The life and times of Mutley Methodist

ON A CHURCH'S ROYAL LINKS

- CHRIS ROBINSON

It was early on a Wednesday morning, at 7am to be precise, that the first dedicatory service was held at Mutley Methodist Church, in October 1881. This was followed at 11am and 7pm by two divine services, conducted by the Reverend WJ Tweddle, of Bristol.

In between times, a public luncheon was held in the schoolroom of the new chapel. Available to all, the luncheon tickets were half a crown each (just over 12p, but nevertheless a lot of money in 1881). The Mayor, Francis Morrish, was there to oversee the proceedings and Peter Macliver MP was in attendance.

For those intent on making a full day of it, there was also a public tea at 5pm, tickets one shilling (5p), this time, though the venue was the neighbouring Mutley Baptist church - such was the strength of local Christian fellowship. Indeed, in his speech at the opening ceremony, the Right Honourable Mr Macliver said that he believed that at no time was there more Christian liberality and Christian enterprise than now, or a greater spirit of Christian charity and forbearance among the Protestant Churches.