodist magazine of August 1854 includes an account by D. Mossop of the opening on Sunday April 25th and following days.  Sermons were preached by Rev G Lamb (London), Rev W Knight (Slough) and Rev J A Miller (Windsor).  The Mayor of High Wycombe, J Hunt Esq chaired a tea meeting in the Temperance Hall, with support from Revs J Mules and W Knight and Mr J Mills.

The chapel, located on Chalvey Road between what is now Martin Road and College Avenue, but what was then  a nursery, was built of brick, 35′ long, 24′ wide and 18′ high.  It is described as “well-pewed (and) has a gallery at one end.”

There was a growing Sunday School and a membership of 20. However, some of their members came from Slough and they felt they should have a chapel of their own. So, in 1877, a small chapel was built in William Street, Slough

As the village continued to grow land was purchased and a new church opened in 1901.   Many Primitive Methodist chapels were simple, almost barn like buildings. This one is rather grander.  For twenty-one shillings (£1.05) you could lay a foundation stone with your name on it; for two and sixpence (12½p) you could lay a stone – but no name.

A fuller account of its history is available on the Circuit website.


Reference:

Primitive Methodist magazine August 1854 pp 501-502

Thames Valley Methodist Circuit website accessed May 2nd 2015

Comments about this page

  • Berkshire Record Office :
    ref. D/MS 68, Slough, Ledger Road, Primitive Methodist [ any documents not cited].

    Not far away :

    ref. D/MS 70, Slough, William Street, Primitive Methodist, documents 1893-1912.

    By Raymond E. O. Ella (19/10/2021)
  • The most straightforward way to get a photo of the foundation stone Carol would be to contact the folk at the church directly. The Thames Valley Methodist Circuit website (see the link above which has been updated so it works!) has an enquiry email address – info@methodistthamesvalley.org.uk – and a phone number for Rev Sonia Hicks, the Minister.

    By Christopher Hill (10/10/2019)
  • How can I get a photo of one of the foundation stones laid in 1900. It is for William and Hannah Flaxman. They did this to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary, June 8th 1900. They are my 2nd great grandparents. I am hoping you can help.
    Thank you

    By Carol Stone (05/10/2019)

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