From The Bristol Mercury (Bristol, England), Saturday, September 4, 1858; Issue 3571.
The Wesleyan chapel now standing in this place was built in the year 1778. Additions were made to it in 1807, 1815 and 1834, at which date it was made to seat 500 persons. No alteration has since been made, though every sitting has long been taken, and numbers have been unable to obtain accommodation; but the congregation still worship in the old building which, after all the changes which have passed over it, is now a singularly plain and unhandsome edifice.
The erection of a new chapel has long been resolved upon, but for the want of a suitable site it has hitherto been deferred. At length, however, this desideratum has been supplied. Two adjoining plots of ground have been secured, the one by purchase, the other by the generous gift of C. Holway Esq. The offer of a premium of £50 for approved designs excited considerable competition; and the committee have selected those of Messrs. Foster and Wood, of Bristol, for a beautiful Gothic structure, containing 800 sittings, the total estimated cost of which is about £2400. Of this amount the friends in the village have already raised among themselves £2000. Mr Aubrey Catley, of Welton, is the successful contractor.
The ceremony of laying the foundation stone took place on Friday, the 27th ult. After a short preliminary service in the old chapel, conducted by the Rev. C. Williams, superintendent minister, and the Rev. T. Sheers, of Bradford-on-Avon, the friends walked in procession to the site of the new chapel, where a large crowd was already gathered to witness the ceremony. The Rev. C. Williams began the service by giving out the 737th hymn; a few suitable passages of scripture were read out by the Rev. S. Wray; and the Rev. C. Willis offered up a comprehensive and appropriate prayer. The Rev. C. Williams then presented a silver trowel to Mr W. J. Smith, in the name of many of his neighbours, as a token of affection for an old and valued friend. The stone was now laid in the usual way by Mr. Smith, assisted by Mr. Holway; and Mr. Smith, proceeding to address the multitude, gave an interesting and graphic sketch of the history of Methodism in the village.
The Rev. G. B. Macdonald, of London, afterwards spoke with much strength and feeling of the many great and important changes which have transpired in a few years. He dwelt especially on the religious changes which had taken place, and speaking of the general dormant state of religion in England 120 years ago, he gave the story of the “Six young men in Oxford”, and how they were driven out. Some had regretted that the Church had not treated them better. He was not one of that number. How would the Kingswood colliers have been benefited by Mr. Wesley’s elevation to the see of London? It was much better for the world as it was. He had gone with his companions the whole country over, and there was a general awakening of the churches, and the conversion of a countless multitude of souls. The whole of Mr. Macdonald’s excellent address was listened to with great attention, and it will not be soon forgotten.
At five o’clock a public tea was provided in a large marquee, which was kindly lent by Eustace Scobell Esq., of Hallatrow. The arrangements were admirably complete and 746 sat down to the table.The Rev. G. B. Macdonald had been announced to preach in the old chapel in the evening, but as fifteen hundred persons had come together, he preached in the tent, which was crowded in every part, and hundreds had to stand in the open field. A liberal collection was made at the close of the service, and the multitude separated, much delighted with the proceedings of the day.