There are two heritage chapels in the Calderdale Methodist Circuit, the octagonal chapel at Heptonstall and Mount Zion at Upper Brockholes, near Ogden. Both are listed Grade II* buildings.
These historically significant Methodist places of worship, are now no longer used for their original purpose on a regular basis. However, they are not museums, they are vibrant, living spaces, used in a variety of ways, by the whole community, people of all faiths and none.
The heritage chapels are a visible Christian presence and a reminder that people of faith have brought us to where we are today, in so doing, creating a heritage which it is important to learn from, cherish and preserve.
These special spaces also tell the wider story of Calderdale, its villages and its people and stories of the struggle for education, democracy and social justice. To find out more click on the images below.....better still come and visit the heritage chapels....you would be most welcome!
The octagonal Heritage Chapel at Heptonstall, is a unique hidden treasure, nestling off Northgate, in the heart of the village and looking out across the beautiful Calder Valley. It has been said that "If buildings have an aura, this one radiates friendship'' (Richard Taylor 2010). Heptonstall is reputedly the oldest surviving octagonal preaching house in the world. It was built in 1764 and John Wesley (the founder of Methodism) laid the foundation stone. He recommended the shape as the ideal for a meeting house, so as to avoid conflict with the established church; at the time local people would attended the parish church and also listen to Methodist preachers. It has also been suggested that Methodist preaching houses were built this way so that there was no corner in which the devil could hide!
Visit Heptonstall
Situated in beautiful countryside on the edge of Ogden Moor, Mount Zion looks as if it has come straight out of one of the Bronte sisters’ novels. This is not surprising as the Chapel is located in Bronte Country. The Bronte sisters started life in nearby Thornton and it is possible to walk across the moors to Howarth. There has been a formal Methodist place of worship at Upper Brockholes since 1773 (before that meetings were held in members' homes). John Wesley (the founder of Methodism) first visited Mount Zion in 1774. The Chapel's New Connexion credentials may be traced back to 1797, when followers of Alexander Kilham, became the dominant group at Mount Zion, outnumbering the Wesleyans, who moved their meetings to a barn across the lane from the Chapel.
Visit Mount Zion
