Bethesda Methodist Chapel, Hanley - completion of Phase II repairs

Bethesda Methodist Chapel, Hanley - completion of Phase II repairs

The chapel closed on the 29 December 1985 and was left to decay.

The restoration of Bethesda Chapel in Albion Street, Hanley began after 2002 when Historic Chapels Trust acquired the chapel. It was decided that the works should be carried out in three phases, Phase I being completed in September 2007.

Phase II commenced in August 2010 and the celebrations to mark the completion of phase II was 9th July 2011.

Phase III will include introducing modern services such as toilets, heating, lighting, sound and visual systems, disabled access, fire safety compliances and the completion of outstanding repairs, restoration and upgrading.

"A bright future awaits, drawing in new community activities together with occasional services of worship."

Bethesda Methodist Chapel, Albion Street, Hanley
picture: © Matthew Rice - The Lost City of Stoke-on-Trent

"If Ely Cathedral is the Ship of the Fens then
Bethesda Chapel is the Galleon of the Potteries" Dr. Tristram Hunt MP

all photos taken on the 9th July 2011 at the Celebrations to mark the completion of phase II repairs

poster for...
Building Jerusalem: Bethesda Chapel Reborn
23 Jan 10 - 9 May 10

Bethesda restoration work

Bethesda façade - colours reflect those discovered during research work

phase II included the reinstatement of the gates and railings on Albion Street

the chapel pews and gallery - under the organ is an octagonal pulpit

the newly installed Kirtland and Jardine organ played by Michael Rhodes
accompanied by the combined voices of the Stoke-on-Trent and Biddulph Male Voice choirs

This historic organ from Manchester, replaces Bethesda’s own badly vandalised organ, which was also made by Kirtland & Jardine
the organ case is the original which was installed in 1864

the mahogany pulpit with its double flight of stairs

Under the organ is the restored octagonal mahogany pulpit approached by two flights of stairs.

The stairways to the pulpit have cast iron balustrades and hardwood handrails. On each side of the pulpit is a communion rail.

a closing hymn 'Guide me O thou Great Jehovah"
accompanied by the organ and the combined voices of the Lorna Spode Consort,
the Stoke-on-Trent and Biddulph Male Voice choirs

participants at the celebrations - left to right:

top row: Sir Alan Beith MP (Chairman of the Historic Chapels Trust);
Lord Mayor Councillor Terry Follows; Dr. Tristram Hunt MP

bottom row: Dr. Jennifer Freeman (Director of the Historic Chapels Trust);
Fred Hughes (Chairman of Bethesda Friends); Mr. Adrian Mathias (Architect - Brown Hayward Brown)

the reinstatement of the historic plaster ceiling with its fine central decorative pendant

Because of deterioration in 1978 the decorative plaster ceiling was covered with a suspended ceiling of acoustic tiles - during the 2010 work the ceiling and associated plasterwork was repaired by Plaster Elegance (Cannock) Ltd.

the restored 'Light of the World' stained glass window

the stained glass window depicting the "Light of the World", was taken into protective storage in the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery after the chapel closed - it was restored and reinstated by 'The Art of Glass'

Sacred to the memory of William Ridgway
Ridgway held the office of Chief Bailiff of Hanley and Shelton in 1830

William Ridgway operate six factories in the Hanley area, including:
the Cobden Works, High Street Works, Church Bank Works and the Broad Street Works.
Like many of his family members he was a member of Bethesda Chapel in Albion Street, Hanley.

In the crypt are deposited the remains of Thomas Allbut

Allbut was a printer and publisher of 'The Staffordshire Directory',
he was a local preacher at the Bethesda Chapel where he was also a trustee

contents: 2010 photos