Foxdale Primitive Methodist chapel

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Foxdale Primitive Methodist chapel

The 1869 Ordnance Survey map shows  both Wesleyan and a Primitive Methodist chapels at what is now Lower Foxdale, on the main A3 road between Peel and Castletown. On Street View both still appear to exist in residential use.

The opening of the chapel is described  by W Wilkinson in the 1865 Primitive Methodist magazine. This is his account:

“Opening of a Chapel at Foxdale, Peel Branch, Ramsey Circuit. —Foxdale is a long straggling village, pleasantly situated in the mountains on the road from Peel to Castletown. It is about three years since Primitive Methodism was introduced into this place, when a barn was kindly offered by Mr. Taggart to accommodate the congregation. Notwithstanding the difficulty of having to climb a steep hill to it, a good congregation often assembled there. A gracious revival of religion took place, and a number were converted to God.

As the barn was inconvenient, the necessity and practicability of building a new chapel were discussed, and the friends decided on making an effort for that purpose. After various difficulties and delays an eligible site of land was secured, and the foundation stone was laid on the 25th of November, 1864, by Mr. T. Richards, of Douglas.

The chapel was opened for Divine worship on Sunday, June 4th, 1865, when three sermons were preached, one in the morning by the writer, and those in the afternoon and evening by the Rev. W. Harris, of Stockport. On the Monday following there was a tea meeting, and after tea a public meeting, presided over by Mr. J. Smogles, one of the trustees. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. S. Smith, W. Harris, and the writer. The chairman proposed a collection for a new clock, and seventeen shillings were collected.

The opening services were continued on June 18th, when the Rev. S. Smith preached in the morning and evening, and Mrs. C. Lucas in the afternoon. The total amount of opening collections, with the profits of tea meeting, is £10 4s. The chapel has 96 sittings in pews, and 72 free. There is a convenient porch, with inner folding doors covered with red baize, the gift of Mr. Cottier, of Peel. The cost of the chapel is about £160. There has been collected the sum of £70 19s. W. Wilkinson.”

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine November 1865 page 692-693