The site is great with lots of history... it's been a while since I emigrated to Australia but remember this church well from my childhood. It's great to know it's being looked after, keep up the great work.

I saw the display in Stoke museum, and my immediate thought was that the people involved in the restoration should make a trip to Worcester in the near future.
Bethesda is a near replica of Huntingdon Hall in Worcester, and a visit to that very successful venue, and a chat with Chris Jaeger, head of Huntingdon Arts would be a tremendous source of inspiration and ideas.
Huntingdon Hall is a tremendous asset to the City of Worcester, and is a prized acoustic music venue, greatly loved by top level performers in a wide range of musical genres, from classical to rock.
A similar venue in Hanley would give a further validity to the denotation of a Cultural Quarter.
Regards
Dave Boothroyd

Hi Iam researching my wife's family tree on her fathers side the Waterfalls. According to census records they have lived round and about the Shelton and Hanley area from mid 1700s to the late 1800s. To see a chapel they could have gone to is amazing could you tell me if parish records are available and where it would be possible to view them please. Thank you Stephen

always checking for latest news..i was christened at BETHESDA..loving that we have still got a great building

How sad that so many Nonconformist buildings have vanished (especially since the 1960's), but good that at least some of those remaining are being rescued from demolition and being restored. Whilst I have no connection with Bethesda, I was brought up in the Nonconformist tradition. We no longer build chapels, even smaller ones, in the style depicting a central pulpit which can be seen from every seat in the chapel. Historically this was something of theological and liturgical importance to Nonconformists, but has largely vanished. Whilst it is sad that Bethesda closed it is good to see the restoration ongoing with such enthusiasm, reminding future people of a tradition which has mattered to so many others.

In the 1960s I lived around the corner from the chapel (Harding Road) and used to pass every day on my way to school (Glass St, sadly a carpark now). I was never concious of being aware of the chapel but when I saw the TV progamme I recognised it immediately. I have followed your website and look forward to the day that I can make a pilgrimmage to Hanley (from my home in Cardiff) to see the finished product..

Just seen the pictures on The Potteries.org website and it looks beautiful. Can't wait to see it in a few weeks time when I come back for a visit from my present home in Hampshire.

My Mother's family all lived in Hanley and as a child I always enjoyed my visits to the town. The magnificent Bethesda Chapel has always fascinated me by its majestic architecture and sheer size. I am thrilled to see its restoration to former glory. Along with Shelton church these splendid structures root Hanley in its wonderful past heritage before much of the city has been devastated by roads and the loss of its fabric and industry.