Monmouth Methodist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monmouth Methodist Church |
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| 51°48′45″N 2°42′42″W / 51.8126°N 2.7117°W | |
| Location | St James Street, Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP25 3DL |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Methodist |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Architect(s) | George Vaughan Maddox |
| Style | neoclassical |
| Years built | 1837 |
Monmouth Methodist Church is a special church in Monmouth, south east Wales. It was built in 1837 and designed by George Vaughan Maddox. You'll find it set back from St James Street, hidden a bit behind other buildings. This was common for churches like it back then. They didn't want to challenge the main church too much. The church still has its original galleries, organ area, and a fancy pulpit. It's also one of the 24 important buildings on the Monmouth Heritage Trail. It is a Grade II* listed building, meaning it's very important historically.
Church History
In the 1700s, a new group called the Methodists started to become popular. They were different from the main churches in Monmouth at the time. Sometimes, Methodist preachers were even attacked by angry crowds. These crowds were encouraged by local church leaders. One preacher was even killed in 1840 near Hay-on-Wye.
But the Methodists kept going! They opened their first small chapel in Inch Lane. This lane is now called Bell Lane. Later, John Wesley, a very famous Methodist leader, came to preach in Monmouth. He visited five times, starting in 1779. As more people joined, a bigger chapel was built on Weirhead Street.
Building the Current Church
The chapel on Weirhead Street soon became too small. So, a new, larger church was planned. George Vaughan Maddox, a local architect, designed the current church. He had also worked on The Hendre, a large country house.
The new church was built in 1837. It could seat 340 people. Maddox designed it with tall, decorative columns called pilasters. These were in the Ionic style. The windows on the first floor were round at the top. The ground floor windows had triangular tops. A large triangular shape, called a pediment, sits above the entrance. Later, a nice porch was added.
Inside, the church has box pews. These are like small enclosed seating areas. They allow 340 people to sit in three main sections. There's also a gallery that goes around three sides of the church. The pulpit, where the preacher stands, was originally much higher. It was lowered in 1885. At the same time, the floor was raised by two feet. Because of this, the bottom parts of the inside columns are now hidden.
Reverend Peter Mackenzie
The Reverend Peter Mackenzie was a popular preacher at the church. He was known for his funny stories and interesting sermons. He came from Burnley, Lancashire. He lived in Coleford with his family. He often traveled by donkey to visit different churches.
One day, a visitor named Mrs. Bullock was waiting for the service to start. She said she would buy an organ for the church if it ever became full. When the minister arrived, the church was completely full! True to her word, Mrs. Bullock bought an organ. It was installed to celebrate this amazing achievement.
Many people think this church is one of the most beautiful Methodist chapels in South Wales. Its inside design is especially well-planned. A famous architectural guide describes it as "a most satisfying work."
The Church Today
Monmouth Methodist Church holds services every week, both in the morning and evening. There is also a special family service each month. This church is part of a larger group called the Newport and Lower Wye Circuit. This circuit includes other Methodist churches in places like Trellech, Broadoak, Llancloudy, and Gwern-y-Saint.
