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. E Williams being at the organ. Subsequently there were games. The officers of the Sunday School were – Superintendent Mr. S Williams (Tretharrup), secretary Mrs. Rosemurgy who were responsible for the arrangements. The proceeds of £9 – 10s were in aid of the Sunday School funds.
Western Morning News 19 November 1930
A concert was given in Rosuick UM Church on Feast Monday by Camborne Glee Singers. Mr. Thomas Trewhella (Praze) presided supported by Rev F J Highley Coles, Superintendent minister, Helston. A supper followed.
Western Morning News 29 July 1931
The recent garden fete at Rosuick realized £70 for the renovation of Rosuick UM church.
West Briton 10 August 1939
OUTING – members of Rosuick Band of Hope had their annual outing last week visiting Perranporth and Newquay by motor coach.
TREGIDDEN BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHAPEL
Royal Cornwall Gazette 8 April 1876
At Tregidden the chapel is to be rebuilt
PORTHOUSTOCK WESLEYAN CHAPEL
Cornish Telegraph 18 March 1909
The Wesleyan Chapel at Porthoustock , which has been closed for many years, is shortly to be re‐opened by the Chairman of the District Rev W Hodson Smith. The building has been thoroughly renovated and Mr. E Richards of St Keverne has been appointed steward and general superintendent.
Cornish Telegraph 8 April 1909
RE‐OPENING OF WESLEYAN CHAPEL AS VILLAGE MISSION HALL
For many years the Wesleyan chapel at Porthoustock has been closed and consequently was in a bad state of repair. Mainly owing to the opening of the stone‐works a large influx to the village has been made, there being a large number of extra hands employed. Some time ago the Rev Alexander Mayes obtained permission from the trustees of St Keverne Wesleyan Church to renovate the building and to open it as a village hall to be used during the week as a reading and recreation room by the people of the village and religious services on the Sunday. On Monday the building was opened by the Chairman of the Cornwall District Rev W Hodson Smith. There was at first a public tea after which a public meeting was held, the chapel being packed. The chair was taken by Mr. W J Johns of Mawgan and speeches were delivered by Revs W Hodson Smith and Alexander Mayes, Messrs. E Richards, William James, Edwin Rule and J Williams. The proceeds for the day amounted to over £5. The re‐opening services were continued on Sunday when Rev Alexander Mayes preached to a large congregation. Mr. E Richards has been appointed general superintendent of the mission and to him much of the success of the opening services is due.
COVERACK WESLEYAN AND BIBLE CHRISTIAN
COVERACK BIBLE CHRISTIAN/UNITED METHODIST CHAPEL
Cornishman 4 February 1892
Visitors to Coverack must have noticed the somewhat unpreproposing appearance of the little Bible Christian chapel, its uneven whitewashed cob walls and curious windows being indicative of the grotesque style of architecture and simplicity of construction so prevalent among the Cornish Methodists in the earlier decades of the present century. Coverack chapel is closely associated with the Rev John Tremelling of Aberavon – the eloquent and popular Bible Christian minister. The old thatched cottage on Crowsa Downs where he was born is still shown; his relatives continue to reside in the neighbourhood and he generally continues to pay a short visit every summer to the scenes of his birth, his early career and his first preaching triumphs. His chapel at Coverack has been quite recently renovated; its front has been cemented and marked, a rostrum substituted for the old fashioned pulpit, free sets with backs provided and a new centre lamp fixed. Coloured glass has been adopted in the end window and the interior has also been newly painted. The cost is £21. Subscriptions yielded £18 – 15s and the re‐opening services £6 – 6s – 7d. This is satisfactory. Coverack has about 200 inhabitants and 3 places of worship – a Mission Church and Wesleyan and Bible Christian chapels. Cornish Telegraph 30 April 1908
The members of Coverack UM chapel journeyed to Porthallow on Tuesday and repeated items of their programme given recently at Coverack to the delight of the audience who listened to them.
COVERACK WESLEYAN CHAPEL
Royal Cornwall Gazette 23 May 1879
CORNWALL WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING
The trustees of Coverack Wesleyan chapel in the St Keverne Circuit asked for £30 to meet the £95 raised locally to remove a debt of £125 on the chapel.
Cornishman 12 August 1897
HELSTON RURAL COUNCIL
The By‐laws Committee approved a plan and specification for the alteration of Coverack Wesleyan chapel.
Royal Cornwall Gazette 27 October 1898
CHURCH NEWS OF THE WEEK
It is expected that the annual report of the Wesleyan Chapel Committee will be of a most encouraging nature. Since the beginning of the year several cases of building have been sanctioned in the West ……… the enlargement of Coverack Wesleyan Chapel, St Keverne, cost £337.
Cornishman 26 February 1903 (also appeared in Western Daily Mercury)
Church gravedigger and the nonconformists
Some months ago a daughter of Mr. William Roskilly died at Coverack. The friends of the deceased being Nonconformist were determined to have a Nonconformist funeral and arranged that the Rev J Wesley Davies (Wesleyan) should conduct the service. The gravedigger refused to dig the grave in the ground surrounding the church at Coverack because the officiating minister was to be a Nonconformist. The difficulty was surmounted by a workman in the employ of Mr. Roskilly digging the grave. At the annual meeting of the Coverack Wesleyan trustees the unreasonable conduct of the village gravedigger was severely censured and it was unanimously resolved in order to avoid similar difficulties in the future that the following resolution be sent to the Vicar and the two churchwardens. “ In the opinion of this annual meeting of the trustees of the Wesleyan Chapel, Coverack, the gravedigger should consent to dig graves when requested to do so by Nonconformists or that the proper authorities should dismiss him from his office”.
Cornish Telegraph 30 April 1908
The anniversary services of the Coverack Wesleyans were continued on Easter Monday when a sermon was preached in the afternoon by Mr. J Thomas of Germoe. Afterwards a large number sat down to a tea prepared by Mrs. J Mundy, Mrs. J Robson, Mrs. G Mason and the Misses E Pengilly and Mundy. The evening meeting presided over by Mr. W F Phillips was well attended and Mr. J Thomas gave an excellent speech. The financial statement presented by the treasurer Mr. Roskilly showed that £30 was raised for the upkeep of the chapel in addition to over £30 given to the Connexion and Circuit expenses. During the year the acetylene gas had been installed towards which £17 was raised. An effort will be made during the summer months to pay off a debt of £60. The proceeds of the anniversary were about £3.
West Briton 29 August 1912
Former Coverack Schoolmaster – Mr. W F Phillips of Looe, formerly schoolmaster at Coverack, preached to a large congregation at Coverack Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday.
West Briton 2 November 1939
The wedding of two well known farming families took place in Coverack Methodist chapel. They were Miss Helen Dorothea Chapple only daughter of Mrs. Chapple and the late Mr. William Chapple of Polcoverack, Coverack and formerly of Boscarne Farm, St Buryan and Mr. Bert Ivey, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Ivey of Treleaver, Coverack. Rev C Clark (St Keverne) officiated. The attendant was Miss Marie Harvey of Prudden Farm, St Buryan. The bride was given away by her brother Mr. Casley Chapple and Mr. S P Ivey brother of the bridegroom acted as best man. The reception was held at the home of the bride. The couple will reside at Ponsongath Farm, Coverack.