Mapping Methodism - Crosscoombe Primitive Methodist Chapel
Crosscoombe is a scattered community near Trevellas, in St Agnes parish. Its Primitive chapel was built in 1836 but its life came to an end during the Second World War when it was demolished to make way for an extension to the runway of RAF Perranporth. This profile has been compiled by Clive Benney & Tony Mansell.
Photo circa 1906 - Crosscoombe Primitive Methodist Chapel demolished in 1943 to make way for RAF Perranporth runway extension – William Isaac Grigg stands by the porch and the Minister outside the gate. (Photo: courtesy Clive Benney)
Original denomination: Primitive
1835: Society seems to have been formed with a membership of 20.
1836: Membership had increased to 60.
1836: Chapel with a capacity of 210 being built. The choir sat behind the pulpit and at the back of the chapel the seats rose steeply, to accommodate a classroom below.
1884: Redecorated internally and completely refurnished with new pews, a new rostrum and an American organ.
1908: Sunday school added. Members of the congregation provided the labour to build it but the carpentry work was let to local carpenter and undertaker, Frank Piper.
Frank Piper was awarded the contract to build the Sunday school and he was assisted by Edward Opie of Harmony Cottage. Volunteer labour was used to construct the insitu-concrete walls. The concrete was mixed on site using pebbles brought up from the beach. Timber formwork or shuttering would have been positioned and the concrete poured in layers until the required height was reached. (“Jericho to Cligga” by Clive Benney and Tony Mansell)
1927: New organ purchased from Heard & Sons of Boscawen Street, Truro.
The Chapel was very active and it was a great shock to the members when they were told that the buildings were to be demolished to accommodate RAF Perranporth runway extension.
1941: Chapel closed.
1941: The congregation joined the Wesleyans at Trevellas Downs Chapel. All the interior fittings, including the organ, were used there.
1942: Crosscoombe Chapel and Sunday school demolished to make way for airfield extension. (Revd David Easton)
1956: The Primitives’ fittings and organ transferred from Trevellas Downs Wesleyan Chapel to the new Trevellas and Crosscoombe Chapel.