Primitive Methodist Tabernacle, Newmarket Road

Primitive Methodist Tabernacle, Newmarket Road

History of the Primitive Methodist tabernacle

1883

Rev George Kemp came as minister and focussed on raising money to pay off the debt. He was so successful that he stayed on but his health broke under the strain and he died in 1890.

1909

Membership was in rapid decline. It was decided to sell thr premises but this was not done. (The History of Methodism in Cambridge, F Tice, 1966)

1912 from the Christian Messenger, 1912:

The largest chapel is the Tabernacle. It was built in 1876 at a cost, including several cottages, of £3,390, and took the place of one of blessed memories in Fitzroy Street, the scene of some of the most notable happenings in local Methodism. The present building stands fairly prominently on the Newmarket Road, seats five hundred and fifty people, and is in many respects fitted to serve the district round it. A small band of workers have stood by it loyally. Unfortunately, its history has been checkered, and in addition, it is burdened by a large debt. Within the last two years this latter has been slightly reduced. It now stands a little below £700. The Tabernacle was the head of the Cambridge Second Circuit until three years ago, when the two Circuits were amalgamated. A great need is better school premises.

1913

Revs. C and S Windram, pastors

For more information about Primitive Methodism in Cambridge:

https://www.myprimitivemethodists.org.uk/content/place-2/cambridgeshire-2/primitive_methodism_in_cambridge

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1985

22 November 1985 — demolition

The Carioca Club on Newmarket Road is finally being demolished after years of doubt about its future. It was built in the 1870s as a Methodist Chapel but with falling attendances it was a financial embarrassment and as early as 1909 there was talk of selling it. In 1941 it became a furniture storage depot and was turned into a nightclub and disco in 1976 with a take-away kebab shop. But it was gutted by fire in 1983 and never reopened. 85 11 22
Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Newmarket Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, entry 1985 11 22.

2 December 1985 — retrospective on the Tabernacle

After more than a century of almost unremitting dreariness the Methodist Tabernacle in Newmarket Road is being pulled down. The hideous old bulk of a chapel wore sunlight like a shroud. The foundation stone was laid in 1876 but within 14 years the congregation shrank and in 1909 there was talk of selling it. It struggled on and in 1941 was given over to the storage of furniture. Later it became the Carioca nightclub and its face daubed with appalling blue and orange paint. Worse was to come: the lower part was turned into a take-away kebab joint. Fire gutted the old pile in 1983 and its doors finally closed for ever 85 12 02b
Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Newmarket Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990, entry 1985 12 02.

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See also on Lost Cambridge

Thug burns down possible venue for a possible Cambridge Atheist Tabernacle Choir. 1986.