Maesbrook Primitive Methodist Chapel Shropshire.
This Chapel was erected in 1899. It was the second chapel to be built at Maesbrook.
There was a society in Maesbrook probably before 1832. It is recorded in that year “the work of God goes on wonderfully;we gained thirty two in society in this last quarter,and praise God a great many of them are converted”.
It is said that John Wedgewood missioned Maesbrook. The first services were probably held in the open air and then in a large old black and white farmhouse called “Llwynygo”.Mrs E Parry,the grandmother of Alderman T. Ward Green had much to do with this. Samuel Ward said to be a stalwart of the Methodist faith gave land in 1844 for the Maesbrook chapel. This chapel seated 80. In 1899 a larger chapel was built and the first chapel became the school room. There is a burial ground on the site.
Today there is no indication of the 1844 chapel except the plaque which is incorporated into the graveyard boundary wall.
Alderman T.Ward Green 1863-1950 was a pillar of the Maesbrook Primitive Methodist Chapel for more than 50 years. He filled most of the offices in Methodism as well as being a local preacher. When he wasn’t preaching or carrying out public engagements he was on duty at his own chapel.
Photos taken May 2012
OS Map ref:126:SJ310214
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The opening of the chapel in 1844 is recorded iin the 1845 Primitive Methodist magazine (page 78-79) by W Chubb. The society had been meeting in a cottage owned by S Ward – and on the day of his majority (May 23rd 1844) he marked out a corner of a meadow as the site for the chapel. He also made a sizeable money donation and gave timber for the roof, ceiling, floor, pews and benches.
The building cost £153 and the debt at completion was around £88. Mr Duncan helped in the construction by allowing all the materials free passage through his toll gates.
The new chapel measured 23′ 3″ x 29’3″
Another picture of this chapel, taken circa 2011, can be viewed by following the link to Shropshire’s Nonconformist Chapels
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