Methley Primitive Methodist chapel

The Primitive Methodist magazine for 1866 contains an account by R Tanfield of the opening of Methley Primitive Methodist chapel in the Leeds Second circuit. The society had been active for forty years previously, meeting in “a unique but wretched little place”: but Mr Tanfield does not tell us what was unique about it. The new chapel measured 36′ x 32′, had a “spacious gallery and a handsome platform” and was left without pews so that the space could be used for a Sunday school. It cost £575 with £330 raised by the time of opening.

The foundation stone was laid by James Chadwick in August 1865. Preachers at the opening services and tea meetings from June 3rd 1866 included Rev RS Bulmer, T Dearlove, I Pritchard and R Tanfield.

A Primitive Methodist chapel is marked on High Street on Ordnance Survey maps in 1892. It was located on the north side of Main Street, just west of what is now The Blossoms. It is still marked as a Methodist church in 1932 and the building with the same footprint still exists, but without a label on 1956-65 maps.  By 1991 the building has disappeared and the area has been re-developed.

Further east along Main Street, the former Wesleyan and United Free Methodist chapels still exist.

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine December 1866 page 746