The History of Apse Heath Methodist Church

The brick building to the left of the Church, the Church Hall, was a Wesleyan Chapel which was founded in 1875. The picture was from the early 1920's. Note the lovely wall and fence with the hedge behind. Otherwise from the outside it looks much the same today.

Sanction for the building of the new chapel was sought in 1898, plans were drawn up  and the work sent out to tender. An estimate of £760 from Taylor of Apse Heath was accepted, although the final building costs came to £795! (plus 16/6!).

Lord Alverstone laid the foundation stone for the Church in  September 1902.

A Mr and Mrs Godfrey from Ryde were asked to take part in the opening ceremony, Mr Godfrey took the chair and Mrs Godfrey unlocked the door. Rev. Overton of Newport preached the first sermon. It was agreed that the first 4 centre seats would be let at 9p each sitting with the rest of the centre seats to be let at 6p each sitting. 6 seats either side were to be free!

 The Church thrived with a Sunday school, outings, Anniversary teas, money raising fetes, Jubilee celebrations etc.. The picture on the left is an Anniversary Tea held at New Barn Farm - pre  Second World War.

The second picture is of a Garden Fete held at Winford Farm in1930 to raise money for the Church. It raised well over £50.

In 1955 a new heating system was installed at a cost of £127.10.0 and in the following year electric lights were installed- at a cost of £46.13.4

In 1963 the Evergreen Club was formed.

In 1978 Mrs Tutton gave the Church a small olive wood cross from the Holy Land, this can be seen on the wall in this photograph.

The beautiful, if rather large, pulpit in the Church. 

(This pulpit was removed in 1995).

Click on the button to find out about the Modernisation of the Church.

Don't forget to click on the images if you wish to see them clearly.