Catfield Primitive Methodist chapel was opened in 1836. It was enlarged in 1859 and extended in 1913.
The 1840 Primitive Methodist magazine tells us that the village was first missioned some twelve years previously. Although previous requests to Catfield landowner George Barber for a site for a chapel had been rejected, after the death of one of his children, Mr Barber responded positively and a chapel 34′ x 24′ internally was erected. It was opened on October 4th 1838. Opening preachers included Rev Venimore (Baptist) G Barber, W Pentney. £57 was raised and the outstanding debt reduced to £90.
The Primitive Methodist magazine of May 1860 describes the enlargement at that time. The enlargement cost £120 and included raising the roof, adding a gallery and a pediment at the front and stuccoing the walls.
William and John Riches collected £75 (including £21 from a wealthy Yarmouth merchant) and Miss C Balls gave a pulpit cushion.. Rev J Venimore (Baptist) and T Lowe preached at the opening.
The chapel is built of rendered brick and a hipped slate roof. There is a tablet in the gabled parapet with the dates ‘1826-1929’
It is still active in August 2015.
location: 385217
Reference
Primitive Methodist magazine May 1840 page 300
Primitive Methodist magazine May 1860 page 304
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T Lowe’s account of the re-opening of the chapel after enlargement has been added to this page.
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