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Welcome to the Bethesda Methodist Chapel website.

Prince Charles & Camilla visit Bethesda Methodist Chapel.

Prince of Wales Coat Of ArmsTHE PRINCE of Wales visited Stoke-on-Trent on 19th Feb 2010 to celebrate the 100 years of the federation of the six towns.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived to visit key sites and meet people across the city.

The Royal visit took in the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Bethesda Chapel and Emma Bridgewater factory in Hanley, as well the Kings Hall and Civic Centre in Stoke and Dudson factory in Tunstall.

Please feel free to view our image gallery of this event and to read a short account of their visit written by Fred Hughes, Chairman of the Friends of Bethesda.

  

The Potteries Museum will be hold an exhibition called
BUILDING JERUSALEM-Bethesda Chapel Reborn
from Saturday 23rd January until Sunday 9th May 2010.

Bethesda Chapel is one of the most significant historic chapels in the city of Stoke on Trent and the exhibition explores the fascinating history of this former Methodist New Connexion chapel and its plans for the future. read more...

 

We have run a series of monthly “Open Days” from September 2007 – please see “Events” and “Open Days” sections for details of proposed opening arrangements in 2010.

 

This website is dedicated to the Historic Chapels Trust's proposal to restore the Bethesda Methodist Chapel in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, and make it available for a wide range of uses.

Bethesda Methodist Chapel is one of the largest nonconformist chapels outside London. It is reputed to have seated up to 2,000 people. Many people have fond memories of Bethesda and want to see it restored to its former glory and open again to the public.

On this website you will find information about the building's history, the plans for restoration, how you can help and how you can get in touch with the Historic Chapels Trust and our local supporters' group.

Funding for the creation of this website has been provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone and Stoke-on-Trent City Council also provided financial support towards the first phase of repairs.

Click here to see where we are.

What's new on the website?

1 March 2008 — information on Open Days in 2008, on meetings of the Friends of Bethesda, and on Bethesda's participation in a city-wide video celebration of Stoke

28 October 2007 — 'Nursing service' photo added to this page, and wedding photos added elsewhere 

25 September — Report and pictures from our first Open Day, on 8 September 

Buy a mug to help our funds!

 

Bethesda Royal Visit

February 2010: Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visit Bethesda.
Read about the visit & view more images here...

 

 

The front, Open Day, 8 September 2007

September 2007: Phase I of the restoration works has been completed, and for the first time in twenty years the public can enter the building (click on the photo for a bigger version).

 
Crowds for a carol service

Crowds assemble for the annual carol service at Bethesda Chapel, c. 1950 (click on the photo for a bigger version)

 
Perhaps a nursing service?

Perhaps this was taken at a special nursing service? Do you see anyone you know? (click on the photo for a bigger version)

 
The interior in 1970

This is what the interior looked like in 1970, with its elegant wooden seating, spectacular pulpit and impressive organ front. We hope to restore the current derelict building to something like its former splendour. It's a big job – take a look at the 360-degree panoramas...