Bethel Chapel, Shelf facts for kids
The Bethel Chapel is a special church building located on Halifax Road in Shelf, Yorkshire. It's an independent Methodist chapel, which means it's a type of Christian church that follows the teachings of Methodism but operates on its own. It was built way back in 1853.
The chapel has a graveyard where many people have been buried since 1852. Records from 2007 show that almost 5,000 people have found their final resting place there. This includes some interesting names like three people named Elizabeth Taylor and even one person named Isaac Newton!
Contents
Discovering Bethel Chapel
A Look Back: History
The Bethel Chapel was built in 1853. We don't know who exactly designed or built it. Over the years, the building has been updated. For example, in 1995, new washrooms, a kitchen, and an upper floor were added. Many of the original box pews, which are like enclosed seating areas, are still there today.
When it first opened, the chapel was part of the Wesleyan Reform movement. This lasted until 1873. After that, it joined the United Methodist Free Church. Today, it continues to be an independent Methodist church.
People Connected to the Chapel
The cemetery at Bethel Chapel is the final resting place for several interesting people. One notable person buried here is Joseph Jagger. He was known for a famous event in 1881 when he "broke the bank at Monte Carlo" – which means he won a lot of money gambling.
Another important person buried here is Edward Hartley. He was an early politician who believed in socialism, a way of organizing society where everyone shares resources. He lived in Shelf later in his life.
The cemetery also holds the graves of at least three soldiers from the First World War. One of them was Second Lieutenant A. E. Lord of the Yorkshire Regiment. He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery and passed away in 1918.
External links
- http://bethelchapelshelf.weebly.com/
