A UNIQUE METHODIST CHAPEL

We had been informed that this was an interesting and unique village for photography and painting. When the weather seemed promising, off we went. On arrival at the village, we did not see anything unusual as we drove into the car park, but when we ventured among the steep streets of this Yorkshire gem, we were amply rewarded for our journey. Along one of the streets we were amazed to see a graveyard full of stone memorials, and in the centre stood an old Methodist chapel built on a hillside, overlooking the beautiful valley in which nestles Hebden Bridge. As we approached the chapel, we were intrigued by its unusual shape; it was octagonal. Inlaid into one of the walls was a plaque with the following inscription:- ‘Heptonstall Methodist Chapel. The oldest Methodist chapel in the world in continuous use’. The society was founded by William Darney in about 1742. John Wesley preached at Heptonstall for the last time in 1786.

On the door was a sign declaring the chapel open, so in we went. Inside were rows of polished wooden pews facing the pulpit and organ. Around the walls were box pews facing towards the centre. These were situated under the balcony which surrounded the upper half of the chapel and from which access to the organ and choir stalls was obtained. The interior was well lit by the many windows, three of which had full sized stained glass images depicting The Good Samaritan and ‘Consider the Lilies of the Fields’. The third was much older and was less distinct than the other two. The ceiling was painted pale blue and had white ornamentation. The front of the balcony had a large clock facing the pulpit so that any preacher was made well aware of the time.

On returning outdoors we noticed an adjoining building; a lady tending the gardens told us this was the old schoolroom and she asked if we would like to look inside. There was a good sized hall with wooden benches at the sides and at the front was a stage complete with curtains. Our informant told us that the schoolroom was now only used very occasionally due to health and safety issues; as there was only one exit, and as the building was on the side of a hill and had two storeys, a maximum of 40 persons was the maximum allowed.

If ever you are in that area, Heptonstall is well worth visiting. Its other curiosity is a churchyard containing two churches; one in ruins but well preserved and the other built to replace the former, which was damaged in a severe storm in 1856. The replacement church was built at a cost of £6,666 in the mid 1880’s. Compare that with the cost of our redevelopment!

Would you reap a good harvest?

Then take care where you sow;

Let love be the seed you’re planting,

Do not let hatred grow.

Sow seeds of good will and kindness

And peace with healing leaves;

Then at the time of reaping

You’ll gather golden sheaves.

At Wimbledon, LOVE means nothing; at church, LOVE means everything.