The five yearly inspection, which took place in 1996, found that extensive repairs were needed. Money needed to be found to completely refurbish the chapel. This was to cost £33,000 and with the help of many people and much fund raising and donations £11,000 was raised – enough to then apply for grants.
On 1st. May 1999 the newly refurbished Chapel was re-opened with new kitchen and toilet; chairs instead of pews; carpets, new floor, roof and heating system. The photos below show the church before (left) and after (right) refurbishment.
Some of the furniture and features from the original chapel were retained, reflecting it’s previous history. In the current chapel, the seating is now in long rows the otherway round to the original layout and this gives a more open and spacious feeling to the building. The Communion Table is the same one as before the refurbishment, and the original corner pews of the church still remain.
The Pulpit, has been altered from the large structure in the original church. It still remains and is now as a free standing pulpit in the modernised church.
On the wall above the pulpit hangs a picture, which was painted by a local resident of Gresham, Mr. Roger Frary
One well known Local Preacher from the late 1800`s to early 1900`s was Sir George Edwards who founded the National Union of Agricultural Workers. He lived at Gresham in a cottage near the chapel and was the only farm labourer to hold a seat in Parliament.
You are looked for a camo tube placed close to the church. There is only room for a log so please bring your own pen. Tweezers may be helpful. Street parking is available close by.
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro@gmail.com.
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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