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The village hall was originally built as a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, in 1844, on land belonging to the Galton family. There was seating for seventy people. On March 30 1851 there were three services with an attendance of 22 at the morning, 30 in the afternoon and 54 in the evening. Mr. James Ponsford, a local farmer, was the Methodist Minister.
During its time as a chapel, various events connected with the Methodist congregation were held. The highlight of the year was the anniversary, when a service was held during the week followed by a tea held in the implement shed belonging to Erasmus Galton (the Lord of the Manor) and, after 1879, in the Schoolroom. Funds were raised for the anniversary by holding a bazaar. Live and dead farm stock, poultry, cheese, butter, clothes and jewellery were sold. In addition on one occasion two swarms of bees were donated. Afterwards a sermon was preached and a tea was served to about 200 people. Any unsold items were auctioned off, raising about £5 extra.
On September 14, 1878. The Weston-Super-Mare Mercury and Somerset Herald published the event as follows:-
LOXTON - On Wednesday last the anniversary of the Wesleyan Chapel in this parish was celebrated, when an able discourse was delivered by the Rev. G. Follows of Weston-super-Mare. The rev. gentleman chose as his subject "St. John's Vision," recorded in Rev. 14th c, 1st, 2nd and 3rd verses. A public tea was provided at five o'clock in the new implement shed, recently erected by Major Galton. About 120 partook of the good things provided by Mr. Lewis, confectioner, Cheddar, and a public meeting was held in the same place, in the evening. The commodious rooms was ingeniously trimmed, and tolerably well lighted with lamps, and altogether presented a very comfortable appearance. The chair was taken by Mr. Coome, and able practical addresses were given by the chairman, Revd. J. H. Jones, Jos Milligan, and G. Follows. At the close a vote of thanks was accorded to the last named minister for his able services: also to Major Galton, for the use of his commodious building. Mr. Padfield gave a preliminary announcement that the bazaar they had thought to have held at this time was postponed until next May, when by an united effort they hoped to clear the beautiful little village sanctuary of that which should never be allowed to rest on a house of God. The proceeds of the day amounted to about £7 10s 0d.(1)
On June 14, 1879. The Weston-Super-Mare Mercury and Somerset Herald published the following paragraph:-
LOXTON - On Thursday a bazaar was held in connection with the anniversary of the chapel of this village. The contents were made up of live and dead farming stock, poultry of various kinds, cheese, butter, wearing apparel, jewelry, fancy and ornamental articles, with two swarms of busy bees----which, to ensure peace were kept at a friendly distance. The bazaar was formally opened at 2.15, Rev. Joseph Milligan announcing the well known Methodist hymn "O, for a thousand tongues to sing." Rev. J.S. Cooke (Bristol) then engaged in prayer, after which Mr. T. Gedge (Bristol) made a few opening remarks and urged upon the company to commence their purchases as rapid as possible. After about an hour and half of brisk business the beautiful little chapel was crowded, when Mr. Cooke preached a very reasonable sermon from Heb. 12-L. A public tea was provided by Mr. Lewis, of Cheddar and about 200 sat down to the social cup. Tea over, business was resumed, Mr. Phillips (Bristol) commenced a Dutch auction, and at this stage it was evident that everything shared the depression of trade and prices ruled in favour of buyers. A public meeting was arranged for an hour under the chairmanship of Mr. T. Gedge, when addresses were given by the Revs. Jos Milligan, J. S. Cooke, J.H. Jones, R. Keenleyside, Messrs. Philips and Padfield. The meeting over, Mr. Padfield took the auction stand and disposed of a greater part of the remaining stock, scarcely five pounds worth remaining unsold. The proceeds of the day together with a subscription from Major Galton (lord of the Manor) amounted to about £35. A vote of thanks was heartily accorded to the ladies who had rendered such valuable aid in getting up the bazaar, also to the Bristol friends for their attendance and liberal support.
In 1883 the Chapel closed, possibly due to low attendance. It was re-opened on November 14,1891, after a gap of seven years, through the kindness of the owner Major Erasmus Galton.
Social evenings were also held in the chapel, when members of the Banwell choir and the local congregation sang songs and gave readings of a religious nature. Missionary meetings were held and entertainment given in aid of the Band of Hope.
On March 4, 1893. The Weston-Super-Mare Mercury and Somerset Herald published the following paragraph:-
LOXTON - A highly interesting entertainment was given in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, on Friday evening last, by members of the Banwell choir and others, under the presidency of Miss Dibble. The programme was as follows - Pianoforte solo, Miss Hollier: solo, "Bright water." Miss Thomas: reading, "Trouble in the Amen corner." Mr. Padfield: solo, "Song of Heaven," Miss Holler: solo, "Only to know." Miss Membry: solo, "There are lonely hearts to cherish." Mr Sheldon: duet "Sowing the seed." Mr. And Miss Maud Padfield: address: Mr. E. Day, duet, "Is the conflict strong?" Mr and Miss Sheldon: solo, "Behold me standing at the door." Mr Padfield: trio, "We've sighted the golden gates." Misses Thomas, Membry and Hollier: solo, "Trusting." Miss Maud Padfield: solo, "Peace be still." Mr Darling: solo, "Jesus knows thy sorrow," Miss Membry: solo, "We remember the graves of our fathers." Miss Hollier: duet, "O, to be like him" (encored), Mr and Miss Maud Padfield: solo, "Turning are the wheels of time." Miss Thomas: solo, "We shall reach the summer land." Mr Sheldon: There was a numerous and appreciative audience, and a good collection was taken. At the close of the enter-tainment the friends were very generously entertained to supper by Mr and Mrs Padfield.
On December 2, 1893. The Weston-Super-Mare Mercury and Somerset Herald published the following paragraph:-
LOXTON WESLEYAN CHURCH - The annual missionary meet-ing was recently held, under the chairmanship of Mr Carey, of Bleadon, when interesting addresses were given by Rev. J Gibson (late missionary in China) and Rev D Eyre. The meeting was well-attended, and the proceeds including two boxes, amounted to about £2 for the year. Miss M Padfield presided at the harmonium and the choir suitably rendered "Tell it out among the heathen." An interesting entertainment was also given on Thursday last in aid of the Band of Hope, under the presidency of Mr J. H. Padfield. The programme was as follows:--Hymn "Praise Him". Hymn "The Good Shepherd:" recitation Miss Alice Sevier: trio. Rose French, Nellie Sevier and Louisa Southwood: recitation, Tom Padfield: solo, Mr Poole: speech by Reggie Padfield: anthem by elder girls, "Him that cometh": reading Mr Poole: duet, "One thing need-ful." Miss M Padfield and Master Tom Padfield: dialogue by six children: hymn, "Christ received sinful men:" recitation, Nellie Sevier: quartette, Mr. Padfield, Master Tom Padfield, Misses M and S Padfield: recitation, Rose French: solo, "Who is on the Lord's side," Mr Padfield: recitation, Lizzie Starks: solo, Miss A. Sevier: dialogue, "A lesson to grumblers." (encored) Misses Maud, Susie and Amy Padfield: solo "Saviour bless a little child" (encored), Miss Gertie Padfield: reading, Mr Padfield: anthem, "Redeemed." Hymn, "God be with you" Miss Padfield was the accompanist. The proceeds are to be devoted to giving the members of the Band of Hope a tea at Christmas.
After a brief revival the chapel closed again in the late 19th century.
Notes:
(1) 1d (1 penny) is equivalent to 0.4167 new pence. There were 12 old pennies to the shilling. 1s (1 shilling) is equivalent to five new pence. There were 20 shillings to the £1.
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