OLD DEVONPORT . UK
www.olddevonport.uk
 

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NORTH PROSPECT UNITED METHODIST CHAPEL

The North Prospect United Methodist Chapel was located in Halcyon Road, North Prospect, and as a result was sometimes known as the Halcyon Methodist Chapel.

First proposed by the Plymouth (Greenbank) United Methodist Circuit in March 1926, it was to consist of a brick building for a chapel and an extension for a Sunday School.  Both would be equipped with moveable partitions.

In the event, the building was constructed of limestone blocks with dressed concrete on the inside and cost over £5,000.  The building, which would seat about 400 worshippers, was officially opened on Wednesday June 27th 1928 by Mrs J H Beckly with a silver key presented by Messrs Page, Keen and Page, silversmiths, of Plymouth.  The Mayor and Mayoress of Plymouth, Mr and Mrs W H J Priest, attended.  The present building was the start of a larger scheme that included a larger chapel and a Sunday School and the present building would then become a lecture hall.  The opening was followed by a public luncheon in an adjoining marquee, an afternoon concert and an evening meeting.

The original building was badly damaged in the Second World War and a new Chapel was needed.   There was a long delay in getting planning permission due to the shortage of materials but on Wednesday September 3rd 1952 the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Alderman H E Wright, laid the foundation stone of stage one of the new building.  Miss Gillian Truscott presented the Lady Mayoress with a bouquet.

Designed by Messrs A S Parker and Allen, the building was erected by Messrs Wakeham Brothers, of Plymouth.  Once again it started out as a hall but in order to qualify for war damage compensation payments it had to be made into a church.  This was done by adding vestries to the frontage and rostrum, organ and choir stalls to the interior.  The building cost £9,000 and was faced with red brick and decorative panels.  It was planned to seat 350 people.

It was opened for worship on Wednesday July 8th 1953.  Mr E G Sluman, Chapel steward and the oldest trustee, performed the opening ceremony using a silver key presented to him by Captain F H Allen, representing the architects.  The service was conducted by the Reverend Percy W Searle, superintendent of the Devonport Circuit.