The year 1821 is interesting in the way that it saw the completion of two
Methodist Churches in Epworth. A new Wesleyan Chapel was built on the site of an earlier
one and was capable of seating 800 to 1,000 people. This was opened by Dr. Adam Clarke.
Then owing to the labours of William Clowes among the agricultural workers of the Isle, a
Primitave Methodist Chapel was built in the same year.
The Kilham Memorial was not opened until July 25th, 1860 and was considered at the time a building of outstanding quality. It's style was described as "the best period of Gothic architecture, modified to suit the requirements of modern times." In the same year a new Schoolroom was built adjoining the Primitive Methodist Chapel.
The old Baptist Chapel, which had been in existence for over a century, had been replaced by a new one in 1857.
It was not until towards the end of the century that it was decided to build a more worthy memorial to the Wesleys. With gifts from many parts of the country, and through much devoted local labour, the impressive Wesley Memorial Church, with it's adjacent properties was completed and opened in 1889. The whole project then cost £6,500, and was a worthy memorial in every way.
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