POLYPHANT Chapel celebrated its 130th anniversary with a morning service led by Mrs Anne Rowe, followed by the cutting of an anniversary cake by Miss Jamie Cowling, a previous Sunday school member.

In the evening, a Sankey evening took place led by Mr J Langston from Saltash. Sankey hymns were sung and a supper of Cornish pasties, saffron cake and cream scones was enjoyed.

Early records show that Methodist preachers held services in Polyphant as far back as 1799. After 1835, services were held on alternate Sundays in the Congregational Chapel across the road from the present chapel. Methodists took over this site in 1863 and started a Sunday school.

In 1887 land was donated for the present chapel and the first stone was laid in October 1887. The chapel cost £430 and was built by Mr G Strike of Launceston. The opening ceremony took place on May 10, 1888.

A new schoolroom was added to the north end of the chapel in 1910. In 1991 an assessment was made regarding the future of the chapel and with help and guidance from superintendent minister Rev K Roberts and property steward Mr O Withers, planning and fundraising commenced to renovate the property.

This work was completed in February 1994 at a total cost of £63,565.

The chapel is now a dual purpose building used by various groups and societies and is known as ‘Polyphant Methodist Church and Community Centre’.