Methodist Chapel - Bridge

The rirst record or Methodism in the village is a minute dated 1523
authorising one william Fardred to rent a house {or Methodist
Meetings - at no more than 2/5 per week’. He was obviously
successful as a Methodist society was formed with 14 members in
1892|sic|. The March Preaching nan of 1327 shows that services
were held on sundays at losoam and 6,.3Dprn, and 1o,aoam and
2.20pm on altemate weeks. Thus began the gradual build up to
1934. However the iirst nan—com'on'nist Chapel in Bridge was built by
the primitive Methodists in 1868 rrhe original Treasurers Book is still
available) This was situated in Dering Road almost opposite Filmer
Road and was huilt or wood [in use as a dwelling when demolished in
1951].

The wesleyans meanwhile continued to meet in the rented house
until the “Iron Chapel’ was built in 1594. There was some
controversy with the chapel committee in Manchester, who preferred
a brick huilt structure as more economical in maintenance, and it
this choice were made, were prepared to advance a loan to assist
rinances. However should the Trustees persist in their choice or an
‘Iron Chapel’ then no loan would be iorthcoming, iurthermore they
decreed that all the money {or the chapel must be raised herore
permission would be given for the operung. it must he ‘debtless’. The
wesleyans orlaridge were stirred to greater fund raising eirorts, and by
dint of [a] lot or hard work raised the money.

The cost of the building, seating, hymn books, mats and oil lamps
amounted to 5139-17-03 [The farlhing showing in the casting for
rnattlng, carpets etc £1—4—93 I

om: HUNDRED YEARS rrom that momentous occasions ior Ll-lose
humble men and women, the church is used ior worship regularly,
and many village organisations have made good use of the premises.
During the second world war the baby clinic operated irom the
Chapel and continued until 1987. From oil lamps and coal burning
stoves, to gas lamps and tires. to electric lighting and power, gas rired
conveetor heaters and double glazed windows, the church has moved
with the times, and plays its part in the community.

Pat Grant

The Wesleyan chapel, huiit in 1394, is 0! corrugated iron and wood, and seats 150
persons

Transcribed from the text of the ‘Methodist Chapel’ board from the
1994 Bridge Parish Centenary Exhibition

t.teihsei.toi..pei no Pzbrunry 1999