Atherstone Methodist Church Stone Laying Ceremony
The leading Methodists of the district had been for many years based in Coleshill Street at the Wesleyan Chapel. They desired for a much improved Chapel and today was the start of that work. On the July 26th 1894, shortly after three o'clock on a lovely sunny day, Mr Gisbourne, the oldest member of the Atherstone Society was joined by five others to lay memorial stone within the newly erected porch. Mr Train of Manor Court Road, Mrs Vero for Mr C Vero JP.CC, Mr C Orton of Atherstone, Miss Annette M Stanley of Nuneaton and Mr J Ward of Hartshill. The total amount of money received along with a small collection got close to £50, bringing the total amount raised to £350.
Later in the day at the Corn Exchange, tea was taken and Rev T Law (Circuit Superintendent) and Mr T Argyle of Tamworth addressed those gathered. They explained that the building work was to be undertaken by Mr S B Woodward of Nuneaton and included reconstruction of the schoolrooms and vestry, re seating the chapel and addition of the side galleries, rebuilding of the end galleries, erection of a new rostrum with organ chamber at the rear to hold the new organ given to them by Mr Stanley. Reginald's contribution to this project was very much appreciated and again helped the Wesleyan cause.
