Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry
The first major architectural commission obtained by the new practice in Coventry. The drawing register records that 1/16th scale sketch plans and elevations were prepared for the Wesleyan Trustees on 27 November 1896. (drawings 1013 and 1014). For many years an illustration of the Chapel was prominently displayed on the wall of Stanley Hattrell’s office.
THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL BUILDING OPERATIONS COMPLETED. The new Wesleyan Chapel, which has been in course of erection for about twelve months past in the Stoney Stanton-road, is now practically completed, and will shortly opened for divine service. It is very handsome building, fronting on the Stoney Stanton-road at the corner of Eagle-street, and greatly improves the appearance of the thoroughfare at that point. Its completion marks the consummation of extension scheme which was embarked upon by the Coventry Circuit no less than ten years ago in consequence of the need which was felt in that thickly-populated and rapidly-developing part of the town. In 1892 a school chapel, with seating accommodation for 300 persons, was opened, but this has long since proved inadequate, and it was felt that a special effort must be made. Plans were got out for chapel to seat 700 persons, at a cost of £3,000, and it was decided to carry out the scheme. A grant of £500 was promised from the extension fund, and early in this year nearly two thousand pounds had been raised towards the object. Mr Thomas Shilcock very generously offered to present the circuit with Boston House, in Stoney Stanton-road, as a residence for the minister if the whole of the money required for the chapel was raised September next. There is still wanting about £1,000 towards the fund. The new building adjoins the old school chapel, which will future be utilised for the purposes of a Sunday school. It is built in the Gothic style of architecture, and is of brick, with red Hollington stone dressings. The entrance is under the square tower, above which there rises, to a height of 90 feet, a graceful stone spire. The church is designed in the form of cross, with nave, north and south aisles, transepts and chancel, the dimensions being about 70 feet by 50 feet. The nave is connected with the side aisles by four arches on each supported on red Hollington stone pillars, with moulded capitals and bases. The transepts are lighted by four-light windows divided by mullions, and the aisles three-light windows. The upper portion of the nave has clerestory lights and rose window the gallery end in the east cable. Vestries for minister, stewards, and choir have been provided, with suitable lavatory accommodation. The heating is to be carried out with hot-air and water, the apparatus chamber being placed under the choir vestry. The whole of the internal woodwork is of pitch-pine varnished. The chapel has been designed by and erected under the superintendence of Messrs. Harrison and Hattrell, architects, Mr. C. Garlick being the contractor. The opening services in connection with the above are announced for Thursday, July 6th, and the following Sunday, July 9th, farther particulars of which will be given shortly. [Coventry Herald 16 June 1899 page 5]
The new chapel is one of which the Wesleyans may justly feel proud. It is both pleasing in design and striking in character. Standing at the junction of Stoney Stanton-road with Eagle-street, it occupies one of the best positions in a populous district, and its handsome tower and spire - rising to a height of 90ft - stand out in welcome relief to the somewhat monotonous lines of houses. It is built in red brick with Hollington stone dressings, and is of Gothic style. It is designed in the form of a cross, with nave, north and south aisles, transepts and chancel. The nave is divided from the side aisles by four arches on each side, supported on red Hollington stone pillars, with moulded capitals and bases. A gallery has been erected at the east end of the chapel, immediately facing the chancel and pulpit, and vestries have also been provided for minister, stewards and choir. The whole of the internal woodwork is of pitch-pine varnished. The chapel is splendidly lighted and altogether the interior is bright and pleasing. In dimensions the building is about 70 feet by 50 feet, and the seating accommodation is estimated to be sufficient for 700 people. The chapel has been designed by, and erected under the superintendence of Messrs Harrison and Hattrell, architects, Mr C Garlick being the contractor. [Coventry Standard 7 July 1899]
A new Wesleyan chapel is about to be built in Stoney Stanton‑road, Coventry. It will be of red brick with stone dressings, will have an angle tower and spire rising to a height of 85 feet, and the internal woodwork will be pitch‑pine. Seats will be provided for 700 adults, and the cost of erection will be £2,910. Messrs. Harrison and Hattrell, of Hertford‑street, Coventry, are the architects, and Mr C Garlick, jun., of Far Gosford‑street, in the same city, is the contractor.[Building News 27 May 1898 p742]
WESLEYAN CHAPEL COVENTRY. A new Wesleyan Chapel is being erected on the Stoney Stanton-road, Coventry. The building will cost £3400 and provide accommodation for 750 persons. Messrs Habell (sic) and Harrison are the architects and Mr C Garlick is the builder. (Builder 25 June 1898 Page 618)
Reference Coventry Standard 7 July 1899
Reference Builder 4 June 1898 Page 548
Reference Building News 27 May 1898 p742