The first Wesleyan chapel in Newton Abbot was on Mill Lane, and built in 1817. The society moved to a new site on Courteney Street in 1848, and rebuilt in 1867. This is the building illustrated. In 1966 the decision was taken to merge the two societies in Newton Abbot, and a new church was built on The Avenue. This building was subsequently demolished, and a Woolworths was built on the site.
The 1873 Returns of accommodation record that the chapel could seat 570. At the time of the 1940 Statistical Returns, it could seat 870.
Grid Ref: SX859713
Reference: The fifteenth annual report of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, 1869 page 125
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Thanks Philip, Found some Newspaper photos, the Courtenay Street Church was demolished in 1967.
Thank you George, although I didn’t make a very good job of the scan. If you can find a copy of The fifteenth annual report of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee, 1869, then as well as a much better picture you will find a description of the chapel as designed. My knowledge only extends to this architect’s drawing. The answers to your questions will be in the records of the church, which are held by Devon Record Office. They appear to cover the period up to 1969, so should (in theory) include everything from opening to sale. Thanks for your interest: I hope you manage to find something.
Hi Philip, Brilliant drawing.
I volunteer as a researcher at Newton Abbot Museum and was wondering if you knew the following.
1. When was the Chapel demolished?
2. The spire was removed because it became unsafe, but the date is open to question. A correspondent in the local paper some years ago said he helped remove it in 1926.
3. Was the actual Chapel as shown in the drawing?
With thanks.
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