ST KEVERNE PARISH – CHAPEL EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS PART 2 Contributed by Terry Moyle These extracts cover the Bible Christian chapels at Porthallow, Zoar, Coverack and Ponsongath, the Wesleyan chapels at Porthoustock and Coverack and the UM chapel at Rosuick PORTHALLOW BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHAPEL Cornishman 8 February 1883 Bible Christian Chapel, Porthallow – An interesting service of song was given in the above chapel on the evening of 30th ult., the service chosen being “Whiter than Snow”. The musical part was well rendered by the choir under the leadership of Mr. James Trerise, Miss Trerise having presided at the harmoinium in a very creditable manner. The connective readings were given in capital style by Rev J Seldon who, at the close, proposed a vote of thanks to the choir for their valuable services. The vote was seconded by Mr. Samuel Bryant and warmly acknowledged by an appreciative audience. The singing of the Doxology brought this interesting service to a close. Royal Cornwall Gazette 21 July 1898 The foundation stones of a new Bible Christian chapel were laid at Porthallow, St Keverne, on July 14th. Ideal weather prevailed during the afternoon and evening and large numbers gathered to witness the ceremony. The old chapel which has been taken down was for years in a badly dilapidated condition. The new building will stand on the old site with an addition of 8 feet to the length and 2 feet to the width and accommodation will be provided for 130 people. There is to be a schoolroom, vestry etc under the chapel. Mr. W P George (Mullion) is the architect and the contractors are Mr. William John Nicholls (St Keverne) and Mr. Cook (Rosevear). The ceremony commenced at 3.15 pm, six stones in all being laid – the first by Mr. C Tripp on behalf of the Sunday School, the second by Mr. Joseph Bryant on behalf of the Trustees, the third by Master Herbert Allen (Roskorwell), the fourth by Master C Nicholls (Treglossack) in memory of his deceased father, the fifth by Miss Collins (Gweek) and the sixth, the visitor’s stone, by Mrs. Edwin Rule (St. Keverne). The total amount for the six stones was £60 and the collection was £2 – 4s – 5d. Excellent and practical addresses were given in connection with the ceremony by Revs W Saywell and W F Charlton. A well patronized public tea was held, all the provisions being given and prepared by the numerous local confectioners and a profit of £8 was realized. An open ‐ air meeting followed. Mr. W Collins (Gweek) presided and addresses were delivered by Rev R. Hill (Helston), W. Saywell (Helston) and F. Charlton (Porthleven) and Mr. D. Rowse (Helston). The collection at the close amounted to £3 – 3s – 6d bringing the total proceeds of the day up to about £75. Cornish Telegraph 11 May 1899 Porthallow Bible Christians who are building a new chapel have just realized £30 by a bazaar, increasing the building fund to £170. Cornishman 2 July 1903 During Porthallow Sunday School fete, a man fell out of a swing boat on to a child who was rendered unconscious for some hours and received severe cuts to the head. If the man had not fallen on the child, it is believed that he would have been killed. Western Morning News 23 April 1924 Sir Clifford Cory, M.P. returned to London yesterday after his Easter visit to the St. Ives division. On Monday he opened a bazaar at the United Methodist schoolroom at Porthallow, near St. Keverne. PONSONGATH BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHAPEL Cornish Telegraph 8 March 1906 Special evangelical services are being held at the Ponsongath Bible Christian chapel by Mr. Trenerry West Briton 17 January 1907 The annual Sunday School tea and distribution of prizes of Ponsongath Bible Christians was held on Wednesday afternoon. In the evening an excellent entertainment was given by friends from Helston under the direction of Mr. W Moyle. The programme, which was well received, consisted of the following items – recitations, gramophone selection, duets and trios. The Rev G Holmes presided and on his proposition a vote of thanks was accorded to the visitors for their entertainment. A most enjoyable evening was brought to an end with a well attended public tea. West Briton 7 March 1907 The missionary services at Ponsongath Bible Christian chapel were held on Sunday, the special preacher being the Rev E Prouse of Penzance who occupied the rostrum both morning and evening. Then the annual meeting was held on Monday when addresses were given by Rev Prouse and Circuit ministers. West Briton 25 July 1907 The anniversary services of Ponsongath Bible Christian Sunday School were held on Sunday last, the rostrum being occupied both morning and evening by Rev G Holmes of Coverack West Briton 1 August 1907 The annual tea of Ponsongath Bible Christian Sunday School was held on Tuesday afternoon of last week. The teachers and scholars, after assembling at the chapel, took their usual walk headed by Mullion Band to the cliffs where an enjoyable time was spent in various games previous to returning to the chapel where tea was served. A service in the evening was addressed by Rev G Holmes. Cornish Telegraph 22 April 1909 Posongath United Methodists held their anniversary services on Good Friday. There was a public tea followed by entertainment in the schoolroom which was largely attended. The proceeds of the anniversary amounted to over £6. West Briton 3 May 1923 In connection with the United Methodist Church a bazaar was opened at Ponsongath, St Keverne, last week by Mrs. Leverton‐Spry assisted by Rev F J Highley Coles (Mullion). The stallholders were High Tea – Mesdames R warren, Joe Thomas, James Martin, F Hocking, J Rickard, A Thomas and J Collins, Miss M Martin and Mr. Jose Collins. Plain Tea – Mesdames J Roberts, T Andrew and J Martin and Miss J Martin. Refreshments – Misses E Kevern, G Tripp, D Harry and M Martin and Mrs. W Thomas Fancy – Mesdames H Tripp, J Tripp and F Harry Farmers – Messrs. F Harry and A Thomas (sen). Fish Pond – Misses M, E and J Tripp Hoop‐la – Master Courtenay Thomas Post Office – Mr. A Thomas (jun) Shooting gallery – Masters H Thomas, B Bennetts, W Hocking and H Tripp. Half hour concerts were contributed in the evening by Messrs, A S Oates, V Ley and C Wearne (Helston), F H Rule (St Keverne), Misses Gill, Jenkin and Walters, and Mrs. Oates (Helston). Mr. W E Shackerley (Helston) was the accompianist. The Helston visitors were entertained to supper. Mr. J E Richards (Ruan Minor) presided., The secretarial duties were carried out by Miss A Kevern. West Briton 25 December 1939 ST KEVERNE AND COVERACK BOY’S FUNERAL After a short illness, the death occurred at Poldowrian of Trevor Martin Roberts 12 years old, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Roberts. The funeral was conducted in Ponsongath Methodist Church by Mr. Peter Thomas (Mullion) and the interment was at St Keverne where the Rev. Dr. C Neill (Vicar) officiated. Mourners were the parents, Mr. George Roberts (brother), Messrs. J Martin and G Roberts (grandparents). Messrs. C P Roberts, R J Roberts, W H Roberts, W J Martin, J F Martin, A W Martin, P H Ivey, B Richards and T Bosustow (uncles) Miss J Martin, Mesdames L Richards, M Ivey, C P Roberts, R J Roberts, W H Roberts, W J Martin and C Thomas (aunts). Messrs. F and C Roberts, J Bosustow, E Gilbert, P Hodge, S Hocking and L Gilbert (cousins). The floral tributes included those from the teachers and scholars of Coverack Council School and Ponsongath Methodist Sunday School. ZOAR BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHAPEL West Briton 17 January 1907 The scholars of Zoar Bible Christian Sunday School on Thursday afternoon met at the schoolroom and were entertained to tea after which they received their rewards. In the evening a capital sacred concert was given by the Cury UMFC choir and was much appreciated. At the close of the concert a public tea was provided. The proceeds were in aid of Sunday School funds. West Briton 20 February 1908 On Sunday home and foreign missionary anniversary services were held at Zoar. The pulpit was occupied by Rev P Cudmore of Falmouth in the morning and by Mr. P Williams in the evening. West Briton 29 February 1912 A concert was given at Zoar UMC on Tuesday in aid of Coverack new chapel fund by the Cury UM Choir. ROSUICK UNITED METHODIST CHAPEL West Briton 28 June 1923 In connection with Rosuick UM Chapel the anniversary services were conducted by Mr. Peter Thomas (Mullion), the organist being Mrs. Rosemurgy. A duet was well rendered by Mr. E Williams (Polpidnick) and Miss A Hancock (Lower Relowas). In the evening the church was crowded when Miss Lottie Oates (Traboe) tastefully sang a solo. At the service there were in use for the first time two collection plates which Mrs. James Roberts of Tregidden presented in memory of her late husband. Mrs. Rosemurgy had presented three brass vases inscribed “ Presented by S R to Rosuick Church 1923”. The continuation services were held on Wednesday June 20th. The children assembled in the church at 2.30 pm and, forming into a procession, walked into Traboe headed by St Martin Band under the conductorship of Rev E Ormrod of Manaccan. On returning tea was provided in the schoolroom, the ladies presiding being Mesdames S Rosemurgy. J Watters and J Roberts and Misses A N and M Hancock and Lottie Oates. At a service in the chapel in the evening the preacher was the Rev F Pearn (Helston), Mrs.