History of Burraton Methodist Church

These historical notes apply to the chapel which was demolished to be replaced by the present church, opened and dedicated in 2007

This neat and commodius Chapel was erected in 1893, with schoolroom annexed, on a commanding site on the borders of this growing and important village. The site was given by the late Mr. John Short, of Burraton, who took a great deal of interest in the erection of this place of worship, and generously contributed upwards of £100 towards the building, which cost about £800. The Memorial stones were laid in May, 1893, when the services were conducted by the Rev. W. Maltby, Chairman of the District: and the Chapel was opened the following November, by the Rev. T. T. Lambert, of Plymouth. There are about 175 sittings, and the schoolroom can accomodate around 100 children, and is separated from the Chapel by a portable screen. The rostrum is fixed on framework which is supported by eight wheels, and can be removed to the end of the schoolroom when required for special occasions.

To go back to the origin of Methodism in this village- as in most other country places- "small and feeble was the day" when first the work began. It was about the year 1835, that a Miss Cresswell, of Saltash, opened the first Sunday School in a cottage at Lower Burraton, on her own responsibility, and paid the rent. After some time another room was engaged in a cottage, later occupied by Mr. R. Hobbs. Here, in addition to the Sunday School, regular services were conducted on Sunday evenings. George Coad, a postman of Saltash, and others took a lively interest in the work, and a Methodist Society was formed. In 1866 a new Chapel was erected to hold about 50 adults, besides providing for the children attending Sunday School, which was held in the chapel. As the population of the neighbourhood began to increase, and the chapel became crowded, there was a necessity for the erection of a more commodious place of worship; hence the Chapel was erected. The old Chapel has been sold, and converted into a cottage.

From Venning's Historical Notices 1901