Bethesda Chapel

Bethesda Chapel was built in 1819. It replaced an earlier Methodist chapel and converted coach house which was built in 1798. It was built by members of the Methodist New Connection who had recently been excluded from the Methodist Church. They then formed their own church, and decided to build the original chapel in Hanley; it took 300 men to build it. It seated between 2,000 and 3,000 and was known as the Cathedral of the Potteries. Its design was extraordinary and revolutionary as it used space in the aisles, around the communion pew and on each side of the organ to seat so many people.
The chapel had some very interesting architectural characteristics, such as it’s oval
theatre like shape and tiered gallery. This design meant big pillars, which would have blocked people’s view of the pulpit, were avoided. The chapel was enhanced in 1856 by the addition of an octagonal mahogany pulpit which was designed by Robert Scrivener; this was reached by an oval double staircase. In 1859 the external facade was remodelled in a fashionable Italian style, with eight Corinthian columns and a central Venetian window. In 1887 the ground floor pews were renewed and new windows were installed.
The burial ground outside is planned for renovation in the coming months, with new lighting and seating.

This chapel has recently been featured on the BBC programme, 'RESTORATION', where people voted for one building to be renovated. Unfortunately the Bethesda Chapel came fourth. But there is
talk of money been found to renovate it, hopefully this will happen and one of
Stoke-on-Trent’s oldest buildings will be given a new lease of life.