Manx Methodist Historical Society - Newsletter 5

The second of our "Heritage" outings took place on 23rd of August, when Mr. Cecil McFee was our guide round some of the- chapels in the south.

We met at Kerrowkeil, where Mr. McFee and Mr. John Quilliam together gave details of the chapel's history. Kerrowkeil Chapel was one of the first Wesleyan chapels built in the south of the island - in -1814,and- is still used each Sunday evening for worship. It holds a special place of affection in the hearts of many folk from a wide area. Some years ago, Mr. McFee - encouraged the late Mrs. Comish (One of the members) to record her memories of the chapel, and it is from that that some of this information comes.

Mr. and Mrs. John Mercer who farmed at Ballarobin West, sold the land on which to build the chapel for a nominal sum of 5/- and tradition has it that it was between the grain harvest and the potato harvest when a member of the Quayle family of Kerrowmooar began to draw stones, it would be by horse and cart then. Music in the early days was provided by Mr. Tom Taggart and his bass fiddle, and Kerrowkeil was for many years noted for its hearty singing. Although a harmonium was purchased in 1899, Tom and his fiddle continued for many years to provide the music. Mrs. Comish recalled also that at the time of renovations to the chapel, two old Sunday School scholars over 80 years of age, gave 10/- each, which in those days was a whole week's- pension, and their families were pleased for them to do it. The first organist of the chapel was believed to be Miss Ella Taggart of Ballagilbert.

From Kerrowkeil, we proceeded to Colby, where we met first in the Sunday School Hall, built and opened in 1972 and now well used by the local community. There were two chapels in Colby - the Wesleyan and the Primitive facing each other across the main road. When they were being built, there was a race to see which could open first - won by the Prims because they opened without any seating inside,

The first Wesleyan preaching place on the island was probably at Colby Moar (now known as Bridge House, Colby). Primitive Methodism: was introduced to Colby by Jane Cubbon - an ancestor of Mr. McFee's - who was converted by John Butcher and invited him to her house. Tbe first Primitive Manse was a Ballacannell, Glen Road, which has now been replaced by a modern house. Before the chapel was built, Primitive Methodists worshipped at Kentraugh, in a store loaned by Mr. Myleraine, the miller, who was a strong supporter.

Captain Watterson, (Captain of the mines) was a strong supporter of the Wesleyan community and supported the building of their chapel in 1833.

The Primitive Methodists continued their Camp Meetings annually with Croit-e-Caley until 1933.

Colby Methodists were well known for their involvement in politics - a tradition continued of course with Mr. McFee himself.

From Colby we drove uphill to Ballakilpheric, a Wesleyan chapel built in 1850, but prior to that date services were held in a nearby farm house, where Tom the Dipper lived. Scollaby not far away also had a preaching house. In 1896 a Sunday School hall was built adjoining the church, at a cost of £195. It is considered that the rubbing stone on the corner of the building came originally from the ancient keeil behind the chapel.

Croit-e-Caley, a Primitive Methodist chapel was opened in 1881, and was known locally as "The Old Ship" - perhaps because many of its congregation were fishermen, although there were also many crofters and miners. The free pew beside the door was known as 'the yawl'. This was the place of the Ranters - well known-for its revivals. Earlier this year (1986) Barry Bridson presented a lectern to the chapel, one of his test pieces at the College of Further Education. Mr. J. R.Corrin, one of the founder members of the Manx Labour Party, was a member at Croit-e-Caley, and his daughter, Mrs. Margery Woodworth is at-present one of the stewards, as well as being a Circuit Steward. The organ here came from Port St. Mary Lime Street, in 1912. In passing, Mr. McFee said that when the local-mines closed before the14/18 war, the men walked to and from Foxdale for work.

Our final call of the afternoon was to Ballafesson, where Mr. R.E.Bridson was our host. Ballafesson was originally a Wesleyan chapel, built in the 1790's, and still has its original roof timbers. In 1845 it was decided to renovate and to redesign to some extent. At what is now the pulpit end there had been accommodation for a pony and trap, but this was now discontinued, a high pulpit was installed, with tiered seating at the rear. For the opening 1846, tickets were issued at 1/- each, and £5 was collected to be distributed to the poor of the parish. In 1949 the seats, pulpit and choir pews from Bridge Road, Ballasalla were installed. Mr. Bridson said we were all fortunate that the people then had the vision to do what they did when they did. Mr. Bridson recalled that earlier there had been a stove at the front of the chapel, and the coal was kept below the pulpit. When Mr. Edward Quayle (known locally as Glory Quaylen) was preaching, his spectacles fell off into the coal - "No Matter" he remarked "nothing is lost, if you know where it is! "

A very busy afternoon concluded with very welcome refreshments provided by Mr. and Mrs. Bridson.