The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Hope was built in 1835 on Back Street, now Edale Road. Constructed of stone with a hipped slate roof it was enlarged in 1926.
On 30 March 1851 Jonathan Longden, Trustee and Leader, completed the return for the Religious Census. He was a local farmer. He reported that there was seating for 206, of which 120 seats were free. There had been two services that day: in the morning 40 adults and 58 Sunday School scholars were in attendence, and in the evening there was an adult congregation of 110.
There was accommodation for 145 worshippers in 1873, 150 in 1940, but only 120 in 1970. In that year it was also reported that the Sunday School would hold 180.
The chapel continues in use as Hope Methodist Church. The impression I had when visiting was that the church was exercising a mission to thos eseeking exercise: walkers and cyclists. Perhaps spmeone would like to comment further on that? The church is certainly on the Hope Pilgrimage which brings walkers on a spiritual journey through the Peak District.
Grid reference SK173836
References
Derbyshire Historical Environment Record https://her.derbyshire.gov.uk/Monument/MDR11892
The National Archives HO 129/2/9
Returns of accommodation … 1873. London: Wesleyan Conference Office, 1875
Statistical returns … as at July 1st 1940. Manchester: Methodist Church, Department of Chapel Affairs, 1947
Statistical returns Part 2, 1973. Manchester: Methodist Church, Department of Chapel Affairs, 1973
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