Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier. Saturday 30 Aug 1958
Page 1 Column 3
Chapel May Become Flats
Graveyard Problem
If planning permission is given, the disused Congregational Chapel at Fulwood, Pitminster, may be turned into four flatlets for old people.
The chapel, which was built in 1732 and seated 125 people, has been closed for a number of years.
It was bought by auction some time ago by Mr. Clarence HARRIS of Manor House, Bishop's Hull, who told the Somerset County Herald this week that he hopes to make it into a two-floor block of four flats for old folk.
He says that the building is a good example of early 18th century architecture and the exterior will not be altered more than is necessary.
“Nobody's Business”
The graveyards adjoining the chapel is still the property of the Somerset Congregational Union. The law is that a graveyard remains as such for a prescribed period after burials have ceased.
The trustees of the Union are meeting shortly to consider the future maintenance of the graveyard.
“Unfortunately, since the chapel closed, this appears to have been noboby's business.” said the Union representative.
A dilapidated organ in the chapel was sold privately and dismantled for spare parts.
The first charge on the Fulwood Chapel Trust Fund will be the proper maintenance of the graveyard.
One-half of the balance will go to the Blagdon Congregational Mission, where the work is being developed, and the rest will be divided equally between Paul's Meeting Church, at Taunton, and Bishops Hull Congregational Church.