Corfe Mullen Wesleyan Chapels

There have been two Methodist chapels in the north east corner of Corfe Mullen within half a mile of each other and it seems likely that they share a continuous history.

I had been aware of the chapel in Wimborne Road for years; it was very distinctive, looking more like a large bungalow than a chapel. Then, one evening I came across the building in Lambs Green Lane, which is now a home with holiday lodges on the plot behind, called Chapel Lodges. I could not discover anything about its history until I found it clearly marked as Methodist Chapel on an old OS map.

A Google search for Corfe Mullen Wesleyan Chapel brings up two items on the National Archives website. At Dorset History Centre under ref NM3, NRA 35767 Wimborne MC 1863 – 2003, Membership list, leaders’ minutes, trust accounts and papers rel to building and sale of chapel, and at Hampshire Archives and Local Studies, 45M68/NMS10, NRA 26095 Christchurch Method, 1925-1931 Minute Book. I have not seen these papers but the chapel in Lambs Green Lane seems to have been replaced by the one in Wimborne Road which at the time of its closure in 2014 was said to have opened 87 years previously i.e. 1927. This suggests a continuous story from 1863.

A report in the Bournemouth Echo 1st March 2014 says the final services were held ‘last Sunday’ and that the Rev Gwyneth Owen, minister of Wimborne, and Superintendent of Christchurch and Wimborne Circuits said the congregation was able to balance the sadness they felt at the closure of the chapel which opened in 1927 with a celebration of thanksgiving for the time they spent together sharing their faith in God. The building needed an estimated £60,000 spent on refurbishment.

This link contains an excellent photo of the chapel before it was sold. Obviously the plans referred to there did not go ahead as the chapel has been converted to a bungalow. https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-news/letter-east-end-methodist-church-38103

This estate agent’s website shows the inside of the property before conversion http://img.nethouseprices.com/lp0/55c281e329910.pdf