Copyright © 2007 Garway Heritage Group unless noted otherwise

Broad Oak Methodist Chapel

There was a Chapel at Broad Oak long before the present building was erected. The Primitive Methodist cause began here in 1826.

The premises were at Chapel Row just a few hundred yards from the present building. It was really two houses knocked into one. It also had a gallery. Preachers in those days walked many miles to take their appointment. In the early days there was no organ and the hymns were presented by Mrs J. Rook.

The premises soon became too small as young folk for miles around supported the cause, walking great distances and it was thought the gallery was not a suitable place for the young people.

It was decided to build a new Chapel and the land was given by Mr J. Knight. However building was held up for a time as £200 was needed (a very large sum in those days). Then a native of Broad Oak who was then living in the Forest of Dean gave £50. Soon the faithful people were working hard to raise the remainder.

Mr J. Knight, Mr E. Heath and family, Mr J. Rook and family, Mr W. Davies and family, Mr R. Francis and family, along with many others.

When all but £10 had been raised Mr Lewis of the Villa encouraged the friends to raise the balance and also provide an organ for the new Chapel.

The stone laying took place on August 31 st 1906 and was done by Col. Allen Gardiner, Liberal MP for Hereford. The date stone was given by Mr T.A. King of Hereford.

The Chapel was opened by Alderman J. Farr of Leominster on December 10 th 1906. Preachers at the opening were Revd. C.H. Southall from Pontypool, Revd. J.T. Giles, Monmouth and Mr Isaac Heath. Sankey Hymn Books were used in the Sunday School and Primitive Methodist Books in the services.

Broad Oak has belonged in turn to different circuits. Pilawell Primitive Methodist, Monmouth Primitive Methodist, Monmouth and Lydbrook and in 1932 joined the Wye Valley Mission in the Methodist Union.

Over the years Sunday School played an important part of the work of the Chapel and children came to Sunday School from Broad Oak, Garway, Garway Hill, Orcop, St Weonards, Llancloudy, Three Ashes, and even from Hereford..

Music has also played an important part of our work and the young folk always enjoyed acting and singing. There were many other activities with both parents and children, such as Pony Trekking, climbing Sugar Loaf, Skirrid, and Cats Back. Picnics at Forest Coal Pit, Forest of Dean and many other places, not forgetting a trip to the sea. In many ways we were like a big happy family.

Today, while we do not have a Sunday School, we still meet for worship on the 3 rd and 5th Sunday each month at 3.00 pm, and on the 1st Sunday we meet at Garway Baptist Church also at 3.00 pm.

Opening Ceremony Poster

Broad Oak Methodist Chapel