Ryhall Methodist Church

The first place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists in Ryhall was a house at the end of Waterside, registered for worship in 1810.  The house was owned by a carpenter named John Christian and it had free sittings for 60 people.  Later it was named 'Chapel House' and today it is part of 'Norfolk Cottage'.

Eventually the property became too small to accommodate the increasing population and in 1877 an application was made to erect a new Wesleyan Methodist chapel at the corner of Mill Street and Crown Street with seating for 200.  The foundation stones were laid on July 31st. The building was designed by Joseph Corby of Stamford and built by Messrs Roberts of Ryhall and Scholes of Stamford.  It was opened on June 12th 1878 having cost just over £476.

In 1896 a further application was made for a building to be designed as a schoolroom costing £280.  The number of children receiving instruction at the time was said to be 60 and there was no separate accommodation for them.  The schoolroom was constructed of brick at the rear of the chapel, the contractors being Hinson Brothers of Stamford.  A choir vestry was added on the east side and a vestry to the west.

On June 12th 1978 the church celebrated 100 years since its opening with a meeting, public tea and a concert, featuring Empingham Brass Band and Methodist musicians from Stamford.

Further renovations to the property took place in 1993/4 when the rear building was refurbished to include a kitchen, store room and disabled toilet.

Written By Pauline Collett. For further information on the history of Ryhall Methodist Church seeher book ‘Rutland in Dissent’ published 2011 by Spiegl Press, Stamford, Lincs