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The History of Rescorla village and Chapel

The years of development

After 1892 the Membership steadily increased following regular evangelistic revival meetings. These lasted a week or a fortnight and were preceded by a week of Prayer Meetings in which the Chapel Members would meet and rededicate their lives to God. There were some wonderful conversions in the missions which were often led by enthusiastic laymen, following their daily work. Sometimes a missioner would be engaged without charge, and trust to the generosity of the congregation for board and lodging. Some men and women noted for their disrespect for any religious movement made decisions for Christ and became faithful workers in the Church.

On one spectacular occasion, the Cornish Heavyweight Wrestling Champion and Athlete, left his pew and vaulted over the backs of three pews to get to the Communion rail. He said he could not waste time by going up the aisle. His name was Samuel Coombe, and he was known as ‘Captain Sammy’. He was illiterate at the time of his conversion, but learned to read the Bible and became a very popular local preacher. He always walked to his appointments, even as far as Lostwithiel, and his sermon was delivered in broad Cornish dialect.

When Rescorla was accepted into the St Austell Primitive Methodist Circuit, there were seven other Societies. These were:- St Austell (South Street), St Austell Downs (Polkyth), New Mills (London Apprentice), Tregrehan, Molinnis (Bugle), St Blazey and Lostwithiel. At the present time Rescorla, Tregrehan, and New Mills, still in use; the others are closed [since 1973 the three chapels listed have also been closed]. Much of our information has come from the Trust Minute Books and Treasurer’s Accounts. These contain some strange spellings, such as ‘seet reent’, ‘Hundered cole’ and ‘gal of oile’.

The money from Seat Rents proved a valuable asset during the financial problems of the early 1900s. In 1906 it was agreed that all who were six months in arrears and did not pay up were to be regarded as having given up their seat. In 1909 it was resolved that the door-keeper could have a free seat. In 1913 the old harmonium was replaced by a new two-manual Pipe Organ. In 1949 this Organ was overhauled and fitted with an electric blower. The Chapel was reseated about 1900 and Choir Stalls were erected. Prior to this the pews were all on one level. The Chapel contains a marble monument in memory of Charles Pendray, who was Organist and Trustee for 50 years, and his wife Ellen. There is also a Memorial Stone in memory of 57 men who served in World War 1, of whom six paid the supreme sacrifice, together with a Brass plaque in honour of two young sergeants who lost their lives in World War 2.

The Sunday School

When the Sunday School was built in 1892 there was an average attendance of 100 at the services and there were 51 scholars. The School was enlarged in 1930, and at that time there was a roll of 113 scholars. To help pay for the cost of the Enlargement a Male Voice Choir of 40 members was formed, and the Women’s Own provided a Ladies Choir. The Church at that time had a Choir Membership of 30 voices rendering valuable service and giving inspiration to preacher and congregation alike. This Choir was also instrumental in augmenting the Funds of the surrounding Societies.

One of the great attractions to Rescorla for many years dating from the early 1900’s was the Annual Sunday School Anniversary on the last Sunday in June followed by the ‘Tea Day’ on the Monday. If the weather was fine a platform was erected in a field kindly lent by Mr Clemo, and the Sunday Services were held in the open. If it was wet, services were held in the barn formerly used by the break-away society as neither the Chapel for the Schoolroom was large enough to accommodate the crowds that came.

On the Monday about 100 children would meet at 3 p.m., form in procession with a large banner and small flags waving, and headed by a brass band would proceed on a circular route around the district. They would return to a Tea consisting of a large saffron bun, one butter and one cream split, and tea with or without sugar as desired. A public tea would follow, the band would play selections; and young and older would join in the games such as French Tag. A short service would be held in the Chapel, after which everyone would come back to the field and join in the ‘Snail Creep’ led by the Molinnis Fife and Drum Band (there are many people who can still remember those happy days), thus concluding one of the most popular Feasts in the district. Litter was left ankle deep (almost), this being paper and cartons bought from the ‘standings’, which in the evening were all lit up with Naphtha flares. The villagers cleaned up willingly, and looked forward to next year’s feast.

Another red-letter day to anticipate was the Annual Outing to the coast. Travel was by horse drawn wagonettes. There would be six vehicles and the journey to Newquay would take about four hours each way, but everyone was happy and thoroughly enjoyed the trip’.

From the 1973 centenary of Rescorla Chapel

You can find out more about Rescorla nad related history on Wikipedia. We will also be adding more information here over the coming months.