Perhaps ill advisedly. Glen Maye Methodist Chapel has a confusing feature. It is a tale of two stones.
Glen Maye Methodist Chapel welcomes all. It is a place of community and faith. This chapel stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Methodism on the Isle of Man.
Let’s delve into the story behind the stones. The true stone near the roof states “Primitive Methodist Chapel 1878”. But a rogue stone sits on the wall near the door. It reads “1864”. This rogue stone has a past. It once belonged to Erystain Wesleyan Chapel.
Erystain Chapel stood on a hill above Colby. It closed in 1933. The chapel was privately owned. It eventually became a derelict ruin. The stone disappeared mysteriously. It reappeared in the Patrick area. It was placed on the outside of Patrick Methodist Chapel, an ex Primitive chapel. That chapel closed in 1974. The building became the village hall.
During cementing, Mr. David Rushton of Glen Maye acquired the tablet. During the 1986 renovations, the church council affixed it to Glen Maye Methodist Chapel. It sits in its present confusing position instead of indoors. Twice it adorned chapels that closed. Let us pray that it will remain at Glen Maye for a long time.
Glen Maye Methodist Chapel has undergone changes. It was modernised some years ago. In 1986, it was renovated inside and redecorated. It is now beautifully attractive. Its members care for it well. It is the sole surviving chapel of the former Peel Primitive Methodist Circuit.
The chapel is more than just a building. It is a multi purpose space. It is home to a committed congregation. They build links with the community. They are a Christian presence in the village.
Sunday School takes place in the same building. The children are very much a part of the worshipping community. There is a monthly all age Cafe style service called Sunday Morning Coffee. Methodists are very involved with Messy Church. It is a joint venture with the Anglican church in the next village. Mums and Tots meet on Friday mornings. There is a Community Craft Fair on the first Saturday of each month.
Many other activities occur throughout the year. They range from a Duck Race down the Glen to Harvest and Christmas events in the Barn. There is level access into the chapel.
Consider J. R. Corrin. He joined the Primitive Methodists at Croit e Caley as a boy. He became an accredited local preacher in 1878. He preached almost to the end of his life.
Glen Maye itself adds to the chapel’s charm. The village is known for its picturesque waterfall. A sheltered fern filled woodland walk leads to a pebble beach. The Mona Erin wheelcase marks the site of past mining.
As you stand before Glen Maye Methodist Chapel remember its story. It is a story of faith and community. It is also a story of a rogue stone. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of this place.