Methodist Chapel - Bridge

The first record of Methodism in the Village is a minute dated 1823
authorising one William Fordred to rent a house for Methodist Meetings ‘
at no more than 2/6 per week’. He was obviously successful as a Methodist
Society was formed with 14 members in l892(sic). The March Preaching
Plan of 1827 shows that services were held on Sundays at 103-Oam and
6,.30pm, and 10.30am and 2.30pm on alternate weeks. Thus began the
gradual build up to 1984. However the first non-conforrnist Chapel in
Bridge was built by the Primitive Methodists in 1868 (The original
Treasurers Book is still available) This was situated in Dering Road almost
opposite Filmer Road and was built of wood.

The \/Vesleyans meanwhile continued to meet in the rented house until the
‘Iron Chapel’ was built in 1894. There was some controversy with the
Chapel Committee in Manchester, who preferred a brick built structure as
more economical in maintenance, and if this choice were made, were
prepared to advance a loan to assist finances. However should the Trustees
persist in their choice of an ‘Iron Chapel’ then no loan would be
forthcoming, furthermore they decreed that all the money for the Chapel
must be raised before permission would be given for the opening. It must
be ‘debtless’. The Wesleyans of Bridge were stirred to greater fund raising
efforts, and by dint of [a] lot of hard work raised the money.

The cost of the building, seating, hymn books, mats and oil lamps
amounted to £139-17-0‘/4 (The farthing showing in the costing for matting,
carpets etc £1-4-9‘/4 )

ONE HUNDRED YEARS from that momentous occasions for those
humble men and women, the church is used for worship regularly, and
many village organisations have made good use of the premises. During the
Second World War the baby clinic operated from the Chapel and
continued until 1987. From oil lamps and coal burning stoves, to gas lamps
and fires, to electric lighting and power, gas fired Convector heaters and
double glazed windows, the church has moved with the times, and plays its

part in the community.

Pat Grant

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

28 January 1999
Methodist chapeldoc