Hills Road Wesleyan Chapel

Hills Road Wesleyan Chapel, Cambridge

History of Wesleyan Chapel Hills Road

In 1865 land belonging to ‘The Master Fellows and Scholars of the College or Hall of the Holy Trinity in the University of Cambridge … situated in the Parish of St Andrew the Less,’ was let on a 99 year lease to Robert Sayles and he suggested this might be the site for a new Methodist chapel.

In 1866 the Trustees decided to build a temporary wooden chapel which they did at a cost of £200. Seats were to be sold:

‘a few seats free; some at one shilling and some at one shilling and sixpence per quarter’ … while …’the amount to be paid for the higher-priced seats should be according to what the special sub-committee appointed for tat purpose decided that the application could pay or what they could get.’

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1871 11th May opening and dedication of the new chapel. The ornamental stonework was intended to convey a meaning. (See The History of Methodism in Cambridge by Frank Tice, 1966)

A piece of ground in Norwich Street, opposite the chapel, had been acquired for a ‘Preacher’s House.’ In 1874 building started, the cost being £650, which sum was borrowed from the Star Life Assurance office. The house was designated no.92 Norwich Street but at some time between 1901 and 1904 the street was re-numbered and became known as no.1. It appeared on the Circuit Plan as a minister’s residence in 1875; the last time in 1881. After that the house was let and in 1891 it was sold.

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1906

1906 09 24

Hills Road Methodist organ, p4

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Hills Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.

1913

Hills Road Wesleyan Chapel, Rev James Lewis, resident minister

1927

1927 04 29

The stone-laying ceremony in connection with the new hall at Hills Road Wesleyan Church, Cambridge took place. It will be a single-storey building but with a view to enlarging later, if necessary. Mr C. Kerrridge and Mr W.A. Gray, members of the church, are the honorary architects and the building is being done by Messrs J.R. Bennett & sons. Too often had they had to work under most depressing and unfavourable conditions. The Young Men’s Fraternal had increased from five to nearly 50; if they did not make provision for these young fellows others would step in and reap what they had sown.

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Hills Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.

1928

1936

1936 06 06

Mrs Arthur Walters book ‘My Wayside’ describes life in Cambridge where Arthur Walters was minister Hills Road Methodist church – 36 06 06b

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Hills Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.

1936 08 22

William Allen, retired railwayman, joined Wesley Methodist Church, Hills Road in 1867 when it worshipped in a temporary building at the rear of the present church. He compiled a book telling how he started at Wesley Church but found them unfriendly 36 08 22e

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Hills Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.

1937

1937 03 05

The death occurred of Mrs Ann Smith, wife of Gypsy Smith, at their home, Romany Tan in Hinton Avenue. She was associated with Hills Road Methodist Church but led a very quiet life and although she once or twice went on tours abroad, she generally remained at home. The funeral service will be held at the house. The famous preacher is absent in America on an evangelical tour; he is at present in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is not expected that he will be able to return home until April. 37 03 05k

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Hills Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.

1972

1972 09 01

Cambridge folk have become accustomed to large scale demolition in various parts of the city, and soon yet another prominent building will disappear when the premises of the Hills Road Methodist Church are sold and taken down for development. The building is much too large; its seating capacity is 750 and the present membership is less than 200. Secondly the premises are over 100 years old, and while the sanctuary is in good condition, the premises downstairs are in a poor state and hopelessly out of date. As the adjoining premises were being developed it seemed a suitable time to sell.

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Hills Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.

1973

The church was demolished

1973 06 29

Latest casualty in the Hills Road office redevelopment programme is the 100-year-old Methodist Church. Demolition work started yesterday. In autumn last year any people were surprised to learn that an active church in so sound a financial position and such good repair should close its doors. But the trustees had been aware for some time that the building was just too large; it has a seating capacity for 750 and a congregation of less than 200. The congregation transferred to the Wesley Church, Christ’s Pieces, or to other Methodist churches closer to their homes. The property went on the market in November 1972.

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Hills Road Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.

Hills Road Wesleyan Chapel is mentioned several times in this article:

http://www.trumpingtonlocalhistorygroup.org/subjects/subjects_wesleyanmethodists/