Victoria Methodist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Victoria Methodist Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Methodist |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Closed |
| Location | |
| Location | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Fry, Paterson and Jones of Weston-super-Mare |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Completed | 1936 |
Victoria Methodist Church was a special church building in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. It belonged to the Methodist faith. The first church building was built between 1899 and 1900. Sadly, it was destroyed by a fire in 1934. A new church was then built in its place from 1935 to 1936. This new building was designed by architects Fry, Paterson and Jones. The church stopped being used for worship in 2020.
Contents
The Story of Victoria Methodist Church
How the First Church Began
The very first Victoria Methodist Church was built from 1899 to 1900. It replaced an older chapel from 1847. Mr. W. J. Morley from Bradford designed the church. Mr. William Gibson from Exeter was the builder. Important foundation stones were laid on November 20, 1899. The church officially opened its doors on September 13, 1900. Mr. T. P. Wansbrough led the opening ceremony.
The Fire of 1934
On February 5, 1934, a big fire broke out at the church. The fire was so strong that it left only the outer walls standing. People believed the fire started from a fuse in the organ's electrical system. It quickly spread through the church's wooden parts. After the fire, plans were made to build a new church. They hoped to use some parts of the old building, like the north wall and tower. The church received £17,285 from the insurance company. Architects Fry, Paterson and Jones then started drawing plans for the new church.
Building the New Church
Building the new church faced some delays. The Weston-super-Mare Urban Council wanted to make Station Road wider. The church leaders thought this would cost a lot more money. It would mean tearing down existing walls and moving the building line. Some people in the church did not want the old ruined parts to be removed. However, the site was cleared later in 1934.
By the end of that year, the church and the council agreed. The council bought the extra land they needed from the church for £700. Messrs Bryant and Son from Birmingham were chosen as the builders in December 1934.
Opening the New Church
On March 6, 1935, the main foundation stone for the new church was laid. Mrs. Walter Robinson from Bath laid this stone. She was the sister of a former church leader, Rev. J. Walthew Simister. Sixty-three more stones were then laid by different people who donated money. Some of these stones were even saved from the old church.
The new Victoria Methodist Church officially opened on January 2, 1936. Mrs. W. H. Chamings from Burnham-on-Sea opened the church. Her husband, Rev. W. H. Chamings, was one of the first ministers of the old church. Their son, Rev. W. Loxley Chamings, was a minister at the new church. The total cost to build the new church was £19,460.
Why the Church Closed
In 2020, the church closed its doors for good as a place of worship. The COVID-19 pandemic made things very difficult. The church was struggling financially. Also, there were not enough volunteers to help run things. Many of the older members could not attend services because of lockdown rules. The very last service was held on October 10, 2020.
What the Church Looked Like
Victoria Methodist Church was built using local stone. It had special stone from Nailsea and Hamstone for decoration. Inside, the walls were lined with brick. The church was designed in the Gothic style. Its design was inspired by the Methodist Church in Boscombe. It was built to hold 700 people. The church also had a tower that was 65 feet tall.
Inside, there was an oak pulpit on a base made of Portland stone. The font (for baptisms), reading desk, and altar table were all made from English oak. The organ was built by the John Compton Organ Company Ltd. The stained glass in the east window showed pictures of Sacrifice and Victory. This window was a memorial to the local men who died in World War I. A special war memorial tablet from the old church was saved and repaired. It was placed over the inner west door.
