Methodist New Connexion Bethesda Chapel, Gateshead

A Methodist New Connexion Bethesda Chapel has been built at the comer of Coatsworth Road and Whitehall Road, Gateshead. The style is Decorated Gothic, and the chapel is constructed of brick with terracotta and stone dressings. The main features are the large traceried window in the front gable and the tower and spire at the comer of the two roads. The accommodation is for 550 sittings. At the rear are three vestries, and a church parlour, 33 feet by 18 feet. The chapel roof is open-timbered, with hammer-beam principals; the benches are open. All the walls are wainscoted, and the timber used throughout is of pitch-pine. The choir-seats are arranged on each side of the communion, with the pulpit in the centre. The contractor for the building was Mr. A. Pringle, of Gateshead, the pulpit and Communion-rail by Mr T Stockdale, of Gateshead. The plans, chosen in a limited competition, were prepared by Mr. J. W. Firth, architect, of Oldham, and under his superintendence the work has been carried out; Mr G Stockdale, of Gateshead, acting as clerk of works. [Building News 6 March 1896 page 365]

A Chapel has been built on a flat of land at the corner of Coatsworth Road and Whitehall Road, Gateshead. The style of the building is Gothic, of the Decorative period, and is principally of brick with terra-cotta and stone dressings. The main features are the large tracery window in the front gable, and the Tower and spire at the corner of the two roads, which form a pleasing feature in the design. The accommodation is for 550 sittings. In addition to the Church there is a large Vestry, also minister’s and choir Vestries. It is intended at some future time to build the school at the rear, for which ample space is provided. The roof is open-timbered, with hammer-beam principals; the benches are open. All the walls are wainscoted, and the timber used throughout is of pitch pine, varnished. The windows are glazed with cathedral tinted glass in lead. The lighting of the Church is effected by coronas from the ceiling. The choir seats are arranged on each side of the communion, and the organ is to be placed in a recess behind. The Pulpit is in the centre between the choir seats; ample space is provided, so that the preacher is not too near the choir or organ. The heating is by hot water on the low-pressure system, with radiators placed in convenient positions in the corridors and passages. The ventilation is effected by Tobin’s fresh-air inlets in the walls, and outlets connected with air shafts in the ceilings. The contractor for the building was Mr. A. Pringle, of Gateshead; the Pulpit and communion rail, by Mr. T. Stockdale, of Gateshead; and the heating by Mr. F. W. Spencer, of Oldham. The plans, chosen from a limited competition, were prepared by Mr. J. W. Firth, Architect, of Oldham, and under his superintendence the work has been carried out. [Builders Journal March 1896 page 68]

Reference    Building News 6 March 1896 page 365
Reference    Builders Journal March 1896 page 68