TREBULLETT Chapel, 'A place of Worship Fellowship and Community for over 200 years' witnessed a recent pilgrimage as former scholars members and friends travelled from as far away as Manchester, Nottingham, London, Southampton, Penzance and France to join in celebrating the building of the first chapel at Trebullett in 1810 – the very same building that is now in full use as a community hall.

The weekend started on Saturday, May 8 with a thanksgiving service that was accompanied by organist Marjorie Stephens and led by Rev Margaret Oxenham, who also interviewed three of the former chapel members – Rachael Starling (Stephens) Avril Tucker and Gordon Maunder. They recounted Sunday School anniversary, junior club and the lifetime encouragement of music.

The younger children sang 'He's got the whole world in his hands.' This was followed by the cutting of the celebration cake (made by Ada Davey) by the three senior members; Marjorie Stephens, George Masters and Denis Coumbe – totalling some 240 years of witness, and after a group photo of the members of the church the children planted three shrubs to mark the occasion.

A collection of old memorabilia and photos related to the community were put on display, along with some beautiful flower displays that were arranged by Ben Davey and Louise Burden. The windows of the chapel had also been decorated to depict the those in the community affiliated with the premises.

With so many people present, the church ladies were very busy serving two full sittings a real Cornish tea, which was thoroughly enjoyed by those recounting rich memories of previous years.

Sunday Worship was conducted by Rev Ian Haile who told of his fond memories visiting Trebullett some 11 times. More interviews of present members took place, who remembered how special Trebullett Church is, describing it as a "spiritual home within a caring and rich fellowship." Those taking part were Denis Coumbe, Jill Price, Trevor Stephens and organist, Ruth Burden.

'The Pageant,' a family entertainment show performed by members and Anglican friends especially written for the occasion by Neil Burden – played to full houses on the Saturday and Sunday evening, containing a series of sketches, humourous moments, songs and the retelling of historical events narrated by Ann Foster and Jane Scoble – captivated the audience.

'The Pageant' commenced with the arrival of John Wesley on horseback – portrayed by Walter Tucker on a pantomime horse.

The audience were then 'taken' to the home of the early Methodists John and Catherine Husband (played by Dominic Nelson and Sue Barnes), who were visited by William and Susannah Husband (Jeremy and Charmain Stephens and joined by their children Ella and Owen).

The 'Youthful Spirit' rounded off the evening representing the church. The evening was concluded with another long table full of a very tempting home cooked food, that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

See this week's 'Post' for more photos from the celebrations.