Cloud Methodist Chapel

Cloud Methodist Chapel is a small chapel with an extraordinary story. Built in 1815, just eight years after the famous Mow Cop Revival of 1807, Cloud is believed to be the oldest Primitive Methodist chapel in the world still in regular worship today.

Cloud’s story began even before the chapel itself was built. It appears on the first Primitive Methodist preaching plan, published in 1811, when meetings in the area would have taken place outdoors or in local farmhouses around Woodhouse Green. Three houses are known to have welcomed these early Primitive Methodists: Woodhouse Green, Pecks House and Ashmore House.

In 1815, the local community came together to build a permanent chapel. Local tradition tells us that the money was raised in just three days, and the chapel itself was completed in only three weeks, at a cost of £26.

The historic pulpit has been preached from by Hugh Bourne, one of the founders of Primitive Methodism, as well as his brother James Bourne, Samuel Barber, and members of the Harvey and Deakin families. These families were part of the life of Cloud from its earliest days, and remarkably, their direct descendants still worship at the chapel today. Ms Deakin was also among the early female local preachers of the Primitive Methodist movement.

Cloud has continued to grow and adapt through the generations. A schoolroom was added in 1958, and more than two centuries after the chapel was built, it remains a living place of Christian worship and community. Cloud still has a Sunday School and young people’s group, continuing a tradition of passing on the Christian faith to a new generation. We may be a small community today, but we have a big heart for worship, fellowship and sharing God’s love.

Visitors are always warmly welcome, whether you would simply like to see this historic chapel or join us for Sunday worship at 4pm. Come and experience a place where the story of Primitive Methodism is not only remembered, but continues to be lived today.