Llay Primitive Methodist chapel, Denbighshire

in the Chester Primitive Methodist Circuit

This chapel was opened in August 1836. You can read a bit more about it in the 1837 Primitive Methodist Magazine (page 238). {Ed’s note: In the magazine James Garner tells us that the chapel, measuring 18′ x 23′, was situated on top of a hill with a scattered population. They were obliged to Mrs Elli for her kindness and liberality and to Mr. J Tilston, her nephew, for collecting and obtaining favours}

At one time the Lord blessed the visit of a missioner from London, a Mr J. H. Cooke, who conducted a three-week mission. He was the guest of Mr and Mrs Cheers, who lived at a farm near the junction of Smithy, Dark and Higher Lanes. He preached every night, and during the first two weeks over a hundred people professed faith. Sadly, as happened even in our Lord’s ministry, a number of these eventually backslid and ceased to attend meetings.

The chapel (as you see) is now a house. But a quarter of a mile away is a Baptist chapel where I sometimes preach the same old Gospel message as I believe the early Primitive Methodists preached so nearby, nearly 200 years ago.

Comments about this page

  • Preaching at the Baptist chapel earlier today, my mind went to the people at the Primitive Methodist chapel. The first hymn was announced and sung, accompanied by an electric fiddle, an acoustic guitar, and a lively pianist. The notices included the prayer meeting for revival. I thought the old Prims of ¼-mile away would have approved, and might well have felt quite at home.

    By David Young (29/07/2012)

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