Downicary Methodist Church
Minister: Rev Cathy Arscott
Services:11.00 am & 6.30 pm (when evening service held - please check LAMC Plan)
Contact Steward:
Mr C Nosworthy
Little Downicary
St Giles
LAUNCESTON
PL15 9RY
Downicary Methodist Church history
A Wesleyan Methodist Society was founded at Downicary in the second half of the eighteenth century. The original members by 1815 were ready to build a Chapel and after negotiation secured a piece of land from one Francis Northey, a yeoman of Broadwoodwidger. The land was granted on a 999 year lease for ten shillings down and also an annual ground rent of one grain of wheat, if demanded. The Chapel was completed in 1815 but was suceeded on the same site in 1861 by a new building. It is this building in which members hold their services today. Interestingly, probably at least until Methodist Union in 1932 Downicary was known as Broadwood Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Although the Chapel itself stands in the Parish of Broadwoodwidger it has closer ties with the Parish of St. Giles, sited as it is a mile from the village. This is demonstrated in the close ties with St. Giles Methodist Church. For many years the two churches have supported each other and in recent times, for mutual benefit, it was agreed to hold a service in the morning only at St. Giles and an evening service only at Downicary. The Chapel at Downicary is therefore the only one in the Circuit not to have a morning service, and yet as a venue for evening worship it has remained popular. This perhaps because of the lovely shape of the building, the intimacy of its interior, the excellent acoustics and the fine welcome afforded to every visitor.
You are warmly invited to attend or visit Downicary on any Sunday evening. Worship is traditional, you will be joined by not just the Chapel members but a number of people from other Churches and Chapels who regularly attend, and if it is not too bold a claim, you will be hard pressed to find another congreagation in finer singing voice than the one at Downicaiy. The Chapel has always had a great musical tradition with many members belonging to local choirs. Not so long ago there were eight people in the congregation who could play the organ. Some of these through marriage and house moves are now organists elsewhere.
Finally, one of the best adverts for Downicary are the visiting preachers and ministers who often voice not only their appreciation for the welcome and fellowship they have encountered but also their comment that it is a lovely Chapel in which to lead and conduct worship.
We hope that now and again or regularly you might be delighted to join us and be blessed as many have before by that special ' Downicary ' experience.