Beccles Primitive Methodist  chapel

In the Primitive Methodist magazine of 1837, W Pentney tells us about the opening in the Wangford circuit of six Primitive Methodist chapels and one re-opening in the year following September 1835.

Beccles Primitive Methodist  chapel which measured 23′(w) x 33′(l) x 18′(h) was re-opened on January 22^nd 1836. Mr J Smith & W Pentney were the opening preachers.

The society “experienced great kindness from Rev J Holt, vicar of the parish”

In the Primitive Methodist magazine of 1847, W Sapcoat tells us about the laying of a foundation stone of a new chapel that would measure 36′ x 20′ and cost £150. Mr Sapcoat laid the stone on May 3rd 1847.  It rained a lot.

He also gives us a bit more background: initially they had rented a chapel in Bridge Street, but this was sold and they met in the open air until they rented and “obscurely situated old pipe-shop” which they were using in 1847.

In a later 1847 edition, Mr Sapcoat tells us the brick built chapel , measuring 36′ x 20′, has been completed at a cost of £150; membership increased from 9 to 50 in a year. It opened from September 5th 1847 ; speakers included M Warnes, R Church, GT Goodrick and W Sapcoat.

In the Primitive Methodist magazine of 1866 W Crown tells us that the society had outgrown their chapel so they added a gallery at one end. Re-opening celebrations started on 24th September 1865; speakers included Misses Hunt and Catchpole (of Beccles), Rev J Sheale, (Bungay) W Crown, B Bell and Miss Gostling.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine 1837 page 109

Primitive Methodist magazine 1847 page 503

Primitive Methodist magazine 1847 page 693

Primitive Methodist magazine 1866 page 49