South Cerney Primitive Methodist chapel

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South Cerney Primitive Methodist Chapel

Supplied by Peter Sketch

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Dedication stone - South Cerney

Supplied by Peter Sketch

South Cerney Primitive Methodist chapel

“Foundation-Stone Laying, South Cerney, Cirencester Circuit.—On Wednesday, May 25th, the foundation-stone of a new chapel was laid in this village. The service began by the Rev. S. Turner giving out a hymn and invoking the Divine blessing on the undertaking. The Rev. J. I. Dredge (Wesleyan) preached an admirable and telling sermon, at the conclusion of which Mr. W. Reynolds proceeded to lay the foundation-stone in the name of the Triune Jehovah, and he intimated that only those doctrines would be preached in that sanctuary in which all human intelligences are interested.

After placing a £5 note upon the stone as his offering, he invited the friends to place their gifts upon the stone. This invitation met with a hearty response from several friends present. Mr. J. Davis, in addition to giving the land, gave £5; and at the close it was found that £25 8s. 6d. had been placed upon the stone.

At five o’clock about 180 persons sat down to an excellent tea, and at seven o’clock a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. Reynolds, and addresses were delivered by Mr. S. Knapp, Miss Buck, and the Rev. J. I. Dredge. The amount realised during the day was about £33. The society in this place has been visited with a gracious out-pouring of the Spirit, the result of which is the necessity of a larger place in which to conduct Divine worship. S. Turner.”

Mr Turner records the opening some months later:

“Chapel opening, South Cerney, Cirencester Station.—The chapel newly erected in South Cerney was opened for Divine worship on Wednesday, September 14th. The Rev. T. Hobson preached afternoon and evening.

After the afternoon service about 100 friends sat down to tea in Mr. Davis’s barn. On the 18th sermons were preached by the Revs. J. Causer and S. West. The services were highly interesting, and the proceeds amounted to nearly £24.

The whole cost, inclusive of ground, is £195. Towards this amount about £75 have been obtained. The chapel is a neat and substantial building, and is considered an ornament to the village. S. Turner.”

I couldn’t see this chapel on Ordnance Survey maps I had access to.  Thanks to Peter Sketch – see below – for information about where it was and what happened to it.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1864 page 561

Primitive Methodist magazine 1864 page 745