Surbiton Hill Methodist Church

Why was a perfectly good iron chapel dismantled and moved? That’s a question you might ask when you stand before Surbiton Hill Methodist Church. This striking red brick structure, with its ornate Bath stone dressings and early Gothic style, has a fascinating history. Before this grand church graced the hill, Methodist gatherings took place in a small chapel on Ewell Road, a quaint building that still stands today. However, the Methodist community thrived in the late 19th century, and they dreamt of a larger space for their growing congregation. In 1873, they purchased the land where Surbiton Hill Methodist Church now stands. As a temporary solution, they erected an “Iron Chapel,” a curious precursor to the permanent structure we see today. Can you picture it, a sturdy iron chapel, echoing with hymns and prayers? This temporary chapel served the community for three years. In 1876, the decision was made to build a grander, more permanent church for Surbiton Hill. The iron chapel was carefully dismantled, transported, and miraculously re-erected with all its fittings and even the organ! The grand total for this impressive feat of engineering? A mere £738! The new Wesleyan Chapel, now known as Surbiton Hill Methodist Church, opened its doors in 1881. The church’s design, with its soaring arches, stained-glass windows, and spacious interior intended for 1,000 people, speaks to the ambition and faith of the early Methodist community. As you admire its architecture, remember the story of the Iron Chapel, a testament to their resourcefulness and commitment to their faith.