PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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ERNESETTLE METHODIST CHAPEL
The Methodists commenced holding services on the Ernesettle estate in 1949, at first in a hut and later, during 1952 and 1953, in the Lakeside Primary School. [1] Mr Harry Brown, secretary of the Albert Road (Devonport) Methodist Church Trust, laid the foundation stone on the evening of Wednesday August 25th. The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Alderman E W Perry, and the architect, Mr H Cameron Beaumont, were also present. Mr Brown was presented with the silver trowel by Mr Percy G Spencer of Messrs J W Spencer Ltd, the contractors. [1] The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Alderman E W Perry, opened the first part of the Ernesettle Methodist Chapel on the evening of Thursday February 24th 1955. After rapping three times on the front door, the Lord Mayor was handed a pair of scissors by the architect, Mr H Cameron Beaumont, with which to cut the white silk ribbon and push open the main doors. Awaiting him inside the crowded Chapel were the minister, the Reverend Geoffrey N Stephens, and the superintendent minister of the Devonport Methodist Circuit, the Reverend Percy W Searle. [2] It was at that time more of a hall-church, with a class-room. When the War Damage Commission paid the compensation for the loss of the Albert Road Methodist Chapel during the Second World War, the money was used to fund the existing building and an extension opened on the evening of Thursday October 31st 1957 by the Superintendent Minister of the Devonport Circuit, the Reverend J Austin, assisted by the Minister, the Reverend H Charleston. [3] This new section was designed by Mr H Cameron Beaumont and constructed by Messrs Dudley Coles Ltd. It comprised a larger hall, four class-rooms, a kitchen, a projector room and improved cloakroom facilities. [3] The total cost of the two buildings was about £20,000. [3]
Unfortunately it transpired that a lot of asbestos had
been used in the building and that it was estimated to cost £300,000 to
repair the roof, toilets and wiring so the decision was taken to demolish
it. The final service was conducted by the reverend Anne Richardson on
Sunday May 26th 1996 and the small congregation moved to
Saint Budeaux
Methodist Chapel. [4] Sources:
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