Whitfield Tabernacle in Kingswood (Picture: SWNS)
Campaigners are battling to save an historic Bristol church, hailed as the birthplace of Methodism, after it was allowed to fall into near-derelict disrepair.
The Whitfield Tabernacle was built in 1742 for trailblazing evangelical preacher George Whitfield as a home to the new movement.
Followers flocked to the grand tabernacle to witness the first searing sermons of Methodism – before its ideals spread to millions around the world.
But once a gleaming temple of a powerful religious movement, the crumbling building now lies in rack and ruin and has been attacked by arsonists.
The tumbledown structure in Kingswood has no windows or roof and a thick, tangled web of green ivy coats the walls.
It was bought by a developer several years ago and but has lain untouched after the economic downturn stalled a project to restore it.
Leading figures yesterday called for the building to be restored back to its former glory – warning that it was under serious threat.
Chris Skidmore, Conservative MP for the area, said: “The building is of great national significance and represents a vital part of the history of Methodism and therefore must not be allowed to fall into further ruin.
“I’ve taken an active role in seeking its preservation and last year it looked hopeful that with the funding for repair works secured from English Heritage.
“Things were getting moving, but it is disappointing that the developer seems to have walked away from restoring the site.
“The council now needs to look seriously at compulsory purchase and allow a heritage trust who are genuinely committed to restoring the tabernacle to its former glory to get involved.
“I’m determined to do all I can to support any bid that will allow this to happen.”
The tabernacle was commissioned after George Whitfield – who trained with fellow Methodical father John Wesley at Oxford University – began visiting Bristol in 1742.
He drew large crowds with his open-air preaching, but was banned from speaking in Anglican churches because of his radical ideas.
Sermons by Whitfield and Wesley could attract up to as many as 10,000 people in the city as the popularity of the movement grew.
On his return from a trip to America in 1742, Whitfield created the tabernacle – ordering the construction of a meeting room for his followers in Park Road. The original stone building was extended twice – in 1802 and 1830 – to accommodate a burgeoning congregation.
As well as the Grade I-listed tabernacle, the site includes a grand church, designed by Henry Masters in 1851, and an old cottage.
It remains one of the only surviving original Methodist structures, along with Sir John Wesley’s Methodist chapel, built in 1739 in Bristol. But it was closed in October 1983 after church attendances dwindled and it fell into disrepair – and was recently torched by arsonists.
Campaigners are now trying to secure a £4million lottery grant to restore the important religious site to its former glory.
But developers PG Group have yet to agree on a forward plan.
PG Group bought the site from the Uniform Reformed Church for an undisclosed sum but, despite getting planning permission for restoration and new flats, they have stalled.
Heather Goddard, a local county councillor who has been battling to salvage the site since 1996, said: “It is a Grade I listed building in a priority neighbourhood. If it was restored it would make a tremendous difference to the area.”
The Whitfield Tabernacle Trust – set up to save the venue – is now pressing the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant.
Campaigner Will Harris said: “The historical importance of the site is beyond question. Despite the recession we believe the Heritage Lottery Fund has more funds at its disposal.”
It is believed South Gloucestershire Council may look to obtain a compulsory order – to ensure works on the site – if the developer resists attempts at restoration.
Yesterday the PG Group, owner of the site, insisted it was fully committed to the project. But it added that it was was worried about strict council timescale conditions on the project – which, if breached, could invalidate its planning permission.
Stuart Grainger, development director for the company, said: “With the best will in the world, developments often fall behind schedule, so to ask us to invest around £4million in a scheme which could suddenly lose planning permission was simply not an option.
“We are keen as the people of Kingswood to see the development brought to a satisfactory conclusion.”
In 2003 the Whitfield Tabernacle featured in the BBC series Restoration, presented by Griff Rhys Jones, but failed to get enough support to win the money for its renovation.
This building is not and never has been a Methodist chapel. Whitfield had a significant influence on John Wesley, during the latter's early years. Indeed, in many ways it was Whitfield who pushed him into field preaching. However, they went their separate ways early on. This building should not be described as a Methodist chapel, carrying with it the implication that Methodism has neglected its heritage. Our care and compassion for our heritage can well be seen in the New Room (John Wesley's Chapel) on the Horsefair in Bristol, which is the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world. (Revd Ward Jones, Chair of the Trustees of the New Room)
ward jones
As a lifelong Methodist, it's the first time I have heard of John Wesley being knighted!
Hi, just a couple of corrections. It's not "Sir John Wesley's Chapel" but simply "John Wesley's Chapel" or "The New Room"
Also the Uniform Reformed Church is actually the United Reformed Church.
Hope the building gets restored.