Milestones
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1. CHRONOLOGY 1808 28 August: First building 'Dorset Gardens Wesleyan Methodist Chapel' ('Arminian Chapel') was opened by Rev. Joseph Benson. 1823 First building extended. Greek columns added. 1884 First building demolished. This is an initiative of Rev. Thomas E. Westerdale. 1885 29 June: Second Building 'Dorset Gardens Wesleyan Methodist Chapel' opened by Rev. Frederic Greeves, President of the Conference. Italianate design. 1924 Dorset Gardens becomes the centre for the Dome Mission, under Rev. J. Morris Bold. 1928 Work starts on complete restructuring of Dorset Gardens. All but the sanctuary itself rebuilt or extended onto spare land. The purpose is to create the Mission Headquarters for the 'Dome Mission'. 1930 5 February: The greatly extended Second Building opened by Rev. Dr. J. Scott Lidgett. 2000 Second Building demolished. 2003 5 April: Third Building (current building) opened by Rev. Mary Bailey (previous Minister), Preacher Rev. Dr. Colin Morris. For the first time in its history, a new building or major extension was opened debt-free. 2. DOME MISSION Founded by Rev. E. Aldom French, Minister at Norfolk Road Wesleyan Methodist Church, Brighton. 1914 Dome Mission closed during War. 1921 Dome Mission re-started. Rev. J. Morris Bold Minister specifically of the Dome Mission. 1924 Dome Mission based at Dorset Gardens. Rev. Bold Minister both at Dorset Gardens and the Dome Mission. Congregation 1,500-2,500. Often 2,500, plus overflow of some hundreds in WWII under the ministry of Rev. George H. Simpson 1970's To 1990's. Gradual decline of Dome congregation. Dome Mission ceases 1990's. For most of the rest of the century the Dome Mission played a very important part of the town's life. E.G. Remembrance Day, Celebrity Carol Services, etc. 3. MINISTERS SINCE 1948 1948 - 1953 Revd Frederick Pratt Green
Michael R. Hickman |