Mainstone Primitive Methodist Chapel, Shropshire

This 1892 chapel is still in use.

Additional information (CH 11/2020)

The laying of the foundation stones is recorded in the Primitive Methodist magazine of September 1892 (page 572).It tells us the site was on a 99 year lease at a nominal rent.  What happened in 1992?

When visiting in March 2020 the Chapel was no longer used for worship, and had been converted into either a ‘holiday let’ or permanent accommodation.

There is a Victorian post-box in the boundary wall of the Chapel grounds. Was the wall built for the post-box, or the post-box made for the wall?                                                                  Elaine and Richard Pearce. 

Thanks to Janice Cox for a much fuller account of its establishment (see below).

Comments about this page

  • Hi just noticed the comment by Raymond about William Venables being a preacher at this chapel. The problem I have with this is William died in 1868 and the chapel opened in 1892 so how could he have preached there? I am a Shakin Stevens fan so have a lot of interest in this. Regards Spencer.

    By Spencer Stevens (29/09/2021)
  • WELLINGTON JOURNAL, Saturday 6 August 1892, page 7
    “MAINSTONE.
    LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONES OF A NEW PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL.
    Monday last was a red-letter day in the history of the Primitive Methodist friends at the above village. For upwards of 60 years services have been conducted there in cottages, and a desire for better accommodation has long existed. A suitable site, however, could not be obtained till recently, when Mr. C. H. Tindall kindly granted a 99 years’ lease, at the nominal rent of 5s. per year, of a desirable site in the centre of the village. A trust was at once formed. Plans for a neat Gothic chapel were prepared by Mr. T. Jones, of Bishop’s Castle, and a contract was entered into by Messrs. T. Jones & Son. The total cost will be about £250. Monday last was the day fixed for the laying of the foundation stones of the new edifice … stones were then laid, the first by Mr. C. H. Tindall … Tea was afterwards served … about 200 partook … The financial statement as given by the Rev. J. Biggs, showed that £106 had been received and £30 promised.”
    ————————————-
    WELLINGTON JOURNAL, Saturday 3 December 1892, page 7.
    “Mainstone.
    CHAPEL OPENING. The ceremony of opening the new chapel erected by the Primitive Methodists is this village took place on Wednesday …A t 2-30 the opening proceedings commenced. The Rev. J. Biggs, superintendent of the circuit conducted the preliminary service, after which the Rev. J. Ferguson, D.D. (ex-president of the Conference) preached an eloquent sermon based on 3 Cor. v. 21. For upwards of an hour the Doctor engrossed the attention of a large congregation … At 4-30 a tea soiree was held … In the evening a public meeting was held in the chapel … The Rev. J. Biggs gave a financial statement, showing that the total cost of the chapel would be about £240 towards which £143 in donations, promises and the results of that day’s proceeding has been raised. The usual votes of thanks brought the proceedings to a close.”

    By Janice Cox (08/11/2020)
  • Shropshire Archives:

    Ref. XNMB132 (& Z): Document collection for Mainstone Primitive Methodist Chapel, built 1892.

    Ref. (X) PH/M/4/8: Black & White photograph of former Mainstone PM Chapel, taken 1991.

    By Raymond E.O.Ella (07/06/2018)
  • Outside and inside views of this chapel can be seen via ‘Shakin Stevens Coming Home’ documentary, e.g., on YouTube, etc.

    There is also a little history about Primitive Methodists.

    The singer Shaken Stevens (Michael Barratt) great grandfather William Venables was a Primitive Methodist preacher in this chapel.

    Kind regards,

    Ray & Marie, (postings for Lincolnshire chapels: Cumberworth).

    By Raymond E.O.Ella (30/07/2017)
  • Another picture of this chapel can be viewed by following the link to Shropshire’s Nonconformist Chapels. Current information about the chapel can be seen on the Shropshire and Marches Methodist Circuit website.

    By Geoff Dickinson (17/12/2013)

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