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Stella Chapel
Stella Chapel
was opened on Wednesday October 12th 1831. It was built at an estimated cost
of £1500. It is a Gothic structure built of Ashlar stone with buttresses
and narrow lights and was originally 68 feet long by 33.5 feet broad with a
plain interior and was able to contain 300 people. Originally the chancel was
at the north end of the church with the main entrance at the south end.
In 1849 the church was enlarged, the chancel being moved to the south end and
a new entrance inserted on the west wall in its present position. The alterations
were thought to have been carried out by John Dobson. Little work had taken
place on the church until 1972 when the property was showing signs of age and
the stonework was restored. In the 150th anniversary year, the central heating
was replaced. Further restoration work was carried out in 1997 and 1998 when
the windows were re-leaded and safety screens fitted to the exterior to protect
the glass from the elements. At this time too the stonework was again re-pointed.
Near to the Chapel was built a Coach House and stabling for the use of visitors
to the chapel. This Coach House is now known as Poplar Houseand was used as
the residence for the schoolmaster of the church school. the house was sold
into private hands by the church in 1994 and the money used to carry out restoration
work on the church buildings. In November 2001 the heating system was again
replaced at a cost of £6500.
In the year 2003, extensive improvements are to be made to the lighting and
the orginal Baptismal Font is to be re-sited at the front of the church in order
that it can again be used for baptismal services. A new altar will also be installed.