Brentwood Methodist Church

Did the spirit of a navvy truly shape Brentwood Methodist Church? Let’s explore this intriguing possibility right here at Warley Hill. Brentwood Methodist Church wasn’t always here. Its story begins around 1840 with a railway navvy named Wilcox. He held Methodist meetings in his lodgings at the top of Weald Road. Imagine the scene: London Road, the bustling heart of Brentwood, and Wilcox, a man of faith, sharing his beliefs. His landlord, however, wasn’t thrilled with meetings in bedrooms. Wilcox, true to Methodist tradition, moved his services outside. The small society of Methodists grew, and by 1850, they built a chapel at the top of Primrose Hill. This first chapel faced closure when key members left. A daunting £90 mortgage loomed. Yet, donations saved it. The congregation outgrew the Primrose Hill chapel. They acquired land in Queens Road. They began building before discovering a restriction in the deeds that prevented public buildings. The project was abandoned, and the building became a house. They called it Guildford Lodge. Undeterred, the society hired the Town Hall for their services. By 1878, a site at the bottom of Warley Hill became available. A member bought the land, and a temporary church was built. A collective effort completed the basic structure in just six days. The total cost, including land, was £440. It took five years of fundraising to clear the debt. Brentwood Methodist Church appointed its first full-time minister in 1889. They considered new premises in Kings Road. However, that project fell through. The church went into a decline. A resurgence in 1892 led to the laying of the foundation stone for the current building on Warley Hill. A church with Gothic turrets and beautiful windows arose. The schoolrooms were added in 1931. This allowed up to 400 worshippers in the main church. In 1932, it officially became Brentwood Methodist Church. By 1935, the Primitive Church joined them. They sold their old chapel. During World War II, soldiers stationed in Brentwood used the schoolrooms. A canteen operated there. Sunday School classes sometimes continued under tables during air raids. By the late 1950s, the turrets and roof needed repair. The congregation debated the church’s future. They considered a new site but found none suitable. By the late 1960s, extensive repairs were needed. Fortunately, a building fund had accumulated. The front of Brentwood Methodist Church was remodeled, giving it the simpler appearance we see today. More recent work addressed the roof and interior plaster. The congregation ultimately sold Brentwood Methodist Church. The demands of maintaining the property became too much. The fellowship now worships in Eagle Hall and on Zoom. The legacy of Wilcox, the navvy who preached on the street corner, continues. Brentwood Methodist Church may have changed locations. Its heart, however, still beats strong.