Methodist history turning a new chapter

Image: © Neil Owen Taken: 29 May 2024

The Whitfield Tabernacle is a Grade I listed church, founded in 1741 and the place of worship where George Whitfield preached the new method of religion. It became a centre where Methodism grew in the south west and also offered schooling. It was extended in 1802 and 1830 to cope with an increasing congregation; eventually a new church (Masters) was built on the opposite side of the graveyard. However, after the church finally closed it became in 2000 a victim of an arson attack and was desperately damaged. In the following years the historic building was left to rot, roofless and abandoned. Historic England put it at the top of its 'at risk' listing. Help finally arrived when a local group formed to buy it by 2019, just before the fire. Left with a much greater task the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust has gathered funding to restore the building and preserve the history but also offer a space for the community. It is now hoped to become 'a destination venue for a wide range of creative activities, performing arts, community programming and an educational offering.'

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