Heptonstall Methodist Heritage Chapel

Announcements

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BUILDING WORK

From 2 April, work is beginning on the site to repair the exterior of the Sunday School building along with some minor works to the chapel. This work will mean that the whole site will be closed for much of April, May and June. Please bear with us whilst this essential maintenance is completed.

Welcome & Introduction

Hello, and welcome to Heptonstall Methodist Heritage Chapel. Did you know that the Octagonal Chapel in Heptonstall is world famous? That fame is largely due to its strong connection with the founding Methodist, John Wesley, who laid the foundation stones for the Chapel back in 1764.

The Chapel building has also been famed for being the oldest Chapel in continuous use in the world. Since May this year that claim can no longer be made as the Chapel has been designated as a Heritage Chapel so, instead of every week, there will now be at least six services per year. Nevertheless, the Chapel and adjacent Sunday School are still treasured as jewels in the crown of Wesleyan and Methodist history.

Photo Credit: The Flat Cap Photographer

Heptonstall Final Service

On Sunday 28th May 2023, was our final regular service to celebrate the mission and worship of Heptonstall Methodist Heritage Chapel 1764-2023.

Over 100 people came to witness and share in this special event.

Rev’d Kathie Heathcoat handed over the keys and contents of the Heptonstall Methodist Church to the Circuit, Superintendent, Rev’d Vicky Atkins.

Rev'd Kathie Heathcoat handed over the keys and contents of the Heptonstall Methodist Church to the Circuit, Superintendent, Rev'd Vicky Atkins.
Rev’d Kathie Heathcoat handed over the keys and contents of the Heptonstall Methodist Church to the Circuit, Superintendent, Rev’d Vicky Atkins.
Rev'd Vicky Atkins and Rev'd Kathie Heathcoat led the last service. John Wesley last preached from the same pulpit in 1786.
Rev’d Vicky Atkins and Rev’d Kathie Heathcoat led the last service. John Wesley last preached from the same pulpit in 1786.
Symbols representing the chapel's life and witness were brought to the front by members of the congregation.
Symbols representing the chapel’s life and witness were brought to the front by members of the congregation.
Over 100 people attended the service today.
Over 100 people attended the service today.
The Organist, Mr John Taylor.
Over 100 people attended the service today.
Afternoon tea was served after the service.
Afternoon tea was served after the service.
Rev'd Grahm Kent, Rev'd Vicky Atkins and Rev'd Kathie Heathcoat
Rev’d Grahm Kent, Rev’d Vicky Atkins and Rev’d Kathie Heathcoat
Margaret M and Margaret C the longest-serving volunteers at Heptonstall.
Margaret M and Margaret C the longest-serving volunteers at Heptonstall.
Heptonstall Methodist Heritage Chapel was the oldest Methodist chapel in continuous use. The last regular ceased today Sunday Service 28th May 2023.
Heptonstall Methodist Heritage Chapel was the oldest Methodist chapel in continuous use. The last regular ceased today Sunday Service 28th May 2023.
Heptonstall Methodist Heritage Chapel the morning of the last service.
Heptonstall Methodist Heritage Chapel the morning of the last service.

Photo Credit: Matthew Townsend